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Job Interviews Online

I was watching a report last night on the BBC news about the increase in the use of Skype and other technologies for interviewing job applicants.

For companies that need to recruit many staff each year (large food and clothing retailers, for example) it saves time, money and streamlines the process, particularly for the first round of the interview process.

For you, as the interviewee, it means you don’t have to incur travel costs and it’s probably less stressful if you’re confident using the technology. But, here are some tips on how to succeed:

Make sure you’ve downloaded the correct software and practise being interviewed by friends and relatives in the days running up to the interview.

Think about the background against which the interview will take place. Try to get a plain, neutral background, with no silly pictures or household items in view. Find somewhere quiet and try to ensure no distractions from family or pets. Good lighting is important.

Dress just as you would for an ordinary interview – being well-dressed gives you confidence! But avoid heavily patterned clothes. Your hair and make-up should be neat and professional.

Do the normal preparation that you would for a face-to-face interview. Re-read your CV and check what you have put in your cover letter/email. Practice answering the kind of questions that you have been taught to expect at interview.

Make sure you research the company that is offering the job and check you know the name of the person who will be interviewing you. Have a pad and pencil handy with notes of anything you want to ask (interviews are always a two-way process).

Then when the call starts, smile and look enthusiastic. Focus on your pad/laptop’s camera in the same way you would make eye-contact at an ordinary interview. Make sure your body language is appropriate – neither too wooden, nor too flamboyant.

Finally, if the technology goes wrong, don’t panic. Call them back, or wait for them to call you. And good luck!

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Susan Metcalfe - head of Business Training - discusses business, training and work issues. Come and join in the conversation or just enjoy the read!