Candidate Information Sheet

So you’ve been invited to do an online interview, good for you! But what does this mean? Well this information sheet will tell you all about the Sonru interview application, what you need to get started, tips and advice on your online interview technique and generally answer any questions you might have.

What is an automated interview?

An online automated interview is an interview you complete by yourself (with a webcam on your computer) at a time and place that suits you. The interviewer enters questions that they want you to answer, sets a date that the interview has to be completed by and then they invite you along to complete the interview. You log in, read and record your answers. It’s not a live interview so you don’t have to be online the same time as the interviewer.

How does it work?

The interviewer inputs their questions in text format and then invites candidates to interview.
The candidates log in, read and answer each question using their webcam and headset/microphone.
The interviewer can then review all the interviews whenever they want.

Where do I do the interview?

You can complete the interview wherever suits you. Choose a room that is quiet and has good light as this gives better picture quality.
If you have to use an internet café, be sure to ask them when there is a quiet time to complete the interview.

What do I need to do the interview?

You connection speed is tested before you begin the interview. Please download the latest version of flash.

I don’t have a Webcam, where can I get one?

You can buy one online at our online store and receive delivery in 2-3 days. Ideally get one with separate headset as this gives clearer audio.
Retail and electrical stores across the country have webcams at competitive prices

How do I log in?

The email invitation you received contains a unique URL, click on this link and choose a password to complete the signup process.

What happens when I log in for the first time?

First you must accept the Terms of Service then you will arrive at the Dashboard where you can decide what to do next. We recommend you view the ‘Take the Tour’ tutorial on this page.

How do I get started?

From the Interviewee Dashboard, click on the link of the interview which you need to complete. All Candidates must complete 3 equipment (Broadband, Audio and Video) tests before being able to proceed to the interview just to make sure everything is in order. To test your equipment, choose 'Click to Start'. You do not have to complete your actual interview at this stage. Once all three tests have been completed successfully, click 'Continue to Practice Interview'.

Do I have to complete a Practice Interview?

All interviewees must complete a practice interview before they can proceed to the actual interview. Completing the Practice Interview gives you the opportunity to:

Complete a dry run of the Video Interview process;
View your video and see how you look before doing the interview (only you can view this video);
Identify any issues early – technical or other, and if necessary contact Sonru support from the help section in your account.

What does Practice Interview involve?

The practice interview is to familiarise you with the technology;
The questions asked are not relevant to your actual interview;
You are simply asked to repeat phrases to test the sound and picture quality of your video and to enable you to practice speaking into the camera;
You can record as many practice interviews, as you like.

It's very important to view your Practice Interview. Only continue with your actual interview once you can hear and see yourself clearly when you play back your Practice Interview. If you can't hear and see yourself clearly when viewing the practice interviewer then the interviewer won't be able to hear and see your clearly. This is a common mistake we see candidates make. They complete the test, don't view it and continue to do the interview. The interviewer then has to try view a video that they can't see or can't hear. This is an issue that can usually be avoided through adjusting settings on your equipment and/or improving your recording environment. If these adjustments don't work contact Sonru Support but don't continue just for the sake of continuing - better to have a good interview than a rushed one.

Do you have any Quick Tips to Improve my Video Picture Quality?

Yes, the good news is there are a lot of simple things you can do to improve your video quality, even with basic webcams. Getting your background, your lighting and your presentation right can make a big difference.

Choose a bright room with soft background light
Move around with the camera to find a simple background; make sure it is nice and tidy
If possible wear white to increase picture contrast
Have a desk light in front of you to light up your face
Do NOT use your monitor as a light source
Move lights around so your image is clear and bright in the camera
If you wear glasses, turn down monitor brightness to minimize glare
Look at your outline in the camera view – get close enough so you mainly see your head and shoulders

By creating a good light environment and following these simple tips, you do not need to spend a fortune on a good webcam.

Any simple DO's and DON'Ts?

DO
- Dress appropriately.
- Get close to and look at the camera when answering; try not to read while you’re being recorded.
- Check light sources.
- Clean your glasses.
- Sit up straight.
- Relax and breathe.
DON’T
- Use the monitor as a light source.
- Click a pen or tap your fingers.

Can I see the questions in advance?

No, Sonru have invested heavily in replicating a live interview so like a face-to-face interview you are not given the questions in advance.

Can I take breaks during the interview?

Unfortunately not, just as in a face-to-face interview, once you begin the interview you must continue until all questions are answered. You cannot go back and re-answer a question but you do have two minutes at the end to add any additional comments or information.

How do I know I’m being recorded?

The red "REC" light shows that you are being recorded.

Can I start/stop recording when I want?

Yes, although the clock counts back to the amount of time you’ve left to read the question you can click start at any time to begin answering if you do not need more thinking time.

Also if you feel you’ve finished answering a question and there is still recording time left, you can click on ‘Next’ to go directly to the next question. If you don't avail of these options the interview will continue for the time given by the interviewer. Each question will appear automatically and you will be given time to read and time to answer each question.

What happens when I’ve recorded the last question?

Your video interview is automatically saved to your account and the interviewers account so YOU DO NOT have to do anything else now. Well done and good luck.

Where can I get more information?

There is a detailed Help section within the application once you've logged in.

Sonru.com

Candidate Guide