If you could attend all of next week’s interviews virtually, would you? More importantly, should you? I am NOT referencing video conferencing; rather, new online technology allows you to create a computer generated image of yourself – an “avatar” – that will meet emplyers in a virtual room and communicate with them via instant message. You have access to unlimited resources to make sure your finished product resembles the “real” you. The outcome is surprising! To find out more about avatars and to view examples, visit http://www.secondlife.com/.
So is virtual interviewing right for you? The following points are some companies’ reasons for utilizing the Virtual Interview:
For Employers:
1) It’s cost effective to screen candidates.
2) It can help you narrow the pool of candidates.
3) You’ll be able to screen out of town candidates from anywhere.
For You:
1) It enables you to undergo the interview from a comfortable location: your residence.
2) You can concentrate directly on your questions, without the worry of initial appearance and non-verbal communication.
3) You can display some of your ability on a technical level. (Hopefully, your computer generated avatar will resemble aspects of your personality as well as your image. In fact, there is already this site that will help you pick out your interviewing outfit!
Many major companies have tried virtual interviews (read WSJ article), and the results vary. In the future, avatars may become widely accepted, but it is too soon to get overly excited about this type of interviewing.
Companies who have an element of artistic creativity (ad agencies, animators, graphic design firms, etc.) may be able to put virtual interviewing to good use, but the average company and the average candidate are either unable or unwilling to invest the time and effort into creating an avatar that can function as their online “other.” Online resume is still the most practiced manner of initial contact.
I can’t imagine and Orlando companies interviewing this way in the near future. For one, they are having a tough time finding qualified candidates for a lot of their specialized jobs. Most companies probably won’t have the time to wait for you to create your “customer service specialist ” avatar. (Although, it would be interesting to see what that looks like!)
This video on YouTube shows a slightly satirical version of humans reenacting what life would be like if you were an avatar. I guess applying online or picking up the phone may be the best way to get that next job.
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