4 tips on how to succeed in your adidas video job interview

So you have decided to apply for a job with adidas. Great ! What’s next?

If you are in the market for your next gig, you may have come across some organizations that are using video interviewing. A few years back this was a relatively experimental approach in the field of recruiting.  Now, the technology and internet speeds are making this a more viable option for a more efficient recruiting process, both for the organization and the candidate.  Therefore we felt it’s important to shed some light on the technology itself and how to get the most out of the experience.

Video interviews at adidas

At adidas we are leveraging video interviewing for certain positions in North America and our Headquarters in Germany. We use this technology as it allows us to interview many more candidates than we would without it.

There are many forms of video interviewing.  It can be as simple as doing a live interview via Skype or leveraging technology that allows for a virtual interview. 

In our case, we leverage both. But in this example we are discussing the latter, the virtual video interview.

What is a video interview and how does it work?

A virtual video interview is essentially a web-based pre-recorded video interview.  This method allows you to record the interview at your convenience. We typically give you 3-4 days to complete the interview and all you need is a web-cam and microphone.  You can even use your mobile device. During the video interview, you watch our team ask you a question which you will also read on the screen. For each question you are given approximately 20 seconds to prepare, followed by 2-minutes to record your response. Most interviews range from 6-8 questions. The hiring team then uses the information to evaluate which candidates to invite into the next stages. That could be via phone, live video or in person.

How to nail your interview

We have watched thousands of these videos.  Here are 4 tips to make a great first impression.

Based on candidate feedback, we understand for most of you this is the first time you have been asked to complete an interview like this.  We don’t expect perfection. Instead, we are only looking to gather the basic information we need to assess your qualifications according to the requirements of our hiring team.

The system will guide you through a setup.  Make sure the audio and video are working correctly.  If they are available, get used to the watch/prepare/respond rhythm of the interview by taking advantage of the practice questions.  By the second or third question, you will have it down.

Read through the job description thoroughly. Give examples of your previous work that support the experience and skills asked for in the job description.

We can hear your phone ringing.  We can see your dog using the backyard as a toilet through the window over your shoulder. True story!  As evidence that no videos are perfect, ‘dog in the backyard’-guy was hired for an Operations position with our team in Portland and is doing a fantastic job.

Working for us is fun.  Take a deep breath and relax. Put the dog away and turn off your ringer.

Let’s all enjoy the interview process. Good luck to everyone.

If you have any questions please reach out to us and leave your comment below.