In the professional world, it's rare to find the career and opportunity that is best for you in the place you want to live in. When applying for ideal jobs in faraway lands, an employer will often ask to meet with your for an interview on the phone or via Skype.
I'd like to review a few key points that I've learned while doing these types of interviews.
1. Be yourself. Just because you're on a computer screen doesn't mean your interviewer won't see your personality. If they see that you can be personal online, they'll trust you'll be able to in real life as well.
2. Put yourself somewhere free from distraction. The difference between online interviews and in-person ones is place. You ultimately decide where you are when you make the call. If you're in your house, understand that your family member, friend, or cat could walk in at any time and become a distraction from your conversation.
3. Make sure you have a good connection. This doesn't just mean a personal connection, but a physical internet connection too. If your wifi cuts out part way through your interview, you might have lost your chance. Some interviewers have so many people to talk to that they cannot afford to reschedule with you if your call is dropped. Find a place with good, reliable service and go there.
4. Look the Part. Dress as if the interview were taking place in real life. Just because you're in your house doesn't mean you can just throw on your PJ's and try to only aim your webcam at your face. If you have to move around, your plan will be soiled and you probably won't get a call back. Protip: if you're a glasses wearer, consider removing your glasses, as computer screens often cause glares that make it impossible to see your eyes. It's very distracting to the other party, and hey, you really don't want to be confused with a robot.
-Coleman
PS the struggle for us glasses people is real:
Attention to detail can make or break your presentation. I'm glad you made this list so that I can see it and know how to better present myself on Skype.
ReplyDeleteGood points on what to wear (or not wear). It's always important to think of how different things may look through the lens of the camera. Something that may look professional up close and in person may not translate to the other person's screen. And admit it, you just wanted to share cool photos of your band. P.s. I think the photos you shared were cool photos of your band.
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