News:

Skill.jobs Forum is an open platform (a board of discussions) where all sorts of knowledge-based news, topics, articles on Career, Job Industry, employment and Entrepreneurship skills enhancement related issues for all groups of individual/people such as learners, students, jobseekers, employers, recruiters, self-employed professionals and for business-forum/professional-associations.  It intents of empowering people with SKILLS for creating opportunities, which ultimately pursue the motto of Skill.jobs 'Be Skilled, Get Hired'

Acceptable and Appropriate topics would be posted by the Moderator of Skill.jobs Forum.

Main Menu

Have A Phone/Skype Interview?| 9-Point Checklist For Success

Started by Doha, August 18, 2020, 02:33:46 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

Doha

Have A Phone/Skype Interview?
Here Is A 9-Point Checklist For Success

Virtual interviews usually precede in-person interviews, but if you do not make a good impression in a virtual interview, you likely will not get the chance for a face-to-face one. The Internet makes it easy for you to apply for a job anywhere in the world, but the company is not going to incur the expense of bringing you in for an in-person interview unless you are a good fit — and often that is determined through one or more virtual interviews.
Traditionally, virtual interviews (usually phone interviews) were used to conduct a pre-screening for an in-person interview and to answer any questions not addressed in the résumé. But, today, phone interviews are also replacing some in-person "first interviews." You may be asked the same questions on the phone you might have expected would be asked in a face-to-face interview. So prepare like you would for an in-person interview.

Virtual interviews are generally shorter than in-person interviews — they may be as short as five minutes, or last up to an hour. The typical phone interview lasts 20-30 minutes. When the phone interview is scheduled, that is the time to ask how much time to allow — and then add 30 minutes to it, just in case.

The most important advice for any type of interview also applies to virtual interviews: practice really does make perfect.

Here is a nine-point checklist for success in phone and Skype interviews:

1. Print out a hard copy of your résumé (make sure it is the same version the interviewer has), cover letter, and the job posting/job description.

2. Prepare your list of questions you want to ask in the interview.

3. Assemble your talking points and company research. I find index cards to be very useful, because then the sound of shuffling paper can't be heard on the other line if you are on the phone.

4. Record a professional voice mail message on your phone.

5. Have a glass of water nearby in case your throat gets too dry.

6. If using a cell phone, have your phone charger and an outlet nearby.

7. If using a laptop, make sure it is plugged in and is charging.

8. Eliminate any distractions and put up a "Do Not Disturb" sign.

9. Have your calendar or schedule handy in case you are asked to schedule your next interview.

As with an in-person interview, be sure to inquire about what the next step will be. And write a handwritten thank you note or email as soon as you are off the call. Follow-up is key after a phone or video interview. Did you know that research indicates that employers are less likely to keep jobseekers up-to-date about their prospects with the company after a phone interview than with an in-person interview? So, make sure that you follow-up appropriately.

by- Neely Moureen
Source: P-Interest