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Messy Rooms and ‘Missing Trousers’

Jonathan Shepherd-Stubbs • Apr 16, 2021


New research from BT Skills for Tomorrow has uncovered the biggest video interview faux pas – some of which could well be costing jobseekers their dream role.

The 500-strong study of recruitment decision-makers revealed that almost one-third admitted to not hiring a person based on something that they had seen in the backdrop of the call.

A further 58% said that a messy or untidy room in the background could cost a candidate the role, while 67% of interviewers believe that candidates didn’t put enough thought into their virtual video background.

The study found that some interviewees have been caught short, with 13% standing up midway through the call to reveal that they are dressed in joggers or underwear. Showing interviewers or recruiters that you are missing your trousers probably isn’t the best interview gambit.

20% of calls are said to have been joined by a household pet.

‘Video interviews will likely remain in future’

When the pandemic hit last year, and a large portion of people started to work from home, employers adapted hiring processes and relied on video calls to help them source the talent that they needed.

Going forwards, Hannah Cornick, Head of Digital Impact, Consumer at BT, said that video calls will likely remain part of the hiring process.

As such, she said that there is an opportunity for job candidates to “use this to their advantage”.

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Cornick explained: “Being in control of your environment and in a familiar space can help reduce nerves and allow you to showcase your personality.

“While you can’t always plan for unexpected interruptions, there are things you can do when preparing for a video interview to ensure you come across professionally and set yourself up for success.

“This is the time to show the interviewer your strengths and how you stand out from the crowd, without any distractions from your surroundings,” she added.

Cornick’s thoughts – regarding the use of video calls in the hiring process going forwards – align with research which has pointed towards an appetite among employers to continue this post-pandemic.

In fact, research published in Jobvite’s 2020 Recruiter Nation Report found that 40% of recruiting experts believe that virtual interviews will continue to be the default moving forwards.

As such, it is crucial for jobseekers to know how to ace a virtual job interview to bolster their chances of securing the job.

How candidates can ace a virtual job interview

Mandy Watson, Director at employment agency Ambitions Personnel, told HR Grapevine that BT Skills’ research highlights the lack of preparedness in video interviews. Yet, she said that, sadly, this is not limited to them.

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She explained: “As any recruiter will tell you, face-to-face meetings can take similarly unpredictable twists and turns, but we’re seeing a new level of this thanks to interviews being held in candidates’ homes.”

She advised candidates to prepare for virtual job interviews in the same way that they would if they were heading out to meet a potential employer.

The recruitment expert explained: “The basics are essential, connection, tidiness and etiquette should be at the back of your mind, along with the killer answers you have prepared for the range of questions you might expect for the position.

“If you’re able, set up a test call on the platform you are going to be interviewed on and call a friend or family member just to be sure it looks professional and that you won’t be caught out.

“Not everyone is as versed with video calls as we expect, so small elements that make all the difference should be paid attention to. Use natural light, elevate your camera to be at eye level and dress appropriately.

“Make sure any noise sources are switched off or in another room and just judge the situation for yourself. Visible hanging washing or piles of clutter don’t give the impression of an organised candidate,” Watson concluded.

 

Published by HR Grapevine – April ‘21

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LinkedIn Poll Results - April 2024

by Simon Clark • 18 Apr, 2024
At Shepherd Stubbs Recruitment, we are committed to understanding the intricacies of workplace dynamics and what drives employee performance. Our April 2024 LinkedIn poll asked a crucial question: "What’s your biggest motivator at work?" We are grateful for the excellent response and thank everyone who participated and shared the poll with their connections. The results reveal a diverse set of motivators that underscore the complexity of employee engagement today. Leading the pack was 'Work-Life Balance' with 31% of the vote, indicating that employees are increasingly valuing the ability to effectively manage their professional and personal lives. This trend highlights the importance for employers to offer flexible working conditions that support a healthier work-life integration. Both 'Recognition/Praise' and 'Financial Incentives' tied at 25%, reflecting a classic yet evolving understanding that both acknowledgment and monetary rewards play significant roles in motivating employees. Recognition and praise show employees that their efforts are valued, boosting morale and productivity. Simultaneously, financial incentives continue to be a powerful motivator, underlining the need for competitive compensation structures. 'Career Opportunities' was also a key driver, with 19% of respondents indicating that the prospect of advancement and professional growth is a crucial motivator. This result points to the necessity for organisations to cultivate clear career paths and development opportunities to retain ambitious employees. These insights are invaluable as they highlight the varied and complex factors that motivate today’s workforce. We leverage this understanding to help our clients attract and retain the right talent, aligning our strategies with the evolving needs and motivations of the workforce. Remember, in a changing job market, it’s all about the right people, and knowing what moves them is the first step towards success. If you would like to talk to the team about placing a new candidate, get in touch here .

5 Essential Skills all Jobseekers Need

by Simon Clark • 12 Apr, 2024
Are you currently job seeking? It’s not always easy to figure out what skills are required when applying for a new role but there are some skills which employers will automatically look for and will apply to pretty much every job out there, regardless of the industry. Do you have these 5 essential skills? Let’s take a look Good Communication Good communication skills are a core part of life as well as any job and recruiters will want to know how you will communicate effectively in your potential new role. Communication skills are difficult to exaggerate as employers will be able to see in your interview how well you communicate and are well used to overlooking genuine interview nerves. Problem Solving Like communication, problem solving skills are an essential skill in the workplace and to discover how good you are at problem solving, a recruiter might ask for examples on how you have effectively problem solved in previous workplace roles. This will give them an insight into how your mind works and how well you can adapt to different scenarios or conflict. Teamwork Even in a remote role, it’s highly likely you will be part of a wider overall team. Your future employers will want you to demonstrate how well you can carry out your role as part of a team and what your place will be within that team. If you are applying for a managerial role, they will be looking at your leadership skills or how well you get on with a team to collectively move everyone towards the overall business goals. Adaptability In today’s ever changing business landscape, adaptability is a key component in any workplace. If you have the ability to learn, grow and adapt within your role, you have one of the essential skills most employers are looking for. Team adaptability allows an employer to implement improvements, make strategic decisions and remain competitive.  Organisation Organisation can mean many things but for a recruiter it most often means how an employee manages their time and energy for the most effective outcome for the business. Self-management in the workplace is a sought after skill which means that employees know how to best manage their time to stay productive and prioritise tasks. How is your job search going? Do you need some expert help and advice to help you land your dream role ? Our team would love to help. We can guide you through everything from interview preparation to finding that perfect job. Contact our team here.
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