Friday, May 8, 2020
How To Prepare For Your Phone Or Skype Interview
How To Prepare For Your Phone Or Skype Interview How To Prepare For Your Phone Or Skype Interview Today the hiring process often begins with a brief phone screening with a third-party recruiter or HR associate. The employerâs main purpose is to get some basic information: your salary requirements and availability. The interviewer also is trying to get a sense of who you are and how you might fit into the company culture. Smart candidates use an initial interview as an opportunity to learn more about the employer as well. In some respects itâs like a first date: each party is evaluating whether or not he or she wants to take the relationship further. If you make it through the initial screening interview, youâll probably be scheduled for a more in-depth phone conversation or, in some cases, an interview via Skype. On the surface, virtual interviews seem like they are easier than in person. You donât have to sneak out of the office for several hours for a half-hour interview. You donât have to worry about finding the office. Unfortunately, because youâre not meeting face-to-face, itâs tempting to think that a phone or Skype interview is just a formality. Donât make that mistake. Spend time preparing for any virtual interview: phone or Skype. 1) Make sure youâre in a quiet space where you wonât be interrupted. Avoid the urge to interview in your office (even if you have a private office) or in a well-trafficked area like a stairwell. The day youâre interviewing with a recruiter will be the day that your boss decides to take the stairs. 2) If youâre scheduled for a phone interview itâs always preferable to use a landline but if thatâs not possible be sure that youâre someplace where you have good cell reception. Itâs nearly impossible for a recruiter to conduct an interview when your voice is garbled, or your phone keeps cutting in and out. If youâre scheduled for a Skype interview test your camera, microphone, and Internet connection well before the interview. If youâre using a laptop, make sure the battery is fully charged. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, losing your cell-phone connection or being unable to connect via Skype doesnât speak well for your ability to plan ahead. 3) Research the company and the person who will be interviewing you. Spend some time reviewing the companyâs website. Look at their LinkedIn page and social media outlets. When the interviewer asks if youâre familiar with the company they arenât expecting you to mutter ânoâ theyâre expecting some intelligent comments. Take the time to visit the LinkedIn profiles of the people youâll be talking with. It may help you find common ground.Prepare notes about the company and have them on hand for your call. Notes should include: information that youâve gathered about the company; information about the person or persons youâre interviewing with; and any questions you have about the company and the position. Be sure to have your resume on hand to prompt you with names, dates, and accomplishments. 4) Prepare notes about the company and have them on hand for your call. Notes should include: information that youâve gathered about the company; information about the person or persons youâre interviewing with; and any questions you have about the company and the position. Be sure to have your resume on hand to prompt you with names, dates, and accomplishments. If youâre being interviewed via Skype, make sure that your notes are not visible during the call. Also, make sure that the background is clear and uncluttered. You donât want it to appear that you have a treadmill sticking out of your head. 5) Know your resume cold. Also, be prepared to talk about everything you claim on LinkedIn and other social media sites as well. This is particularly important if you have your documents prepared by a professional writer. Everything on your resume and that the hiring manager can find online is fair game. Bonus: A Few More Tips for Skype Make sure the light is shining on your face rather than behind you to avoid looking like a silhouette. Remember, the camera adds pounds, lean in to look thin. Have a professional looking profile photo and Skype handle. Turn off notifications on your computer and close other software programs. Choose your clothing carefully. Think TV anchor, not Rock Start. Try to avoid black or white. Treat a virtual interview as you would an in-person meeting. Pay attention. Be enthusiastic. Sell yourself to the employer. Also, make sure to ask key questions. This is an opportunity for you to learn about them too. Even if itâs only a 20-minute chat with a recruiter be sure to follow up with a thank-you email after the call. Express your interest and mention anything you forgot to say during the call. Acing the phone or Skype interview is the first step to being asked to meet face-to-face. If youâd like to work with Annette Richmond, a certified resume writer, LinkedIn Profile writer, and career consultant, please schedule an introductory call to discuss your needs. You will be able to access Annetteâs calendar to choose a day and time that works for you.
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