When you are looking for that perfect information technology job, your first interview might happen in a format that you never thought of before. This means that you have to be able to convey your expertise through any number of different mediums. Therefore, acing your phone or Skype interview with any potential employer could be a vital part of the future of your career. Here are some of the best tips for making your phone or Skype interview the best it can be.
Phone Interview Best Practices
Phone interviews are sometimes thought of as easier than in-person interviews because you do not have to dress up or show up at a certain time. However, your phone interview is just as important as any other interview. Here are some of our tips for nailing your phone interview.
- Be prepared. That means making sure that the room is clear of distractions, having your resume in clear view so that you can glance at it when necessary, and having talking points ready to go at a moment’s notice. Make sure you have space to take notes, too, so you can refer back to earlier parts of the interview later if necessary.
- Practice beforehand. While it may feel a little silly to say your talking points out loud, it can do wonders for your confidence if you have your answers down pat. Better yet, get a friend or family member to give you feedback on your answers.
- During the interview, don’t eat or chew gum. It is okay to keep some water handy just in case.
- Over the phone, you don’t have the luxury of expression or body language, so it all has to come through in your voice. Even though your interviewer isn’t looking at you, smile – it will help your voice stay bright and positive. Speak clearly and enunciate your words.
Skype Interview Best Practices
This is a much newer type of interview. Whereas the phone interview is often a tool for the employer to decide whether to set up an in-person interview, the Skype interview can sometimes take the place of its in-person counterpart. As such, there are some definite best practices you should follow to make sure that you make the best impression you can during your Skype interview.
- Be prepared. Unlike a phone interview, your Skype interviewer will see you, so make sure that you are well dressed. Additionally, your interviewer will see your space – whether it’s your living room or your office – so make sure there is no clutter in the background.
- Make sure your computer is up and running properly. This means closing all other programs so you can give Skype your full attention. Not only will this minimize your own distraction, but it will also help the program run more smoothly.
- During the interview, speak clearly and enunciate well. Knowing your talking points ahead of time is a huge plus, and keep your resume on hand if you need to take a quick glance at it. You should also make sure that you look at the camera and not at your screen. Believe it or not, it’s obvious to the interviewer if you are looking at yourself or at them. By looking at the camera, you are essentially maintaining eye contact with the interviewer.
