With the advancement in technology over the last few years we have certainly seen a rapid increase in consumer lifestyles in that they are becoming increasingly fast-paced and technologically driven. This has allowed businesses and employers to make use of varying platforms and communication channels when conducting interviews. For convenience purposes, face-to-face interviews can effortlessly be replaced with video (Skype and Face Time) as well as telephonic interviews which is why we have decided to identify a number of pointers on how to prepare for video or telephonic interviews.
VIDEO:
The following points pertain to video interviews and how to prepare for one:
- Appearance is key and so too are your surroundings. Be sure to dress professionally, prepare and de-clutter your surroundings, ensuring they are neat and a good representation or reflection of your personality and your approach to life. Untidy surroundings can give potential employers the impression that you are an untidy person in many varying aspects.
- Just as important as physical appearance so too is the appearance of your profile on whichever platform you are using for video communication. Ensure that your profile picture and username are professional.
- Practice and prepare as you would in a face-to-face interview. Just as a face-to-face interview requires research and question and/or answer preparation, so too does a video interview, infact it is just as much a face-to-face interview as one would be. Be sure to write down any questions you may have for your interviewer and try to memorise these so that you are not distracted by the sheet of paper or braking eye contact too often. It is advised that you practice answering questions as well, as your body language and facial expressions are an important aspect of any interview. Be attentive to the interviewer on the other side of the screen and react appropriately.
- It is important to be aware of back ground noise. Computer and mobile microphones are very sensitive to these noises, for example shuffling paper or typing on your computer during an interview will easily be heard over a Skype or Face Time video call. These noises can be distracting to the interviewer and may disrupt the communication levels of the interview.
TELEPHONIC:
The following points pertain to video interviews and how to prepare for one:
- Prepare the same as you would for a face-to-face interview. Preparation for any interview is imperative. Be sure to prepare questions of your own to ask the interviewer. Upon doing so it is also vital that you prepare and practice asking questions as well as answering questions. Remember to speak slow and practice your articulation as it can sometimes be difficult to hear appropriately over the phone (this is important so as to avoid awkward silences or repeatedly saying “excuse me.”)
- Research as you would for a face-to-face interview. Linked to the above-mentioned point; research the brand or business whom you are interviewing for beforehand. This will better enable you to prepare questions relevant and appropriate to the specific brand or business at hand as well as provide you with a strong idea of what the brand or business is about; what they have to offer and why you feel you would suit the brand as well as the position at hand.
- Remove distractions or remove yourself. Telephone interviews can be done at any time and in any location, however, having said this, it is important that you find a quiet place where there are no distractions so as to ensure you are fully attentive and focused during your interview.
- It is important not to interrupt the interviewer on the other side of the call as it can lead them to feel that you are impatient or distracted.
- Listen carefully! Due to the possibly lack in signal as well as the lack of eye contact and physical ques it is important to listen very carefully when you are part of a telephonic interview in order to ensure no mistakes are made that could potentially be detrimental to your chance of obtaining the job. Listening carefully will ensure that you hear all questions correctly and can therefore answer these appropriately without stammering on your words.
- Keep a pen and notepad handy throughout (Take notes!) It is important that you take notes during any interviews. Not only will these notes help generate questions that you may want to ask throughout the interview but they also provide you with a sound amount of knowledge regarding the brand and the position should you be called back for a second interview, therefore aiding to your preparation. Secondly, taking notes will enable you to put together a great thank-you email which leads to our next point…
- Message or email to thank the employer for the interview. Although you are able to thank the employer or interviewer over the phone it is important to email and thank them afterwards both as a sign of respect and courteousness. (This applies to both telephonic and video interviews.)
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