SKYPE AND PHONE INTERVIEWING-TELL ME

ABOUT YOURSELFWhat to do and what not to do in a

SKYPE virtual interview-How to answer phone questions-The age

old “Tell me about yourself”

SKYPE Virtual Interviewing

Skype interviews are video interviews The results have resulted in possible job

offers. Most people are developing their virtual

interview skills. Know how to interview using virtual

interviewing software-Skype

SKYPE Virtual Interviews

Should you take Skype interviews any differently than a phone interview or a face-to-face one? No-Prepare like you would for any other interview

They are replacing the phone interviews You certainly shouldn’t take it less

seriously.

10 tips to give you a fighting chance

1. Remember it’s aninterview -Chances are you’re applying for a job in the real world, so be yourself.

2. Concentrate on the facts –They want to hear stories about what has brought you here today. They’re looking for a demonstrable ability to perform well, write succinctly, and give clear examples.

3. Dress for Success - Treat this interview as if you are interviewing face to face. You do want to dress professionally. Dressing in pajamas will produce a more relaxed feeling when you are talking. Your confidence will come across on the phone while you are interviewing.

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4. Remain courteous – You wouldn’t rush away from an interview the moment the final question had been answered, so be sure to make an impression from the moment you’re visible to the moment you’re shaking virtual hands after a successful meeting. If the interviewer can still see you, make sure your behavior is impeccable.

5. Keep the interviewer informed – If you aren’t sure about an answer, ask the virtual interviewer for a little time to compose yourself. If you need clarification on a question, don’t be afraid to ask for it. If your virtual self is just sitting there doing nothing for a couple of minutes without explanation, it won’t look too good.

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6. Prepare your environment – You want to find a quiet space where you will not be disturbed by any outside annoyances. If you have children, it is important to have someone watching them so you will not get interrupted during your interview. Let your family and friends know what time you will be interviewing. Ask them not to call or visit you during the specified time. You may want to put a note on the door stating “Please do not disturb: In a meeting” to avoid any distractions. In addition, you do not want to have any electronics turned on that could possibly be heard over the phone: cell phones, music, or television.

7. Prepare Questions -During the interview process you will be asked the same questions as in a face-to-face interview. Knowing as much information as possible about the company you are interviewing with is very important to shine to a potential employer. Be prepared with questions that pertain to the company.

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8. Do your homework – A virtual interview will be no less difficult than a face-to-face interview. You still need to prepare and be ready for any questions thrown at you.

9. Sit at a desk– When speaking, sounding poised is important. Your voice will reflect your professionalism. Choose a place such as a desk or the kitchen table where you can sit straight as if you were interviewing in person. Do NOT fidget and move around!

10. Tell the truth – Both recruiters and interviewees have championed previous virtual interviews because of the honesty involved. There’s a tendency to get to the point and give a more confident reply to a question.

The “Handle”

• Your username, usertag, handle etc…

• Avoid handles such as: beerlover05, xohotstuffox, etc…

• Choose a username that incorporates your actual name ie: drwarner

• Use numbers & underscores if your desired username is already taken ie: dr_warner or drwarner29

The Angles

Think…LinkedIn Profile Picture Position, angle, move your camera so

that you’re face is slightly above center (portrait style)

Lighting Sitting in front of a window may cause your

face to appear dark and blurry Lighting from the side can cast an ominous

shadow across your face Position your computer in an area where the

sun/light is in front of your face

Tech-“Know”-logy

Know your webcam, work out the glitches Test-run with a friend ahead of time – Get

feedback on appearance, lighting, focus Be aware of “lag” – test

Internet/Wireless connection before Watch out for delay – response time Eye contact is crucial – look at the

camera

Research & Prepare

Would you hire someone who knew nothing about your business? Probably not!

Find out the following: What are their products, clients, specialties, etc.? What skills & qualities are organizations seeking in that field? Learn and incorporate the “buzz” words for your profession

in your responses. Know basic interview questions such as:

Tell me about yourself. (Tell them about your skills/abilities/experiences – not about your age, family, or friends!)

Why should I hire you? (Again – tell them about your skills/abilities/experiences and how you would be a fit for their organization.)

What do you know about our organization? (Hopefully a lot!)

Final Tips

Remember that a virtual interview is still a real interview

Have a copy of Cover Letter and Resume on hand

Pen and Paper on hand

Be ready early

The Phone Interview

Don’t be intimidated

Phone interview is often a prelude to a face-to-face interview

Used to select a pool of candidates to have a more in-depth interview

1. Allow Enough Time

Make sure you do your homework Prepare for the interview by thinking of

questions ahead of time Schedule at a mutually convenient time

Allow for more than 30 minutes Make sure to jot down the name and

number of the person you interview with

2. Find a Quiet Place

Quiet area with no distractions No TV, Barking Dogs, Children, Radio…etc.

Eliminate all disturbances Tell family/roommates not to bother you Turn off cell phone (if calling from home

phone) If not possible to have a quiet place at

home then arrange to take call elsewhere Car, School, Office…etc.

3. Caution!! Note Taking

Have pen and paper available Write down address, phone number, and

correct spelling of name Try NOT to take notes during interview

Note taking can create uncomfortable pauses You may miss important information

Write notes at conclusion of interview It will still be fresh in your mind

4. Dress Professionally/Be Prepared

It will make a difference on how you feel about yourself

Assume same dress and professional demeanor as you would meeting in person

Positive and confident attitude important! List of what to have on hand:

Advertisement you responded to Copy of your resume and cover letter Copy of a well rehearsed statement of your

professional and educational background List of questions for you to ask the interviewer

5. Practice, Practice, Practice!

Practice with friend. Practice in front of mirror

Smile, it impacts your attitude Speak clearly and sincerely. Listen Do not rush the conversation. Pausing to

gather thoughts is OKAY! Don’t ramble Don’t interrupt the interviewer Focus your questions on situation at hand Avoid long periods of silence Don’t discuss compensation

6. Conclusion of Interview

Ask questions THANK THE INTERVIEWER Show enthusiasm about pursing

opportunity Ask about next step in the process

Write a thank you note/email the same day

After a couple days follow up with a phone call to reinforce your desire for an in person

interview

“Tell Me About Yourself”

7 Key Elements Element #1: Begin with your name

… "I'm John Doe." Then move on quickly… Element #2: Identify your current profession• What is it you actually do in your job? • Use the present or current tense; talk about who you are today.

• If you haven't had a job that is similar quickly discuss something related to it.

Element #3: Transition

• Describe your passion for what you do.• Show your enthusiasm with a "What I love to do is…" sentence.

• Demonstrate you are highly motivated

• These traits provides assurance you would be a great personality fit.

Element #4: What You Can Do For Them

• Demonstrate who benefits from what you do. • When asked to tell the interviewer about yourself you should always…let them know what you can do for them

• You then begin to convey your value.• Element #5: Target Your Audience• Tailor your message to the employer. • Figure out what work experiences you have that are most important to the employer

• Plant this image in their mind, "This person can help me and my company."

Element #6: Show Emotion

Figure out something about your job that gives you a good feeling and apply it.

Example: “You know it is so exciting to see our students become successful”

Show an emotional connection with the work you do-you demonstrate how you fit into a company's culture. “I truly enjoy working at SU because of ……”

Always remember-it is all about what you can do for them!