Delivering a confident and effective message
Pre-recorded video interview questions help recruitment teams screen a large number of candidates in a short amount of time, allowing them to invite those who are successful to progress to the next stage, usually a face-to-face interview. It’s important to understand that these questions assist with the initial screening of candidates — the purpose is not to replace the face-to-face component.
Preparing for a recorded video interview question can be intimidating, but there are a number of steps you can take to prepare that will give you additional confidence and increase your likelihood of moving on to the next stage of the recruitment process.
- Test your technology and make sure you have a reliable internet connection, a functioning microphone and camera, and any software required. Test everything well in advance of recording to avoid any last-minute nightmares.
- Dress as you would for a face-to-face interview. Keep in mind the role you are applying for. Avoid loud colours and patterns, or jewellery that may be distracting on camera.
- Choose your environment carefully. Make sure it is a well-lit, quiet space, and that you won’t be interrupted by children or animals. Make sure the background is clutter-free and clean.
- Practice, practice, practice! Review the position description, focus capabilities, and organisational website. Make note of the skills needed for the job, the services provided by the organisation, and their values and mission. Prepare responses to common interview questions and practice those responses out loud. Record yourself to review your response, and/or ask a trusted friend for feedback.
- Pay attention to your body language and tone of voice. Make eye contact, smile, and be engaged and attentive.
- Make sure you understand the question clearly before you record your response. Take the time to read the question. Set the tone for your response in the first sentence by restating the question and summarising your perspective on it, or why you can see that it is important. From there, you can elaborate further based on your reading, and your own previous work experience.
- Pause and slow down while speaking – ensure you are communicating clearly and concisely. Remember, the panel understand that you are human – so don’t be concerned if you stumble. The goal is to share your understanding of the role, your suitability for that role, and to showcase who you are as a person. The panel do not want to listen to a memorised list of your accomplishments!
Follow these tips for your next pre-recorded video interview, and you can be sure to successfully deliver a confident and effective message.
Author: Melinda McDonald JP, B.Bus, ICA (Fire and Rescue NSW)
2024 WAFA AGM
WAFA AGM - Monday 4th December
Tips on how to prepare for a physical aptitude test for firefighting and other emergency services from operational firefighter Melinda McDonald.
The STAR+LA technique for interviews can keep you on track, and ensure you demonstrate capacity to meet key selection criteria. Operational firefighter Melinda McDonald shows how you can use STAR +LA to put your best foot forward and be one step closer to your dream job.
How do we effectively implement diversity and inclusion policies in emergency management sector practices?
Wellbeing Australia is proud to be hosting a discussion recognising the impactful role of women in leadership. Key themes of discussion include; The future of leadership for women Personal reflections and growth for professional success Relationships for success The holistic world of female leaders Changing workplace culture Genuine diversity and inclusion across industries Youth and emerging female leaders, gaining balance
The WAFA annual general meeting was held tonight and the new board was confirmed for 2023:
To the Australian community, our First Responders are heroes who are there for us in our most urgent times of need. The question is do we do enough in return to care for our First Responders and their families? While our First Responders seem superhuman, there is significant evidence that they face a high risk of psychological harm from constant exposure to traumatic events. In the past few years alone, our First Responders have been at the frontline as our nation faced the devastating 2019/2020 Black Summer Bushfires, 2022 Eastern Australia floods and the Covid-19 pandemic spanning several years. Research being conducted at the University of Canberra, is designed to find out how the stresses experienced by First Responders impact at home and how to protect the mental wellness of their children. Children of First Responders experience firsthand the effects of trauma on their parent or caregiver. With delays in parents and caregivers being able to access appropriate treatment services or programs, particularly in regional and remote areas, children are being exposed to increased levels of stress often for long periods, at a time in their lives when their cognitive development is crucial. In the first five years of life, the developing brain is most vulnerable to the negative effects of chronic stress. Young children who experience long term exposure to stressful environments are themselves at a higher risk of developing mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety, and at a much younger age. We see the impacts in their cognitive development, social relations, and academic achievement. Exercise has been shown to be an effective intervention for preventing and managing mental health conditions in adolescents and adults but there is currently little evidence on the benefit of exercise on mental health in young children. The benefits of exercise are widely known, and include a reduction of risk factors for cardiometabolic disease, specifically, elevated body mass index, blood pressure and blood glucose and insulin, as well as enhancing mood, concentration and general feelings of wellbeing. The University of Canberra is looking to demonstrate the benefits of exercise in young people, and explore the relationship between emotion and behaviour of the children and parents or caregivers from First Responder families. University of Canberra researchers are offering a free exercise programme to children between the ages of four and nine from First Responder households (in the ACT and surrounding areas) during school terms in 2022 and 2023. The research aims to contribute to improving our understanding of the benefits of exercise in young children particularly those children that may be exposed to higher levels of stress at a younger age. For more information or to sign up, go to www.healthmoodstudy.org or email rachel.venn@canberra.edu.au . Help us learn more about how we can look after the families of those who look after us.
Wellbeing Australia want your fresh ideas and feedback for their First Responders Wellbeing Summit 2023! Follow the link below to let them know what you think: https://forms.gle/GCJJKRiXLibkhJzR9
FIELD TRIP | More than just holding a hose: diverse careers in firefighting