On behalf of Renard International and the Renard Family we wish you and yours “Seasons Greetings” and a “Healthy and Successful 2012”!

TIPS FOR A GREAT SKYPE JOB INTERVIEW

If this was a Skype interview now, would you be ready?

The same rules that apply for a personal interview applies for a SKYPE interview. You just have to make-believe you are in the room with your interviewer.

Due to high costs for a personal interview, companies resort to SKYPE interviews which are very popular due to speed to arrange and cost efficiency

Good interviewers tell me that it only takes 5 or 10 minutes talking to a candidate by which time they can tell whether or not these individuals will fit into their organization.

Therefore, rather than spending thousands of dollars on interviews, over nite accommodation, transportation etc., interviews via SKYPE are fast and are as good as a personal interview to give initial feelings if someone fits  the available role.

SKYPE interviews can be compared to a Captain flying an aircraft.  The Captain before the flight takes off must kick the tires to make sure everything is working. You must therefore, make sure your video, webcam and microphone are all in proper working order. You must plug your computer into a power source and ensure there is plenty of battery life. You should also purchase a decent webcam in order to avoid blurry pictures.  You want the interviewer see you clearly and easily hear your answers to all their questions.

Please also ensure your SKYPE ID is simple professional and in keeping with the impression you wish to give. Your first and last name will be fine.

Although a SKYPE interview generally shows only the upper part of your body you should make sure what you are wearing is what you would normally wear when you attend an interview; so dress accordingly and have a comfortable chair. It makes you feel it is a real interview………and at ease……………..

Like a Captain prior to a flight you have to prepare your itinerary.  Make sure you have answers already prepared to the questions which are normally asked like “Strengths and Weaknesses” etc. Also prepare answers to questions about your resume such as why you chose your career path over another or previous jobs etc.

A SKYPE interview is shorter than a personal interview so get everything out that you want to share with your interviewer. Don’t leave out any important accomplishments or added value that you can add to his/her company.

If you haven’t done a SKYPE interview before, do one or two with a friend. They can comment on your presentation, how they can see you and how clearly they can hear your voice.

On a SKYPE interview there may be occasions where you might be speaking to several interviewers, so always speak up and be very clear.

Like a Captain flying a plane you need to ensure that your surroundings are comfortable so you can focus. Ensure there is nothing behind you other than a blank wall.  Pictures and other furniture may distract the interviewer’s eyes and take away from the most important thing which should be you. 

A Captain when preparing to take off demands complete silence.  He ensures that he is not disturbed by any of the crew or anything around them.  You should do the same. Your surrounding areas should be clean, tidy and professional. There should be nothing to take the focus away from you or interrupt the interview such as cell phones; animals, friends or family. Ensure that you are in a room with closed windows.  If there are windows then ensure that there are blinds to prevent the sunlight from coming in and reflecting off your camera. This can be distracting to the interviewer. As a Captain on an airplane look straight ahead into your camera.

Remember, like any interview answer the questions professionally and quickly. Relax and remember to make eye contact while you are having your interview. In this way you can read your interviewer’s body language and the interview will go better.

GOOD LUCK! ………Paul Renard

RENARD INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALITY SEARCH CONSULTANTS 
121 Richmond Street West, Suite 500 
Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5H 2K1 
Tel: (1) 416 364 8325, ext. 228
Mobile: (1) 416 890 0903 
Fax: (1) 416 364 4924 
Email: Steve@renardinternational.com 
Web site: www.renardinternational.com   www.renardglobalmanagement.com

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