Employers Using Skype for Interviews

Employers Using Skype for Interviews

If you are looking for a job right now, you may be surprised to find out that your interview could occur through video-related software such as Skype.  In order to reduce costs, many employers are doing more and more through the use of video.  It works out well for both parties.  The prospective employee may actually be able to do their job interviews from home. 

If you are going to be interviewed in this manner, be sure you are prepared.   For a great article on how to prepare for your interview on Skype, check out the following by e.how.com:

Succeeding in a Skype interview takes as much preparation, if not more, than a regular interview.
Skype.com
User-Submitted Article

With companies slashing expenses in every which way these days, many are now preferring to interview job candidates online using applications such as Skype. With face to face interaction still intact, hiring managers can eliminate the costs associated with flying out candidates while maintaining the considerable benefits of having a face-to-face conversation.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

  • A computer equipped with a webcam, microphone, and Skype
  • Appropriate interview attire
  • As isolated room with adequate lighting, lacking any distractions
  1. First, remember this is a REAL interview! Do not be tricked into thinking that preparation is not required since the interview will be done online. Though there are some tricks to Skype interviews listed below that are not available in an on-site interview, hiring managers will still be choosing individuals that they perceive as most qualified for the job. Thus, PREPARE for the interview in advance. Call the company or asking the hiring manager what would be the appropriate dress for the interview for you to best fit in with the company’s culture (if you do not know already).
  2. If possible, test out your computer set-up days before the interview is set to take place. If possible, use an ethernet cable to access the web; relying on Wi-Fi during an interview is a risk that should be avoided at all costs. Also, make sure there is plenty of lighting in the room, so that the hiring manager can clearly see your face. Free the room of any unnecessary distractions (for instance, a red umbrella or green coat hanging in the background), but it is okay for there to leave non-distracting objects up (such as a clock, a table, etc.). Test the call with another friend to make sure no minor details need to be adjusted (such as the distance between you and the screen).
  3. Try to get the computer’s webcam high enough so that it is eye-level with you. Some laptops naturally require the user to look down at the camera, and that look is typically not as flattering for an interview as the eye-level approach. This can be achieved by a variety of creative means, but if you have some sort of laptop or computer stand, that would be best.
  4. Get there early! Log onto Skype approximately 15 minutes before the interview start time. If the hiring manager is already online, they will be impressed that you have shown up for this virtual interview early. If not, they will still notice you were already online when they got on.
  5. Be professional, but be yourself! Don’t get nervous; demonstrating confidence can sometimes be one of the deciding factors to who the company chooses for the job. Try not to refer to notes (see tip below), however, feel free to write down anything the interviewer might say. Also, it is appropriate to look at the video feed of the interviewer while they are talking, however, it is imperative that you speak to them by looking at the webcam. This will give the impression of eye contact, which is a major selling point in any interview.
via ehow.com

Dr. Diane Hamilton is Interviewed by Dean Voelker

Click the date link to hear the audio file. Please be patient for the file to load in your media player.

  • 07/31/2010 – Dr. Diane Hamilton (Current Show)

    •       click this link to hear the show
    via helpmy401k.us

    Click on the above link and go about five minutes into the show to listen to Financial Talk Show Host and Author, Dean Voelker, interview Dr. Diane Hamilton about young adults, money, online learning, careers, and even Lady Gaga. . . Stay tuned until the end to hear more about Diane’s books: The Online Student’s User Manual, How to Reinvent Your Career and Ten Things The Young Adult Needs to Know to Be Financially Savvy.

    Dean Voelker Interviews Dr. Diane Hamilton

    WHME-FM Radio Show

    “Improving Your Financial Health”
    Listen to this Radio Program
    with Dean Voelker, AAMS
    on WHME-FM in South Bend, IN
    Saturdays at 9:00am EST    Click Here: 2010 Archived Shows

    Upcoming Show – “Improving Your Financial Health”

  • –>07/31/2010 – Dr. Diane Hamilton (Upcoming Show)
    My guest this week is Dr. Diane Hamilton – www.drdianehamilton.com. Diane has a Doctorate in Business Management and currently teaches business courses for six online universities. Along with her teaching experience, she has more than 25 years of business and management experience. Dr. Hamilton has also written several books and articles which focus on understanding online education, and personal finance for young adults. Her most recent book, Ten Things Young Adults Need to Know to be Financially Savvy is designed to teach young adults basic principles of personal finance. The unique and innovative style of the book engages young readers to learn about money management, home-buying and other areas of personal finance in an entertaining and personal way that is far from the typical dull text available on the subject. Please join me for a lively discussion with Dr. Diane Hamilton as we talk about how to keep young people better informed.
    		•
    via helpmy401k.us

    My interview with Dean will be on Saturday’s show and you can also check back on Dean’s site at www.helpmy401k.us for the actual interview file if you miss it.

    Changing Jobs – Be Sure You Have the Right Skills

    It’s important to look at how things have changed since you last made a career move, and decide whether you’ve kept up with the changes around you. Are you lacking some important skills? I recommend assessing your skills inventory and deciding whether you need to get some training in some of the following areas:
    1. Computer use
    2. Networking
    3. Interview performance
    4. Job Hunting
    5. Communication
    6. Analytical research
    7. Adaptability
    8. Diversity awareness
    9. Leadership
    10. Planning/goal setting
    11. Problem solving
    12. Teamwork
    13. Multi-tasking
    14. People skills
    15. Self-reliance

     Remember that these are all important skills that employers are going to be looking for in prospective employees. Remember to highlight your abilities in each of these areas when writing your résumé.

    13 Illegal Interview Questions: Do you know what to do?

     Editor Notes: Most Job Seekers have no idea what an Illegal Interview question sounds like. Here is a list of 13 questions that a job interviewer should not be asking you. Remember the purpose of an interview is to get the job. So it is important that you understand how to answer even inappropriate interview questions.
    13 Sample Illegal and Legal Interview via internsover40.blogspot.com

    In my book How to Reinvent Your Career I write about interview questions you should be prepared to answer. Remember that there are some things that should not be asked in an interview. I think this writer has an interesting take on this situation. . . however, be sure you know that no one can ask you directly about your:

    Race
    Color
    Sex
    Religion
    National origin
    Birthplace
    Age
    Disability
    Marital/family status

    For more advice about how to handle these questions, check out an additional article by Monster by clicking here.