Skype interviews are increasingly common, but how do marketing employers and jobseekers make the best of them? Interviewing via Skype or other specialist video communications systems has certainly proved its worth for recruiters, being incredibly cost and time efficient. Skype cuts out the need for the candidate to travel, and allows employers to easily assess regional, even international job candidates.
Skype video recording, with the addition of easily-downloadable special programmes, means the employer can tightly control, pause, replay and share interview footage, generally making the selection process easier to manage.
For the candidates, getting in front of the camera is a real opportunity to shine. Compared to a phone interview, Skype allows you all the benefits of communicating with positive body language, but the trick is to make sure you come across as confident, bright, affable, genuine and well-prepared. This is not the time or place to mumble, frown, slurp tea or shrug your shoulders disinterestedly!
Skype Interviews – Tips for the Interviewer
Record the interviews so that you can replay and make more insightful decisions about candidates with colleagues. You can record Skype video calls once you’ve downloaded programmes such as the Evaer Skype Video Recorder and Supertintin Skype Video Recorder.
Once you have quality candidates lined up to speak to, don’t let technology disappoint on the day. It’s worth running technical checks well in advance so that you know how strong your internet connection is, whether your computer is functioning properly, microphone and headset working etc. Do a trial run with a colleague as a precaution, particularly if you are recording. You want the candidate to have a hitch-free experience. The employer brand could be damaged if you make a hash of a Skype interview!
Also as a contingency plan, make sure you’ve got every interviewee’s telephone number and email address in case you lose connection or encounter a technical hitch part way through the Skype interview.
Don’t be too robotic and officious. Your interviewees are likely to be nervous so try and put them at ease from the offset. Your opening conversation will set the tone for the interview so decide in advance if you want to keep the interaction highly professional, or a little more relaxed. Remember that if you are stilted and cold on screen you could put the interviewee on edge, which isn’t good for you or them.
Skype Interviews tips for the interviewee
With a little forethought and planning, you can make Skype job interviews work for you. Be sure to carry out all the usual research as for a regular job interview, look the part, and have some great answers lined up to show off your skills and experience really well.
Remember to treat the video interview just as seriously as you would an in-person one. But at the same time be aware that the video element puts a whole new dimension on this stage of your job hunt. Spend some time thinking about how to look and sound like the ideal candidate.
● Have a neutral background – lots of clutter in the background will distract and could make you look like a disorganised person. It can help to adjust the lighting by bringing in extra lamps
● Tell family or flatmates not to disturb you while you’re recording or doing a live video interview– people bursting into the room will be distracting for all.
● Practise – if you have a webcam, record yourself to see how you appear on camera. Get used to the technology so that you know what to do on the day.
● Dress appropriately in professional interview attire, just as you would for a regular face-to-face interview. Skype says blues work particularly well on video, while bright pinks and orange can be problematic. Strong patterns such as dots and stripes should be avoided.
● Both men and women should consider using make up, according to Skype. Foundations and ‘matifiers’ are available to take off the shine and ensure you look your best on screen.
● If the video interview is automated – so that you do it at a time that suits you – make sure you follow the instructions carefully. If you’re not sure how the webcam works, ask for help which is typically available online or by telephone. Make sure that if there is a time limit on the answers you give, you have factored that into your planning.
● Relax and smile. Try to look directly at the camera, not down at the desk or table.
● Don’t fiddle with papers and notes, and make sure you don’t move around too much, which affects image quality and won’t look good to the viewer.
● Don’t drink while you’re being interviewed as this looks too casual and is distracting for you and the interviewer.
This article was provided by www.simplymarketingjobs.co.uk the leading online recruitment board.
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