From body language to emotional intelligence, Shruti Swaroop, founder of Embrace Consulting, shares smart tips on showing your true self to land the role.
In the last few years, there has been a radical change in the recruitment landscape.
How businesses determine talent has itself changed radically, from panel interviews in person to video calls and AI tests.
The new normal is video interviews, particularly video interviews carried out by artificial intelligence (AI).
The transformation can appear daunting to candidates - how is it possible to be oneself while speaking to a screen rather than a human being?
The secret is to find the balance between preparedness and genuineness. Interviewers are examining how you reveal your true self to the interview, as well as your experience and qualifications.
Below are measures that are attainable in order to appear sincere in virtual or AI interviews.
1. Don't Be Intimidated
AI-based interviews often test applicants based on behaviour signals, speech patterns, and facial recognition.
Even though it might feel daunting, consider that the technology is designed to balance the scales by reducing human bias.
Tip: Act as if the AI is a human. Attempt not to fidget, remain upright, and gaze straight into the camera as if you are making eye contact.
For instance, after he stopped worrying about "performing for a machine" and talked as though he was talking to a mentor, a struggling online interview candidate whom I had taught improved dramatically. His genuineness was apparent.
2. Practice Without Becoming A Robot
While practice is vital, too much practice can turn against you.
AI and interviewers are capable of sensing when your responses sound too rehearsed.
Tip: Instead of writing out entire screenplays to leave as comments, use bullet points.
If you are asked to recount "a time you resolved a conflict," state, enumerate the situation, what you did, and what occurred. Don't re-hearse your recitation; instead, allow it to flow naturally.
Trailing off and genuine recitation are natural parts of real answers.
3. Illustrate Self-Awareness
Authenticity is reflected through self-awareness.
AI technologies constantly monitor the tone and coherence of replies.
Detachment can be triggered when your body and voice don't align with what you're saying.
Tip: Express challenges or blunders comfortably. One of the examples is that one of my clients freely admitted that he had trouble with time management in the early part of his career but discussed how he learned to overcome this.
Unlike those candidates who spoke only of bragging about the abilities they possessed, he was special for taking responsibility.
4. Tap Emotional Intelligence
Your responses will ultimately be checked by humans, even if the interview is done by AI.
Your ability to understand and label emotions correctly is still part of emotional intelligence.
Tip: When talking about teamwork or leadership, be passionate and understanding. For example, say, "I ensured each team member had their say, and working together enabled us to achieve the deadline," instead of simply, "I successfully led the project." Such answers demonstrate skill and honesty.
5. Pay Attention To The Environment
Online interview environments say a lot about you.
Your workplace environment can inadvertently affect your professionalism in a cluttered or distracting room.
Choose a location that is not too noisy, well-lit, and free from distractions.
Pre-test your equipment prior so that they function as they should via pre-testing your mic, camera, and Internet.
A candidate once failed an interview not because of his capability but because his answers were marred by consecutive technical flaws. This preparation shows respect for the process.
6. Be Aware Of Non-Verbal Communication
AI models often scan for tone, vocabulary, and even tiny facial cues.
Staying aware works, even if you can't manage everything.
Tip: Don't deliver in a monotone voice, smile warmly, and gesture with your hands only a little. When your verbal and nonverbal hints align, authenticity is conveyed.
7. Remain Authentic
The most important tip is quite possibly this -- Do not tell them what you think the interviewer or system will be looking to hear. Those employees who bring in uniqueness and diversity of views are cherished in organisations.
Tip: Be honest when questioned on what you like most when working.
Tell the truth if you perform best in teamwork.
If you're more independent, tell how you still work for team goals.
Honesty impresses employers and increases your likelihood of getting hired into a role that you actually fit into.
8. Equilibrium Of Humanity And Technology
Keep in mind that although AI performs the initial screening, the choice is made by human beings.
Recruiting managers desire people who can communicate, learn, and think creatively in this very digital age.
You need to tread the process in wonder rather than in trepidation.
Consider it an opportunity to showcase your capability and your willingness to embrace new technologies.
Today, with the age of AI and digital platforms on which recruitment is under serious threat due to their implication, job applicants are faced with the challenge of being themselves and acing the test.
Being authentic is founded on preparation, self-knowledge, and emotional quotient.
Those who can locate the sweet spot between embracing technology and yet being human are most successful.
People, not resumes or algorithm-friendly answers, are what organisations are hiring at the end of the day.
Therefore, remember that the best way to shine in an online or AI-hosted interview is to be yourself -- be prepared, stay professional, and authentic.