We understand the promise AI has to offer when it’s used safely, legally across all global jurisdictions, and in a way that improves the hiring process for all participants.  We look forward to making these new tools available to all of our clients who choose to use them.

About Ingage Solutions

Ingage Solutions is a Stanford University-born leader in interview intelligence technology. Jamal Madni and Matt Davis, the founders of Ingage, led Stanford University’s transition to online learning in 2020. After this project, Jamal and Matt shifted focus to creating real-time interview intelligence technology that would enhance virtual connectivity while keeping their use of AI low-risk.

Ingage Solutions successfully developed a deep integration with Microsoft’s internal APIs, reaching a milestone as the first interview intelligence solution to fully integrate with Microsoft Teams.

What is interview intelligence?

Ingage’s interview intelligence offer was created to increase interview engagement and human connection in virtual interviews by leveraging ethical AI.

This software analyzes the interview process and interviewers, not the candidate. It uses a TensorFlow engine that evolves with you to provide real-time insights that enrich the interview experience and help organizations learn and adapt based on their unique interview data. Ingage’s technology has the power to reveal patterns of interviewer behavior that obscure a clear view of candidate suitability and identify the potential for bias that can undermine quality and compliance.

Ingage’s AI-augmented tool allows us to build on our current solutions by expanding VidCruiter’s content validation, interview intelligence, and interview coaching capabilities. Transparent and understandable metrics like talk-time ratios and rating patterns provide important insights clients can act on.

This technology goes beyond accelerating the ability for clients to identify top talent. It will drive evidence-based performance, interview compliance, and continuous improvement.

How Ingage Solutions fits in VidCruiter’s AI strategy

AI-enabled technology is advanced, but more research is needed before it should be considered to replace human decision-making. Using AI to assess, filter or source candidates has a high probability of introducing bias into the process, which is difficult to address given the lack of transparency and human accountability in decision-making. A number of pending AI laws and regulations reflect this reality.

More so, there is a strong public interest in creating selection processes that are fair, unbiased, and transparent. Many AI-enabled tools and technologies currently operate with varying levels of transparency and opacity where even the creators themselves may not fully understand how the algorithms are scoring individual data points.

VidCruiter is not using AI to analyze or assess candidates in video interviews. Instead, Ingage’s adaptive AI collects data on interview processes, and interviewers. This strategy is low-risk, and keeps our clients and products steps ahead of new regulations.

We are ethically applying AI and automation from the inside out, giving clients insights into every step of the interviewing and hiring lifecycle, and fostering the use of best practices in real-time while avoiding the industry standard of using AI from the outside in to rate, filter or assess applicants. The result is better, faster, and fairer hiring.

Andrew Buzzell, VidCruiter’s Director of Responsible AI, has this to say about our unique AI strategy:

“I spend a lot of time connecting conversations across different parts of the company, the industry, and academia, so that the evolution of VidCruiter’s approach to AI is innovative, grounded in best practices, and animated by the values and aspirations that matter most to clients, candidates, experts, and regulators.”

VidCruiter is more than an interview management system. Ingage’s technology leverages AI to support our greater mission to make proven best practices more accessible and easier to use, all in the name of helping our clients hire successfully.

“Our mission is to help our clients to hire faster without compromising on quality. We do this by developing the tools to automate scientifically-proven practices and harness the power of AI-assistance to make the hiring experience efficient, effective and easy for everyone.”

– Sean Fahey, VidCruiter CEO

The post VidCruiter acquires Ingage Solutions appeared first on VidCruiter.

A 2022 survey by McKinsey & Company showed that 36% of employed people in the United States identify as independent
workers, an equivalent of about 58 million Americans. A recent survey also showed that the number of gig workers in
Canada doubled between 2022 and 2023. The global gig economy also has potential to grow in value; a report by
Mastercard
estimated that transactions related to the gig economy will increase by 17% yearly to about $455 billion in 2023.

Remote work and freelancing

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the opportunity to work remotely was a major perk in some companies, especially tech
companies. Today, working remotely has become a new normal; there are fully remote companies without any
brick-and-mortar office locations and many others that offer hybrid work options.

Gig work and remote work are different in the sense that gig work is usually done on a contingent or temporary basis
and
may be done remotely (e.g. virtual assistant, freelance designer) or on-site (e.g. Uber, DoorDash). Gig workers have
flexible schedules and can decide to work for different companies if they wish. Remote work can be done either as a
gig
worker (e.g. freelance writer) or a full-time employee who works normal office hours but works fully remotely.

How to explore remote work opportunities

Today, many job opportunities have remote or hybrid work options that candidates can choose from. When searching for
a
job online, there are options that show whether the job is remote or not. For example, LinkedIn jobs will allow
candidates to select jobs that are remote, onsite, or hybrid. You can also select jobs based on whether they are
full-time, part-time or it’s a contract/temporary position. This is also true for many other job websites such as
Indeed, Glassdoor, etc.

Outside the traditional job websites, there are websites that are specifically for remote job opportunities such as
Remote.co, FlexJobs.com, Remotive.com, RemoteOK.com, etc. These sites offer full-time and contract work
opportunities
that are either remote or hybrid. Before you apply, take some time to implement some LinkedIn best practices on your
profile to make sure you shine and stand out.

Strategies for landing gigs in the current environment

If you choose to work as a freelancer, here are some ways you can improve your chances of getting regular work.

1. Know the skills companies are looking for and develop them. According to Upwork, one the largest freelancing
   websites in
   the world, the freelance skills most in-demand by enterprise companies are technology, customer service, and
   marketing.
   You can develop your skills in these sought-after areas and target hiring companies and individuals for work
   opportunities.

2. Search for companies that hire freelancers and send cold emails, letters of introduction, or your resume. It’s
   important
   to be proactive and reach out to companies that need freelancers. Do your research and find the right person to
   reach
   out to.

3. Learn new skills with online courses! Freelancers are expected to constantly upskill and the more skills you can
   showcase, the more easily you’ll attract clients.

4. Have a good online presence. Many freelancers are active on social media as a way to showcase their work and
   skills. You
   can also use relevant content to attract and engage prospective clients, enough for them to want to hire you.

5. Understand that the skills and education you have are transferable, so don’t let the relevance of your major in
   the
   University deter you from looking for freelancing opportunities. If you are a science major and you prefer not
   to work
   in traditional roles in your field, you can take up freelance writing in various scientific fields.

Advantages and disadvantages of freelancing and remote work

Freelancing and working remotely can be beneficial in several ways.

Flexibility: Most people who choose to work as freelancers do it for the flexibility that comes with it. You
can
decide
your own schedule, and how many hours and days you want to work weekly, as long as the client’s work is done within
agreed deadlines.

Various income sources: Freelance work means you can take on as much work as you can. This means there’s the
possibility
of earning more than in traditional employment. Even if you work a traditional job, freelancing can provide the
extra
income you need to live better.

Digital nomad lifestyle: With freelance or remote work, you can work for any company from anywhere in the
world.
This
opportunity provides the freedom to travel and explore different places around the world, even as you work.

Better work-life balance: freelancing and working remotely can help you maintain a better balance between
your work
and
other aspects of life. Commuting is reduced, and you can plan your work in a way that you’ll still have time for
leisure
activities or spending time with family.

Freelancing and remote work also have downsides.

Isolation: Working remotely may mean that you are working alone most of the time, without the socializing
that
happens
in a traditional workplace. This may affect your mental health in the long run.

Time difference challenges: Differences in time and location could affect simple things like online meeting
attendance,
communication, and real-time collaborations.

Time management issues: If you’re not disciplined enough or get distracted by other things, you might find it
hard
to
manage your time and find yourself falling behind in work-related tasks. On the other hand, there are those who find
it
difficult to unplug after work and are unable to separate work from personal life, especially when working from
home.

More work-related expenses: You will spend more on energy bills, internet, and other things an employer would
provide in
a traditional workplace.

The workplace is dynamic and will continue to evolve, especially with the use of technology. Companies are also
interested in providing remote work options because this gives them access to talent in any part of the world. It is
expected that there will be more people working remotely in the future; an estimated 255 million people are expected
to
be working remotely by 2030. Also, the number of freelancers is expected to continue to increase: 50% of the US
workforce will be freelancing by 2030. As remote and freelancing opportunities increase, having a good understanding
of
how to thrive as a gig or remote worker will be very beneficial.

The post Harnessing the gig economy: Exploring freelance and remote work opportunities appeared first on VidCruiter.

Most organizations today hire for diversity, not just because diversity and inclusion have become very important
workplace trends, but because studies have shown that companies stand to gain more when they have a diverse team. A
2022
study showed that diverse companies make more money, about 2.5 times higher per
employee. Another study showed that
those with a diverse management team boosted revenue by 19% compared to companies with less diverse teams.

When searching for a job, embracing your diverse background and marketing yourself as a diverse candidate can give you
an advantage. Individuals with diverse backgrounds are known to bring unique perspectives or outlooks to an
organization, with a wider range of skills, talents, and experiences. You can also better understand and cater to the
needs of customers who require your particular experience. There are several ways you can present yourself as a
diverse
candidate and here we’ll look at some of these ways.

Understand your unique value proposition

As a job seeker, present what you have to offer to potential employers with a great personal value proposition
statement. Your personal statement will highlight your skills, strengths, accomplishments, and what’s unique about
you.
You can talk about how your background as a minority or underrepresented group has helped your understanding of
workplace diversity and how your experiences can add value to the organization, especially in its diversity programs
or
initiatives. Also, do your research about the company and the role advertised, and talk about how you’ll contribute to
the organization.

Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your diversity

Your resume is usually your first introduction to the hiring manager. Make sure your resume is ATS-friendly and
contains
the necessary information about your experiences as well as your background. Talk about how your diverse background
has
shaped who you are and the skills you have developed, such as problem-solving, crisis management, critical thinking,
and
other skills useful in the workplace. Take a look at the company’s DEI Statement and mention in your cover letter that
you value the diversity and inclusion areas they are paying attention to. You can also use keywords that align with
the
company’s vision and mission.

Leverage your network

According to a LinkedIn survey, 85% of jobs are filled through networking. Leveraging your network is one of the best
ways to find a job. Your network which includes members of your community, classmates, and acquaintances can tell you
about opportunities or refer you to places. Your alumni groups and professors can also be helpful when you need
references and recommendations. Networking events such as job fairs, career fairs, and seminars that cater to diverse
candidates also provide useful information and connections for your job search.

Showcase your diversity in your personal branding

Your personal brand is important to your job search because your brand shows who you are and the values you bring to a
workplace. Most people today build a brand online, and you can showcase your diversity with your story, your area of
expertise, and your authentic self. You can leverage social media platforms to present your personal brand and share
your stories about your background and experiences. You can also share content, events, and information that are
related
to diversity and inclusion.

Be confident in your interviews

Getting an interview means you have beaten many other candidates who also applied for the position and adequate
preparation for your interviews will improve your chances of getting the job. Prepare for interviews by researching
the
company, practicing interview questions with a friend, and having samples of your work ready to show during the
interview. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, and Result) to provide specific examples of how you have
contributed to diverse teams and situations. Adequate preparation will boost your confidence when you go in for the
interview.

As a diverse candidate, your diversity can be your advantage if you present your skills and experiences in a way that
will attract employers. You can successfully show that you have what it takes through your value proposition, resume,
your personal brand, and during the interview, and ultimately bring value to potential employers.

The post How to market your diversity in your job search appeared first on VidCruiter.

The problem, though, is the number of HR-focused blogs now available. Some are really useful, while others fall short. With this in mind, we have brought together some of the more established recruiting blogs, and some of the upstarts that you should pay attention to in 2023. By sticking to this list, you’ll be able to find all the information you’re looking for.

Blogs from Recruiting Organizations

Undercover Recruiter

Undercover Recruiter is one of the most visually pleasing blogs you can read, and who doesn’t love a blog that emphasizes user experience! Topics vary, but it focuses on recruitment in three main sections, employer, recruiter and candidate. With sponsored content and various guest posters, Undercover Recruiter is worth checking out during your daily or weekly reading ritual.

Sourcecon

Created to be a hub for internet and telephone researchers, Sourcecon has quickly transitioned to become one of the top recruitment hubs for information and news. The site delivers tools and tips for recruiters that are starting out in their careers, as well as industry news, surveys, and practical advice.

ERE

First created in 1998, ERE has established itself as one of the best-known recruitment blogs on the web. The content is tailored for those who work in the corporate recruitment sector, but their insights and overall reporting mechanisms are a valuable tool for anyone who is looking at medium or long-term forecasting.

Recruiter Magazine

Naturally, a magazine that is devoted to recruitment will be on this list. Recruiter Magazine is a UK publication that produces quality recruiting content for its readers both online and in print. Naturally, some pieces are specific to the UK region, but the overall tone and quality are geared toward recruiting professionals and are applicable worldwide.

Social Hire

Social Hire is a blog and site that focuses solely on social recruiting. This means the content is geared towards social media, and other related topics, but the insights and issues it covers can help any HR professional who wants to learn more about the social recruiting field.

Recruiter.com

A recruiting blog list without recruiter.com would be a farce. This great site provides insights, in-depth and often valuable articles that are geared towards HR professionals that are working within the confines of recruitment.

Blue Octopus

Blue Octopus is one of the best UK based recruiting companies, and they provide essential recruitment and career advice on their blog, Blogtopus. With brief and to-the-point posts, this blog is perfect for those of us who need to start our day off with short and compacted blogs that pack a punch.

LinkedIn Talent Blog

Although not only recruitment based, the LinkedIn Talent Blog has some valuable contributors that the recruiting world should pay attention to. The benefit of this blog is that they pull writers from across the world that provide you with insights from their specific experiences. With a full section on “Recruitment Strategies, Tips and Trends” should be bookmarked by any recruitment professional.

Personal Recruiting Blogs

The Savage Truth

With a mix of video and written entries, The Savage Truth is designed to start a real conversation about recruiting. With over four decades in the industry, a unique point of view and a forward-thinking approach, Greg Savage has grown his brand and his site with textbook precision and that’s why we think he is worth a follow.

HR Industry Blogs

Fistful of Talent

Fistful of Talent is a welcome change of pace from the more professional HR blogs on this list. The site has a wide variety of articles written by various guest bloggers that will ensure you get a good laugh while learning something. For instance, one of the most shared articles last year was Talent and Vomit- An Analogy.

The HR Capitalist

The HR Capitalist is one of the best reads on the internet, and they continue to do the impossible, make HR blogs fun to read! The blog focuses on best practices within the industry and uses a variety of real-world examples to bring HR and recruitment theory into practice.

TLNT

TLNT is an offshoot of ERE that provides daily news and top-quality content for HR and talent management professionals. The site has a host of other support tools such as a job board, live webinars and events around the US that focuses on HR professionals.

TINYpulse

Tiny Pulse is one of the top-rated employment engagement and happiness companies in the US, and their blog is a great resource! They focus on company culture, benefits, leadership and recruitment. For those who are looking to engage in company culture changes, Tiny Pulse is your go-to blog.

TalentLyft

TalentLyft is an all-in-one recruitment software and their blog was rated one of the world’s leading HR blogs. TalentLyft’s blog is a go-to place for all HR professionals and recruiters who want to stay up to date with the latest trends, best practices, strategies and first-hand insights in the HR industry, especially in the field of recruitment (marketing) and talent acquisition.

Personal Blogs from HR Professionals

HR Ringleader

The HR Ringleader is an excellent resource for HR professionals, and women within the HR community. The blogs are from the pen of Trish McFarlane, a leader in HCM and HR technology, and are filled with insights and industry insider knowledge you will only get from a true thought leader in the community.

The HR Bartender

Grab a glass of wine, and sit down and enjoy the read on HR Bartender. Sharlyn Lauby is an HR professional turned consultant who touches on a wide range of issues on her popular blog. With topics such as employee engagement, recruitment and career advice, the HR Bartender is serving up knowledge.

Evil HR Lady

The Evil HR Lady is blunt and honest in her opinions on the industry, making her blog an interesting read for any HR professional. The blog has a wide range of topics the writer touches on, so you’ll always be able to find some information that will help you perform your job.

Did we miss your favorite blog? Contact us with your favourite and tell us why it deserves a spot on this list!

The post 17 HR and Talent Acquisition Blogs You Need to Follow In 2023 appeared first on VidCruiter.

For students and early-career professionals, there’s no better time than now to start forging meaningful connections. In this post, we’ll explore various types of networking and provide tips to help you make the most of each interaction.

Why is networking a valuable activity and skill?

As you prepare to embark on your professional journey, networking can give you access to a wealth of knowledge, opportunities, and resources that may otherwise stay hidden. A solid network can differentiate successful candidates from their equally qualified peers, as many employers increasingly value interpersonal skills and personal recommendations.

According to a survey from 2011, just 26% of respondents said that networking opportunities were very important for their career. However, more recent data shows that this is absolutely true. A study by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis shows having more connections directly correlates to high-quality job offers. If you don’t network, you could miss out on the perfect job.

6 effective networking strategies to consider

Ready to try out networking for yourself? Use these ideas to spark inspiration and find a method that will work for you.

1. Join professional organizations

Joining a group related to your field is an excellent way to meet like-minded individuals, and gain access to valuable resources. To make the most of your membership, contribute to discussions, and look for ways to share your skills.

For example, if you’re an aspiring marketing professional, join the American Marketing Association (AMA). You can attend local chapter events and webinars and participate in workshops to make connections.

2. Attend in-person events

Networking events, like conferences, workshops, and career fairs, offer a platform for professionals to connect and share ideas. To make a lasting impression, actively engage with others, ask open-ended questions, and listen attentively.

3. Participate in online networking

Social media platforms like LinkedIn and industry-specific forums can help you expand your network and access career opportunities. Create a professional and polished online presence to stand out. Then instead of just scrolling through your feed, connect with people in your field and engage with their content.

4. Conduct interviews

Once you get a good sense of the landscape and find some people who are doing well in your field, reach out to them. Ask these professionals if they would be open to having a chat with you about what they do and how they got there.

When you successfully schedule an interview, you can start preparations so that it goes well. Come up with thoughtful questions about their career journey and ask for advice they might have for someone in your position.

5. Volunteer

Consider lending your time to events or causes related to your industry. This demonstrates your commitment to your field and creates opportunities for networking. Those strong connections may lead to future collaborations, recommendations, or job prospects.

If you’re interested in the tech industry, volunteer at local hackathons or coding bootcamps. Offer your skills as a mentor or even an event organizer. This will help you establish your reputation with others in the community.

6. Get in touch with alumni

Alumni networks serve as a rich resource for insights into the job market, industry trends, and potential work. All from an institution you know and trust, along with people who share your educational background.

Do some digging to find out what your school has for alumni. From there, you can make contact with the right people and start using what they offer to kickstart your career. Your alumni association can serve as a helping hand in your job search.

How to establish a meaningful relationship with your connections

Knowing that you need to build a network is just the beginning. Making a good first impression and nurturing those relationships is crucial for long-term success. Here’s how you can do this the right way.

Engage respectfully

When attending networking events or engaging with professionals online, always be respectful and considerate of others’ time. Also, express your appreciation when they offer thoughtful insights and advice.

Follow up

Picking the conversation up again is essential to solidify any connections you make at an event. Send personalized emails or messages within a week of meeting and mention specific details you remember.

Maintain your network

Findings from LinkedIn show that 79% of professionals say networking is valuable for career progression. Despite that, less than half say they keep in touch with their network when things are going well in their career. Remember to keep in touch with your connections through regular check-ins, sharing relevant articles, or congratulating them on their achievements.

By leveraging the power of networking and keeping your connections top of mind, you can build meaningful relationships that open doors to new opportunities. Now it’s your turn. Get out there, start connecting, and watch your professional network grow. If you’re looking for more advice on navigating the early stages of your career, learn how to take advantage of new opportunities next.

The post Unlock the Power of Networking: How to Build Meaningful Connections appeared first on VidCruiter.

A CareerBuilder study showed that about 66% of employees have taken a job and realized it wasn’t a good fit for them; half of these people quit their jobs in six months or less. Another engagement survey of Millennial and Gen Z applicants revealed that 72% of respondents were surprised to find out that the role or company they found themselves in was different from what they believed it would be. Where there’s a poor fit with the job or company, problems such as anxiety, poor performance burnout, and disengagement at work are bound to arise.

So, how can you make sure that you find the job that’s the right fit for you?

Create a professional online presence and use online platforms

Companies today are always looking for great talent, and they want a pool of candidates they can choose from whenever there’s an opening. Be active on the same platforms where you find desirable employers, such as LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and Monster. These online job boards are great places to learn about employers from the content on their pages. You can learn about their product and services, funding, people who work there, and if they have job openings.

Present your authentic self

In your job search, it’s essential to present yourself in a way that will attract potential employers. Let your authentic self shine through in your online profiles and be real. You can share your stories and experiences in school and other areas and explain how these have shaped who you’ve become. Share content that aligns with your core values. Highlight your skills and strengths and how these can benefit a future employer. Showcase these on your resume, online profiles, and other platforms where you can find jobs.

Get involved in your community and student associations

Find a way to participate in your community. If you’re still in school, get involved with student associations.
Companies today are collaborating with communities and student associations to create employment
opportunities. For
example, Micron, a semiconductor manufacturing company, is developing educational resources and infrastructure in the
Syracuse area and central New York to train a new workforce for its new plant, which will provide almost 50,000 jobs
in New York.

Take on internships

One of the ways you can get your foot in the door in your job search is to take on available internships. With such
opportunities, you can get on-the-job training and the chance to work on projects that develop new skills. Internships
also create networking opportunities where you’ll meet people and make contacts who might connect you to opportunities
elsewhere. There are internship programs targeted at women, minorities, people with disabilities, and other
categories.

Look for companies and organizations that align with your values and interests

When you look at a company website, you’ll get an idea of what matters to them. You can look out for their vision and
mission statements, diversity and inclusion policy, work or impact in the community, or if they have a policy on
climate and environment, depending on what’s important to you. Research the company’s culture by checking reviews
about the company, reviews from employees, and looking for news about the company and its leadership. All these can
help decide the companies where you’d feel comfortable working.

The job market today has many opportunities despite recession fears and layoffs. Bear in mind that the search for the
ideal job isn’t a frantic, rushed journey but a carefully planned process that will land you a role in a company that
will be an excellent fit for you.

Prepare for your job search

Part of finding the right job is applying and interviewing different places. Having an ATS-friendly resume can be the
difference between getting past the initial application process and being lost in a large pool of applicants. Keep
your resume’s font, design, and layout clean and simple, and you’ll be off to a great start. If you get an interview,
confirm what type it is and prepare accordingly. If you’ve never done a virtual interview, learn how to
ace your video
interview beforehand. Always come prepared to live interviews with questions to ask your interviewer(s) to
ensure the
job, company, and corporate culture align with what you want.

The post How to find the perfect job fit after college appeared first on VidCruiter.

Here are seven things to look for and consider as you choose what internship you want to pursue:

1. A role matching the career you want to pursue

It is obvious, but you will want to find an internship that matches your education and career goals. If you are going into the medical field, then that kind of internship is ideal, but also consider niche focus areas as well. Do you want something with surgery or diagnostics? Are you keen to work with mothers and babies? An internship is an excellent way to really focus on a specific area within a general career field.

2. An opportunity to learn industry-specific skills

Along with a more focused approach, an internship also offers you the chance to learn industry-specific skills you will need later in your work. If you want to be a journalist, then an internship at a newspaper, magazine, or radio/TV station can help you learn valuable skills. Data checks, interviews, speaking, writing, and general reporting are all things you can learn in a more realistic setting in an internship.

3. A long-term mentor and leadership source

Long ago, students learned by working as apprentices, and the internship is the modern-day equivalent of that for the most part. Choosing an internship is a great way to be mentored and taught by someone skilled and experienced in the field. You can learn fundamental skills and practical methods. And many internships are designed with one lead role model for you to follow and learn from during your time there.

4. The chance to do something meaningful or impactful

Another thing to consider as you look for the perfect internship to pursue is to see it as a chance to do something good. Oftentimes internships are a starting point of a career, but they are also a chance to do something you might not be able to do day in and day out as part of your job. Community projects, research teams, and other unique situations can present themselves during an internship.

5. Compensation for your work and efforts

Some students have resigned themselves to the fact that their internship will likely be unpaid, as that old adage of ‘getting paid with experience’ still gets tossed around at times. However, more companies today realize the benefits interns can have and offer paid internships more often. Looking for paid opportunities to learn your craft is definitely something to look out for when you choose this learning environment.

6. A chance to earn full-time employment status

Another consideration to think about when choosing an internship is whether or not it will give you a chance to transition into an actual employee at the company. Sometimes interns are placed higher in the hiring ranks, and when a company needs to ‘hire from within,’ interns are counted in that pool. So, be sure to ask about future employment and advancement opportunities that might be available to you.

7. A way to practice what you learn safely

The final consideration to keep in mind when looking at internship opportunities is how a particular setup can help you improve yourself. Internships allow you to put what you learn into practice in a more controlled environment that is still out in the real world. Combining class learning and practical experiences helps you perfect your skills in a safe setting that highlights your strengths and weaknesses in real time.

These are just some of the things to consider when you are looking into internship opportunities. The benefits are plentiful, and the right opportunity can make a lasting impact on your career. So, use these points and keep them in mind, and find the internship that is perfect for your unique career path

In the competitive internship landscape, make sure you’re well-equipped to stand out from the competition. Do you have an ATS-friendly resume that includes the relevant keywords and is formatted specifically for automated screening tools like an applicant tracking system? Also, learn how to ace your video interview by practicing interview techniques and preparing a suitable environment for a professional experience.

Putting your best foot forward is really the most direct route to landing your dream internship.

Good luck!

The post Seven Tips for Securing a Meaningful Internship appeared first on VidCruiter.

As you work towards your goal of nailing that next interview to land your dream job, you have likely had a range of experiences when sitting down with an interview or hiring team.

Job interviews can be a stressful experience, even if you are confident in your skills and know you are a good fit for the job. But your planning and preparation will pay off in the end, as will a confident approach to handling some of the trickier questions and situations that might be presented to you.

For someone identifying as part of the LGBTQ+ community or who identifies as a gender other than straight heterosexual, some unique situations might arise. Those hopes for a successful interview might fall due to a poor experience with the interviewer’s bias.

Knowing what these are and how to handle them can ensure you have the best interviewing experience possible. Bias related to sexual orientation, gender identities, and representation can negatively impact both the company and possible hiring candidates.

This kind of bias can often be unintentional. Other times it is a more direct approach intended to disqualify candidates. Like any interviewing process, dealing with a bias of this nature can be tricky.

It doesn’t have to be this way. You do not have to sit through an interview and deal with this kind of bias. Let’s look at the issue in further detail and find out what you can do about it.

LGBTQ+ and Gender-Related Bias During the Hiring Process

Even in the 21st century, offensive and even downright illegal questions are sometimes asked during a job interview. This is direct discrimination against your candidacy and is a serious matter as it can reflect the interviewer’s bias towards a particular group.

In other cases, interviewers may ask something they don’t realize is inappropriate. This is an unconscious bias that employers have without even really realizing it. There are times when it’s more deliberate and engrained in a person’s subconscious or the very structure of the company itself.

Whatever the intention, recognizing when interview bias is happening and what you can do about it are essential tools that can help you get through an uncomfortable interview.

How Do You Know You Are Facing LGBTQ+ or Gender Bias in the Job Interview?

We all hear about common interview questions and have likely read guides and articles to prepare for standard interview questions. But what do you do when you think you are being judged based on your sexual orientation or gender identity? How do you know those warning flags are correct and should be heeded?

Examples of questions that can indicate a bias can take many forms, but common examples of sexual orientation and gender-bias-driven questions can include:

• “Tell me about your spouse.”

  – This is a no-no for anyone but for the LGBTQ+ community, this is often a trap because we start talking about a spouse and can reveal a same-sex partner and other things that reveal our sexual orientation or gender preferences.

• “How long have you and your (assumed) wife/husband been married?”

  – No interviewer should be asking this sort of question as it assumes a lot about the person and is a leading question designed to get the candidate to reveal more about their personal life, sex life, and other things that don’t relate to the job most likely.

• What is your sexual orientation/do you consider yourself _____ (trans, gay, lesbian, homosexual….)?

  – A flat-out inquiry about sex, gender, preferences, and such is always illegal, and you are in no way required to answer these kinds of questions.

• Who did you vote for last election?

  – It might seem a bit random, but questions about elections, politics, voting, local policies, and such are used in interviews to determine your political party, and what your morals are, and can be used against you when they don’t align with the interviewer’s personal preferences.

• Are you married/have kids/are pregnant/chronically ill ect?

  – Again, this kind of question is essentially a trap for the LGBTQ+ or non-conforming candidate as it makes them divulge details about their personal life, activities, and preferences that should not be a part of the hiring process.

Strategies to Know as a Candidate Facing Bias

While experiencing this sort of bias can be uncomfortable, it can also be a very empowering experience to stand up for yourself as well. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do when faced with bias during your interview as an LGBTQ+ individual.

• Maintain your composure and stay calm – It can be frustrating, insulting, scary, and confusing to find yourself facing this kind of interview bias. Stay calm and don’t yell or get insulting in your response. Reply that you do not feel comfortable answering that question, or that you claim your right to decline a response.

• Know your rights and what the law says- Knowing the common questions that can be answered during an interview and what illegal and unethical questions sound like is important. This can help you know when you can stand up and politely challenge a question or ask why that is being brought up in the interview.

• Deflect biased questions with your own- If you get asked a question you feel is biased against you, try to deflect it with a question of your own. A question about your spouse or kids could be answered with a question from you about the company policy of family leaves and support, so the focus shifts to them.

• Be firm and direct but not offensive- If an interviewer is really pressuring you to answer a question you feel is biased, unfair, or illegal, say you will not answer. If they continue pushing, you have the right to end the interview and leave. They can in no way keep you there or force you to endure that kind of treatment.

To better understand your rights, prohibited employer practices, and how to file a complaint, please refer to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commision (EEOC.)

Moving on From LGBTQ+ and Gender Bias After an Interview

A good way to move on from an experience tainted by bias is by getting another interview with an organization that feels like a good fit. With more employers today using applicant tracking systems (ATS) and AI scanning tools to screen applicants, familiarizing yourself with this type of technology is essential.

Maximize your candidate visibility by using an ATS-friendly resume. You can learn more about applicant tracking systems, candidate management systems, and how you can prepare your job-seeking materials to keep up with the latest trends within the employment market.

Remember that the pride you feel inside cannot be taken away by any interviewer. Finding a company that will respect you rather than judge you with faulty bias is the goal you can keep your eyes fixed upon!

The post Navigating bias in your job search appeared first on VidCruiter.

The top skill sets employers are looking for

According to a recent report, the fastest-growing and most in-demand skill sets are
artificial intelligence/machine learning, cloud computing, product management, and social media. Companies are
requesting these skills for the following types of positions, including internships and post-graduate internships:

• Data scientist
• Computer scientist
• Data engineer
• Database architect
• Product manager
• Project manager
• IT project manager
• Social media strategist
• Social media manager
• Search engine optimization manager

For those interested in pursuing a career in one of these areas or simply gaining experience now would be a great
time to apply. Let’s take a look at how!

Making sure your skills get noticed

It’s important to clearly and effectively communicate your skills within your resume. This is because more companies
are using an applicant tracking system during their
recruitment process.

When you apply for an internship/post-graduate internship or a job online, your resume passes through one of these
systems before it reaches the eyes of recruiters. The applicant tracking system will scan your resume for keywords
that align with the phrases in the job description.

This means the words and phrases you use to describe your skills will determine whether or not your resume makes it
through the system to be reviewed by HR.

Which words and phrases should I use?

When applying, look at the requirements section for a list of desirable skills, experience, and technology/software.
The words and phrases that appear in that section are likely in the list of keywords the applicant tracking system
is scanning resumes for.

What other phrases does the job description include? For example, do they reference soft skills like “attention to
detail” or “project management”? These are worthwhile noting as well.

Verify your findings! Make sure to look at other similar jobs and internships posted online. Do they
list the same required skills and experience? Identifying overlap in words or phrases between job descriptions will
give you a better idea of accepted terminology usage across HR teams…and systems.

How to incorporate keywords and phrases in your resume

Incorporating keywords and phrases in your resume is all about tweaking your existing
language to mirror the way the employer is speaking about the same thing. For example, instead
of describing how you can juggle multiple tasks and stay on top of things, use the phrase “project management”.

As a tip, avoid language that may be specific to a previous employer or school project and instead use industry
language.

Here’s an example of resume do’s and don’ts if applying for a social media role:

To learn about how to format your resume template so that it’s ATS-compatible, make sure to check out this article on
how to create an ATS-Friendly
resume.

While it’s tempting to sprinkle every keyword from the description into your resume, ensure you’re being honest.
Including skills or experience you don’t have will make it difficult for you to answer questions during an interview
and could hurt your reputation in cases where you may wish to apply again in the future.

Keywords and phrases for each in-demand skill set

Ready to write your resume? We’ve researched the most in-demand skill sets to give you an idea of which keywords and
phrases you might want to consider including. Take a look!

Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning

Data Science Internship / Data Scientist:

For a data science internship/post-graduate internship or job, it’s worth highlighting soft skills such as
“problem-solving”, being “analytical”, and using “creative thinking”.

Keywords and phrases to consider using in your resume:

• Data preparation and/or analysis
• Developing and/or deploying data science models
• Customer feedback and satisfaction survey analysis
• Understanding of machine learning techniques
• Experience processing large-size data
• Python, Java, and/or Scala knowledge or experience (as applicable)

Cloud Computing

Cloud Developer Internship / Cloud Developer:

Have you “contributed to open source projects” or have a Github account to link to? If you’re applying to a cloud
developer position, that would be great to include in your resume.

Keywords and phrases to consider using in your resume:

• Creating and maintaining software documentation
• Understanding of agile programming practices
• Familiarity with SQL and NoSQL databases
• Knowledgeable of cloud platforms: AWS, Azure, GCE, CloudStack, OpenStack and container technologies: Docker,
  Kubernetes, Rancher, OpenShift (as applicable)
• JavaScript and MySQL knowledge or experience (as applicable)

Product Management

Product Analyst Internship / Product Analyst:

For product analytics internships and jobs, consider highlighting soft skills such as “project management”,
“organization”, and “attention to detail”.

Keywords and phrases to consider using in your resume:

• Maintaining price lists, data sheets, and product reference guides
• Analyzing product trends
• Data analysis/analytics and data visualization
• Cloud computing experience
• Experience with SQL

Social Media

Social Media Internship / Social Media Strategist

For social media positions, many HR teams will be looking for applicants with strong “project management” and
familiarity or understanding of marketing and/or “social strategies”.

Keywords and phrases to consider using in your resume:

• Creating and executing organic social campaigns and/or contests
• Experience or familiarity with paid social media campaigns
• Tracking and analyzing page and/or account performance
• Understanding of how to optimize distribution strategies
• Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Pinterest knowledge or experience (as applicable)

Interested in learning more about how to land an interview? Take a look at our article on how to score a job
interview like a pro!

The post The most in-demand job skills and how to include them in your resume appeared first on VidCruiter.

The G-Cloud platform provides the public sector with direct access to verified HR technology that meets the technical and security requirements of the UK government. VidCruiter’s partnership with the UK government’s G-Cloud framework will help UK central government departments and public sector organizations easily find solutions to maximize hiring efficiencies, reduce time-to-hire, and scale their practices consistently.

VidCruiter has partnered with government agencies around the world to help modernize and digitize their hiring processes. VidCruiter’s specialized government recruiting software helps government agencies streamline hiring while ensuring consistency with internal standards and frameworks.

VidCruiter’s recruitment software solution can be found on the G-Cloud 13 website.

About G-Cloud 13:

The G-Cloud framework is a procurement gateway managed by Crown Commercial Service (CCS) that allows UK central government departments and public sector organizations to purchase pre-vetted cloud-based software solutions.

The post VidCruiter partners with the UK Government and is available via the G-Cloud framework appeared first on VidCruiter.