Transcript SKYPE-Tell Me About Yourself

What to do and what not to do in a
SKYPE virtual interview-How to
answer phone questions-The age old
“Tell me about yourself”
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Skype interviews are video interviews
The results have resulted in possible job offers.
Most people are developing their virtual
interview skills.
Know how to interview using virtual
interviewing software-Skype
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Should you take Skype interviews any
differently than a phone interview or a face-toface one? No-Prepare like you would for any
other interview
They are replacing the phone interviews
You certainly shouldn’t take it less seriously.
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1. Remember it’s an
interview -Chances are
you’re applying for a job in the real world, so be
yourself.
2. Concentrate on the facts –They want to hear stories
about what has brought you here today. They’re
looking for a demonstrable ability to perform well,
write succinctly, and give clear examples.
3. Dress for Success - Treat this interview as if you are
interviewing face to face. You do want to dress
professionally. Dressing in pajamas will produce a
more relaxed feeling when you are talking. Your
confidence will come across on the phone while you
are interviewing.
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4. Remain courteous – You wouldn’t rush away
from an interview the moment the final question
had been answered, so be sure to make an
impression from the moment you’re visible to the
moment you’re shaking virtual hands after a
successful meeting. If the interviewer can still see
you, make sure your behavior is impeccable.
5. Keep the interviewer informed – If you aren’t
sure about an answer, ask the virtual interviewer
for a little time to compose yourself. If you need
clarification on a question, don’t be afraid to ask
for it. If your virtual self is just sitting there doing
nothing for a couple of minutes without
explanation, it won’t look too good.
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6. Prepare your environment – You want to find a quiet space
where you will not be disturbed by any outside annoyances. If
you have children, it is important to have someone watching them
so you will not get interrupted during your interview. Let your
family and friends know what time you will be interviewing. Ask
them not to call or visit you during the specified time. You may
want to put a note on the door stating “Please do not disturb: In a
meeting” to avoid any distractions. In addition, you do not want
to have any electronics turned on that could possibly be heard
over the phone: cell phones, music, or television.
7. Prepare Questions -During the interview process you will be
asked the same questions as in a face-to-face interview. Knowing
as much information as possible about the company you are
interviewing with is very important to shine to a potential
employer. Be prepared with questions that pertain to the
company.
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8. Do your homework – A virtual
interview will be no less difficult than
a face-to-face interview. You still need to prepare and
be ready for any questions thrown at you.
9. Sit at a desk– When speaking, sounding poised is
important. Your voice will reflect your professionalism.
Choose a place such as a desk or the kitchen table
where you can sit straight as if you were interviewing
in person. Do NOT fidget and move around!
10. Tell the truth – Both recruiters and interviewees
have championed previous virtual interviews because
of the honesty involved. There’s a tendency to get to
the point and give a more confident reply to a question.
• Your username, usertag, handle etc…
• Avoid handles such as: beerlover05,
xohotstuffox, etc…
• Choose a username that incorporates your
actual name ie: drwarner
• Use numbers & underscores if your desired
username is already taken ie: dr_warner or
drwarner29
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Think…LinkedIn Profile Picture
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Position, angle, move your camera so
that you’re face is slightly above center
(portrait style)
Lighting
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Sitting in front of a window may cause your face to
appear dark and blurry
Lighting from the side can cast an ominous shadow
across your face
Position your computer in an area where the
sun/light is in front of your face
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Know your webcam, work out the glitches
Test-run with a friend ahead of time – Get
feedback on appearance, lighting, focus
Be aware of “lag” – test Internet/Wireless
connection before
Watch out for delay – response time
Eye contact is crucial – look at the camera
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Would you hire someone who knew nothing
about your business? Probably not!
Find out the following:
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What are their products, clients, specialties, etc.?
What skills & qualities are organizations seeking in that field?
Learn and incorporate the “buzz” words for your profession in
your responses.
Know basic interview questions such as:
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Tell me about yourself. (Tell them about your
skills/abilities/experiences – not about your age, family, or friends!)
Why should I hire you? (Again – tell them about your
skills/abilities/experiences and how you would be a fit for their
organization.)
What do you know about our organization? (Hopefully a lot!)
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Remember that a virtual interview is still a real
interview
Have a copy of Cover Letter and Resume on
hand
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Pen and Paper on hand
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Be ready early
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Don’t be intimidated
Phone interview is often a prelude to a face-toface interview
Used to select a pool of candidates to have a
more in-depth interview
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Make sure you do your homework
 Prepare for the interview by thinking of
questions ahead of time
Schedule at a mutually convenient time
 Allow for more than 30 minutes
Make sure to jot down the name and number of
the person you interview with
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Quiet area with no distractions
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Eliminate all disturbances
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No TV, Barking Dogs, Children, Radio…etc.
Tell family/roommates not to bother you
Turn off cell phone (if calling from home phone)
If not possible to have a quiet place at home
then arrange to take call elsewhere
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Car, School, Office…etc.
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Have pen and paper available
Write down address, phone number, and
correct spelling of name
Try NOT to take notes during interview
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Note taking can create uncomfortable pauses
You may miss important information
Write notes at conclusion of interview
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It will still be fresh in your mind
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It will make a difference on how you feel about
yourself
Assume same dress and professional demeanor
as you would meeting in person
Positive and confident attitude important!
List of what to have on hand:
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Advertisement you responded to
Copy of your resume and cover letter
Copy of a well rehearsed statement of your
professional and educational background
List of questions for you to ask the interviewer
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Practice with friend. Practice in front of mirror
Smile, it impacts your attitude
Speak clearly and sincerely. Listen
Do not rush the conversation. Pausing to
gather thoughts is OKAY!
Don’t ramble
Don’t interrupt the interviewer
Focus your questions on situation at hand
Avoid long periods of silence
Don’t discuss compensation
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Ask questions
THANK THE INTERVIEWER
Show enthusiasm about pursing opportunity
 Ask about next step in the process
Write a thank you note/email the same day
After a couple days follow up with a phone call
 to reinforce your desire for an in person
interview
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7 Key Elements
Element #1: Begin with your name
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"I'm John Doe."
Then move on quickly…
Element #2: Identify your current profession
What is it you actually do in your job?
Use the present or current tense; talk about who
you are today.
If you haven't had a job that is similar quickly
discuss something related to it.
Describe your passion for what you do.
• Show your enthusiasm with a "What I
love to do is…" sentence.
• Demonstrate you are highly
motivated
• These traits provides
assurance you would be a
great personality fit.
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Demonstrate who benefits from what you do.
When asked to tell the interviewer about yourself
you should always…let them know what you can
do for them
You then begin to convey your value.
Element #5: Target Your Audience
Tailor your message to the employer.
Figure out what work experiences
you have that are most important to
the employer
Plant this image in their mind, "This person can
help me and my company."
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Figure out something about your job that gives
you a good feeling and apply it.
Example: “You know it is so exciting to see
our students become successful”
Show an emotional connection with the work
you do-you demonstrate how you fit into a
company's culture. “I truly enjoy
working at SU because of ……”
Always remember-it is all about
what you can do for them!