Increasingly companies are recruiting from all over the world. Interviewing methods have changed to incorporate video conferencing using different online calling methods such as Skype, Bluejeans, and others. But also telephone interviews are part of the hiring process. If you want to get a job these days you might want to follow the next tips.
Companies are using these cost-effective methods of interviewing saves time and resources and allows employers to consider applicants from outside their own geographical location.
We are all familiar with the formalities of going for a job interview, but how does that change when the role you’re going for is based overseas? Imagine not even being in the same room as the interviewer or being able to shake their hand!
Whether you want to work in Australia, Bermuda, Russia or Turks and Caicos, there are some important steps you can follow to make the process a little easier.
Preparing for an interview on Skype or other web application
Skype gives you the opportunity to participate in hiring processes, even if you can’t fly to the other side of the world at short notice for a face-to-face interview. It’s a great way of making an impact on a future employer and they can also get a sense of what you are capable of. Following the next tips can help to make your video conference by Skype a success.
Do a company research! don’t skip it!
It is essential that you look at the company’s website. This is a vital source of information and may contain information such as the Annual Report – this can often be downloaded from the website.
Make sure you have an excellent market knowledge and are aware of any issues affecting the industry and company. Read industry magazines and the business pages of broadsheet newspapers to make sure you know of any relevant media coverage. Most newspapers will have an online archive that you can search.
Set your interview stage
Set the space in which you will have the interview, make sure there is a good background that it won’t distract the interviewer. It is also important to ensure that is a place noise-free or with low noise and that an internet connection will be available for the device you use during the interview, so you don’t get interrupted.
Test your setup before the call in Skype.
You absolutely want to make sure that sound, video, and connections are working properly before you get the Skype call. So, our advice is to test the microphone, connection, and video by calling the Echo service in skype. For testing the video, you might check it in settings in your skype program installed on your computer.
If you are using the smartphone application then you simply want to call the Skype Echo service to ensure that your earbuds are working fine, also that the sound it streams is clear enough to keep a conversation during an hour or more.
Take a notepad and pen with you, don’t be afraid to take notes if you feel it is appropriate but don’t become distracted. Have a copy of your resume and the job description to refer to but don’t read from them.
What to wear for a job interview in Skype
Dress as you would if you were going to a face to face interview. Avoid light colours or patterns as it may be difficult for the camera to focus. The interviewer may not be able to see all of you, but you’ll feel more confident and empowered if you’re dressed to impress.
Sit up straight and try not to move around too much as the camera will be positioned on you.
Practice your verbatim
Practice at home with a mirror or with your cell phone camera so you can see if you have any off-putting habits such as touching your hair or putting your hand over your mouth. Think about the best position to sit in that looks professional and friendly but is still comfortable for you.
Don’t get preoccupied with how the technology works, focus on what you’re trying to achieve and getting your key points across to the interviewer. You can express enthusiasm, focus, and commitment better than you could in a telephone interview. You can also respond more directly to their questions.
During the interview
You will be able to see the interviewer on the video monitor, so as you would with a face to face interview, maintain eye contact. Treat the interview as a normal conversation, keep your head up looking at your computer camera or your phone’s camera and try to remain natural.
Be aware of your body language. Keep your hand and body movements to a minimum and make sure you’re sitting in a comfortable position. Jerky or rapid movements can look distorted on a video monitor.
Even with the most sophisticated video-conferencing technology, there will be slight time delays, this can be quite disconcerting for the first-time user. Leave lots of pauses before talking to allow all your words to be relayed to the interviewer. Try to remain calm and confident and resist the temptation to fill the void.
A positive and can-do attitude.
Smile! If you’ve answered a question negatively try to turn it into a positive. For example, “I’m not naturally patient with people who are slow to learn. However, I realize this and take extra time now to explain things to people as simply as possible.” Such as when the interviewer asks you about strengths and weaknesses
.
If asked why you want to leave your current role make your response positive. Never criticize a past employer.
If you are unable to answer a question when prompted, ask if you can go back to it at a later stage.
Make sure you understand the whole recruitment process. Who will be interviewing you? What is the next stage? Do they require references? Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Let the interviewer know if you are interested in the job. If you are enthusiastic it could make you stand out above the others. The company will know that it’s worth their while progressing things with you.
Ask Questions
It’s crucial that you prepare questions before the interview. Write them down and have them in front of you. Topics that you could cover include:
- Career progression
- The appraisal procedure
- Opportunities for secondment
- Details about the team you’d be working with
- Exciting developments in the future for the company
There are plenty of more questions you can ask during a job interview. Don’t bring up salary at this stage – it’s best to leave it until an offer has been made or until they ask you about it.
After the interview
Learn from it. Think about whether there was anything that you could have done better or differently. Take on board the feedback that the interviewer provides.
Advice for Regular Telephone Interviews
While telephone interviews aren’t an entirely new concept it can still be a nerve-racking experience for interviewer and applicant alike. It can be harder to make a first impression when a potential employer can’t see you, so job seekers have to work hard to make that all important first interview count. They test your verbal communication skills and telephone technique as well as your ability to cope with the unexpected.
The same rules apply for a telephone interview as they would a video conference; however, follow these simple tips to make telephoning interviewing stress-free.
- Provide a telephone number in which you know that you will be able to be reached. Make sure you have a contact number for the interviewer in case you do not receive the call when expected.
- Answer the phone personally. If there are other people there, warn them that you are expecting the call and don’t want to be interrupted.
- Ensure you are in a quiet location to take the call. It’s important to have a comfortable chair and to sit up straight. It will make you feel more confident. Project your voice and make sure your hands are not covering your mouth.
- Don’t chew gum, smoke, eat or nibble your pen. It can be very distracting for the interviewer.
- Listen carefully. You’re at a disadvantage as you can’t read their body language. Try to pick up on verbal cues.
- Make positive affirmations, don’t talk over the interviewer but show that you’re listening.
- If the interviewer stops talking or doesn’t come in as soon as you finish an answer, don’t worry. They are probably taking notes. Ask ‘would you like me to expand on that further?’ if you’re unsure about whether they are expecting you to carry on talking.
- The tone of voice. This is the most important aspect of this form of an interview. Sound interested, energetic and enthusiastic. Keep your answers brief, don’t be tempted to waffle or use jargon.
Think about what you want to achieve from the interview and how you see yourself fitting into the company you’re interviewing with. Video and telephone interviews are by no means a substitute for face to face interviews so show your enthusiasm and impress the interviewer so that they will take your job application to the next level.
This article does include information from Think Global Recruitment which Caribbean Jobs has the right to use.
