Skype Job Interviews – Six Great Tips

Skype Job Interviews – Six Great Tips Skype – The Perfect Job Interview Communication Tool The ease of using Skype as a communication tool in business has opened up many new opportunities in the health, education and business sectors. In the recruitment industry it’s now being used as a means to interview prospective job candidates. Skype has changed the way organisations hire new employees, making it possible for them to conduct video interviews, thereby saving travel costs. Statistics show that 42 percent of companies use Skype for the first round of prospective employee interviews. Although a Skype interview cannot replace a face-to-face meeting, it allows companies to get a very good first impression of job applicants. Skype Tips for Job Seekers If you’re a job seeker about to be interviewed via Skype, here are six great tips to help you shine. 1) Check Your Equipment Make sure your Internet connection is working properly. A dropped call will distract from the interview and reflect poorly on your ability to plan ahead. Purchase a dedicated microphone, don’t rely on the built-in one, and make sure it’s working. Before the interview, have your CV or link to your portfolio standing by, as your interviewer may want to view it. 2) Dress to Impress Even though your interview is being held on video, it’s still vitally important to dress in a business-like manner – for men that means a tie and jacket and for women a smart top … and for goodness sake lose the nose studs! Your Skype username and profile (with picture) should also be professional – cut the cute name and that you look neat in your picture. 3) Lights, Camera, Action This is your time to shine. Treat your Skype interview as your big television debut. You’re the director and the leading lady or man. Check the background and lighting and make sure the room is tidy. Ensure that you’re in focus when seated in your chair and during your interview smile a lot. A smile tells your interviewer you’re an upbeat, confident person with a positive attitude. 4) Research, Research, Research Spend some time browsing the company’s website and if possible talk to people who work there. Make some notes about their products and services as well as the culture and values and try to memorise some of these. During your interview you will impress your interviewer by mentioning some of these values or products. 5) Be Interesting Don’t be a bore. Listen carefully to your interviewer and respond quickly and positively to any questions he or she asks. If you don’t know the answer to a question, don’t make one up – rather say ‘I don’t know’. By all means ask questions, but make sure they’re relevant. It’s a good idea to prepare a few questions in advance. 6) Don’t Appear Greedy During an interview, employers are trying to assess whether you’re the right person for the job and for the company and this means you shouldn’t be asking, ‘What’s in it for me?’ Rather concentrate on what you can contribute to the company. Final Word Once you’ve had your interview, it’s not a good idea to follow up on Skype chat as this is most intrusive. If you feel the need to follow up, a more professional approach is send a thank-you via email.

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