How Do I Video InterviewCandidates Changing Careers

How Do I Video InterviewCandidates Changing CareersEvery candidate comes with their own set of unique interviewing challenges. Thats why were tackling how to video interview different types of candidates with this how-to series. Today, well be talking about how to use video interviews to connect with candidates looking to change careers. Just because the candidate is looking to hop onto aleidher career path doesnt mean theyre not the perfect talent for your organization.Many companies will avoid speaking with candidates who are making a career change, but these candidates blazing a new career path might be just what your company needs.Here are a few reasons why your company shouldnt just write off candidates changing careersThey are likely to bring a fresh perspective to your organization. Theyre not mired in the way things are usually done in your industry, so they might have some outside-the-box solutions.They are passionate about their new career. Otherwise, they wouldnt have give n up their former career to start at the bottom in a new one.They go after what they want, even if its difficult. Its not easy to start a new career journey, but these candidates understand being happy and fulfilled at work is worth the inconvenience.Theyre an entry-level steal These candidates can sometimes come with years of work experience, and yet since theyre just starting out in your industry, theyll need to start near the bottom and work their way up. So, you gain an eager worker and someone with experience for the price of an entry-level candidate.Now that youre convinced you shouldnt slam the door on candidates switching career paths, just how can you tell if theyre right for your organization in the video interview? After all, if theyve switched their career path before, whats to stop them switching careers again and leaving your company?Here are a few things you should look for in the video interview when evaluating candidates stepping onto a new career pathWhy Do They Wa nt to Switch?The decision to switch to a new career path is not one most people take lightly. Workers spend years developing their careers and rising up the corporate ladder. All of this goes out the window as soon as you decide to hop on another career path. Like in the board games we used to play as children, starting down a new career path often means going back to the beginning. Find out why your candidate is willing to make this sacrifice in the video interview.Ask why they decided to make the switch and what it is about the company or industry which makes them so sure its the right fit. This is an opportunity to really discover where their passion lies and how much they really understand about your career sector. Maybe they have an idealized version of your industry. Make sure they understand what they would be getting themselves into by taking the job and that they are excited and ready to jump in.What Makes Them Qualified?Just because a candidate is willing to start at the b ottom and work their way up in a new industry doesnt mean they actually have the transferable skills you need to fill your position. Passion and enthusiasm are great, but there has to be a certain amount of workable knowledge to make this candidate a good fit for the job. You dont want to hire a fledgling graphic designer who doesnt know how to use Adobe Photoshop, for instance.In the video interview, make sure the candidate can display the skills you need for the position. Many skills can be taught, especially if the candidate is starting out at the bottom, but there are certainly more than a few things you need an employee to already know. After all, you dont want your workers spending all their free time educating a new team member.How Do They Feel About Starting At The Bottom?Its unlikely your candidate will be able to find a position on the same level as their prior job, especially if theyre committed to switching careers. This means they will not only be taking a cut in respon sibilities and title, but also in pay.Its important to use the video interview to find out just how eager this candidate really is to join your company. Are they willing to take a pay cut to start down their new career path? Have they thought about the implications of making less money? Make sure your candidate has carefully considered the financial repercussions of this change, or they might just switch back to an industry in which they can attain a higher salary.Candidates who are ready for a change of pace in their careers can become eager employees ready to try their hardest to work up a new career ladder. Its important, however, to use the video interview to focus on why theyre making the switch and if they have the relevant skills, so you dont end up with an employee who flies the coop again.What are some ways to evaluate candidates changing careers in the video interview? Share in the commentsIMAGE Courtesy of Flickr by pkdon50.