Outrank.com

All future employees at Outrank.com and ProfitFuel go through an intense hiring process to ensure that we find the best employees to join our team. One major part of the process is a video interview. 

The use of video interviewing is growing. It started with high tech companies, but diverse employers are increasingly aware of the benefits of web based video interviewing. There is consistency – all candidates are asked the same set of questions. Questions can be specifically tailored for the job the employer is hiring for. Hiring managers have the opportunity to replay, review, and rate the interviews online, so they can compare candidates without having to remember who said what or review their notes.

To help you through the video hiring process, here are some tips provided by Alison Doyle from About.com on how to have a successful video interview:

• Review all the instructions. Ask for help (which is typically available online or by telephone) if you’re not sure how the webcam works or if you have questions.
• Follow the directions.
• Dress appropriately in professional interview attire, just like you would for an in-person interview. 
• Practice – if you have a webcam, record yourself to see how you appear on camera. 
• Be aware of your surroundings and the lighting. 
• Look at the camera, not down at the desk or table.

It’s important to remember that a video interview is a “real” interview, just like when you interview in an office. Your answers will be weighed and selection decisions will be made, just as they would if the interview was in-person. In fact, given that the interview can be scored and reviewed, it can be even more important than a typical first round phone or screening interview.

Hopefully these tips will help you ace your video interview.  Outrank.com and ProfitFuel are looking for strong sales and service people to join our team.  Come see how we work and play at ww.profitfuel.com and apply if it seems like the right fit for you!

Many people have started the new year with a renewed focus to find a job.  The team at Outrank.com and ProfitFuel want to help you get off to the right start.  

To ensure a successful job search you need to make sure you have a solid plan.  Debra Donston-Miller, a consultant with The Ladders, asked recruiters, career coaches, resume writers and other experts to recommend 10 promises (if kept) that will help you in 2011.  

 Here are the top 10:

1. Grow Your Network – Reach out to friends and neighbors as mentors to gain direction and perspective in the local job market.
2. Set Up Informational Interviews – Informational interviews allow you to practice and gain more information on the company, their career path and the industry as a whole.
3. Be a Joiner – Join groups in your ideal job field. Opportunities tend to flow from like-minded people.
4. Polish Your Personal Brand – Revamp or create your personal brand by writing down your differentiating strengths and ask for feedback from friends and colleagues.  Find the common words or phrases that can become your personal brand. 
5. Get Smart(er) – The best time to get certifications or take classes in your field is when you are out of work. 
6. Ask for Help – Do not miss out on opportunities.  Let family, friends and old colleagues know what type of work you are looking for.
7. Get Physical – You will have more energy to tackle the job search if you are physically fit.
8. Follow Through on Follow Up – It is important to follow up with a thank you after an interview.  This is a step that isn’t always followed and can make you stand out.
9. Increase Your Profile – Create a strong social presence on job-searching and professional networking sites.
10. Be More Open – Be open to all positions – do not get stuck on a specific job title.

 Look at new ways to apply your skills and those may make the difference in your job opportunities for 2011.

At Outrank.com, we’re always interested in new developments in online recruiting.  Work For Us is a new application for Facebook Business Pages that allows potential candidates to apply for open positions directly from your company’s Facebook fan page. An applicant simply clicks the “Work for Us” link and is directed to an online application, which is then sent to your company. Interested candidates can also “like” your job post, thereby spreading the word to their friends.

Work for Us is the brainchild of Work4Labs, a start up funded by French investors Stephane Le Viet and Gautier Machelon. 2,000 businesses worldwide have already hopped on-board.

The cost is relatively low and varies depending on the type and amount of service you want. The service is free for the first 30 days and ranges in price from $9 to $500 (unlimited job postings) per month after that. For those businesses that can really see a benefit from hitting their Facebook demographic where they reside, this may certainly be something to consider.

Check back here as Outrank.com reviews different hiring solutions.

*Disclosure: Outrank.com has not used, was not paid to review, nor recommends the “Work for Us” application.