Today's Technology for Tomorrow's Firm.
Issue link: https://cpapracticeadvisor.epubxp.com/i/728133
14 September 2016 • www.CPAPracticeAdvisor.com A YEAR IN THE LIFE: PAYROLL ACCOUNTANT Given that the practice is still new for a number of organizations, mak- ing the most of the video interview requires some preparation. Dress and present professionally, just as you would for an in-person interview, and reserve a conference room or notify your team of the interview time to avoid awkward interruptions. Video interview bloopers might be enter- taining later, but you don't want to be the star. From potential tech troubles to scheduling issues, video interviewing can bring a unique set of challenges to consider. Here are seven tips to help you be camera-ready and take full advantage of the benefits of video interviewing: DO YOUR HOMEWORK Aside from the technological aspect, the art of the video interview is similar to the method used in an in-person interview. Pro tip: Reread candidates' cover leers and resumes, and write down questions you have about their work history and expertise. Have on hand a range of general questions ("Why do you want to work for our firm?"), as well as for specific roles, such as tax accountant and auditor. IRON OUT THE DETAILS IN ADVANCE Different from an in-person meet- i ng , wh ich pr i ma r i ly i nvolves coordinating the place and time, a v ideo inter v iew depends on the technolog y work ing properly. Pro tip: W hether you use Sky pe, Google Hangouts or a proprietar y v i r t ua l-meet i ng plat for m, send out the meeting inv ite several days before the inter v iew and recom- mend candidates dow n load any necessar y applications in advance. You could also go more casual by using a v ideo messaging app like Facebook Messenger or WeChat. In that case, establish who will initiate the call. BE MINDFUL OF TIME ZONES Video inter v iews si mpl i f y t he process of evaluating candidates in far-flung locations. is can be helpful when you're hiring remote accountants or recruiting potential hires for international offices. Pro tip: A time that seems reason- able for you may be the middle of the night for candidates. Use a time zone converter to make sure the suggested meeting times work. SET THE SCENE Your video interview location says a lot about your company. A good seing is neutral, tidy. Pro tip: Scout out a location that is quiet and free of distractions. Check the lighting. Siing near a window might create harsh shadows or cause back lighting on the screen, which make it difficult for the interviewee to see your face. e background also makes a big difference. A im to sit in front of a neutral-colored blank wall, which will help the candidate focus on you. DO A TRIAL RUN FOCUSING ON THE TECH AND LOCATION Especially if you're a video interview newbie, it's vital that you do at least one trial run of the system before using it. Pro tip: Make the setup as real as possible. A er you install your preferred platform, send a coworker an invite with the embedded link. At the appointed time, conduct a mock video interview and have the other person evaluate the sound quality, image, lighting and background. KNOW WHERE TO LOOK e eyes are windows to the soul, but that's not where your focus should be during a video interview. Pro tip: You're used to making eye contact when speaking to others face to face, but that doesn't work well during video chats and interviews. Instead, look into the webcam, not the screen. Other wise, it' ll appear you're looking at their nose or mouth. EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED W hen work ing w ith technolog y, there's always the possibility that something w ill go aw r y — for example, candidates can't enter the video interview, there's an annoying echo, the system freezes or you have video but no sound. Pro tip: Have a Plan B. If quit- ting the app and re-entering doesn't work, have candidates' telephone numbers handy so you can conduct a phone interview instead. anks to video technology, you no longer have to be in the same room to evaluate applicants' job preparedness and obser ve their reactions. Tak ing these steps to get ready will help you conduct a proper assessment process, impress top candidates and ensure your next video interview is a success. 7 Tips for Interviewing Job Candidates By Video By Paul McDonald W ith advances in virtual-meeting applica- tions, many companies are turning to the video interview to evaluate job candidates. e format offers firms a host of benefits, including cost savings, access to remote job seekers and speed. In a tight labor market, accelerating the hiring process offers another advantage in landing highly skilled accountants. Paul McDon- ald is senior executive director at international staffing firm Robert Half. He writes and speaks equently on hiring , workplace and career management topics. Over the course of more than 30 years in the recruiting field, McDonald has ad- vised thousands of company leaders and job seekers on how to hire and get hired.