Skype/video conference guide
18/08/2014
Skype/video conference guide
In the world of modern communications the Skype/video conference interview s are becoming more and more prevalent. They are often a useful way for employers and candidates to asses each other’s credibility before progressing to commit to a formal face to face interview and they often provide more information than a simple telephone interview. In some case due to the demands of the international Marine and Offshore industries candidates are offered jobs and contracts off of the back of a strong Skype interview.
There are a number of important points to consider when you are invited to a video conference – by their very nature they are a hybrid between telephone and face to face interviews.
At WRS Tech whenever we arrange any interview between our clients and candidates we aim to prepare our candidates as much as possible to support them. Our consultants will often brief the candidate on the company, interviewer and job they are being put forward to. We also provide some basic information in the form of our “interview preparation guide”.
This guide has proved invaluable to many candidates to securing the role they have applied to.
Some of the general key points which will enable a candidate (and an interviewer if looked at from the other side of the phone) to conduct a successful Skype interviews are as follows:
1. Background
Prepare (in advance) a space in which you will be able to participate in the interview without being disrupted by background noise and with a good internet connection. An important consideration is the physical background behind you. You don’t want what is behind you to detract from you. We recommend conducting a trial Skype interview with a friend (or recruitment consultant) to set up your background.
TOP TIP: place your laptop on books or folder to bring the camera up to eye level (no one likes interview nostrils)
2. Information
At WRS Tech we thoroughly recommend printing a copy of your CV and the Job specification to have a reference in front of you. However good your memory is, a physical prop can act as safety line, aide memoir or talking point (it is highly likely the person conducting the interview has a copy in front of them!)
TOP TIP: Turn off other computer programs (and mobiles) before the interview. You don’t want anything to intrude on the interview.
3. Notes
TAKE NOTES! It is important to take notes of what is discussed, to keep an accurate record of any dates or figures that are brought up – WRS Tech’s consultants appreciate a candidate that has taken accurate notes for them to follow up on. To aide this we recommend having a pen and paper on hand for the interview. It is also useful for jotting down questions you want your recruitment consultant to follow up on.
TOP TIP: Use a pen and paper. The interviewer will see you are taking notes and you will not be noisily tapping on the keyboard during the interview.
4. Research
Even though our Consultants prepare a candidate with information about the company and job role we recommend spending a minimum of 30 minutes researching the company you are being interviewed by. Not only is this good manners but it will show you as solid next hire to the interviewer. We also advise that you have a copy of the companies telephone contact details should the videoconference fail.
TOP TIP: have the company’s website up in front of you on your computer (one of the only things to have ion your laptop apart from the video conferencing software during the interview.
5. Timing
Give yourself plenty of time before the call and after the call so that you are relaxed, prepared and able to show yourself in the best light possible. If you have given yourself plenty of time you will come across as more confident and relaxed.
TOP TIP: Dress like the interview is a face to face interview. You will create a positive professional image. No pyjamas.
Good luck and remember to call your consultant as soon as possible after your interview
