Mary Shad Moss asked:
Job interviews are not just limited to the typical face-to-face dialogue inside a conference room at an office. Thanks to the advancement of technology, virtual or online job fairs and video-conferences, phone, and chat kind of job interviews are now possible. These are identified as non-traditional job interviews-a highly technological and convenient system of communication between companies and job seekers.
If you want to be a survivor, just like in the reality show, follow these tips to outwit, outlast, and outplay phone, video and virtual job interviews:
Phone Interview
Remember to speak up in a phone interview. The interviewer can’t see your facial expression and body language. You will be assessed only on the way you verbalize your thoughts. Speak with confidence and enthusiasm; you will surely leave a lasting expression to the interviewer.
You need to minimize distractions. Once you get the call from the employer, make sure you’ll have a quiet and private spot for the job interview. If the employer hears earsplitting sounds from your stereo and TV or even from your pet, he or she will not be impressed.
Also, make sure your resume is within your reach during your phone interview. This can help you in remembering your work experience, skills, and accomplishments. You may tend to forget important info when you feel jittery.
Virtual Interview
Virtual interviews are gaining popularity. Second life, an online community, holds virtual job fairs to reach job seekers across the country. If you want to try this kind of job hunting stint, make sure to display professionalism.
Choose an appropriate avatar: Use the one that truly depicts your character. Using comical icons like vampires, space alien or animals might lead your potential employer think you’re not taking your job application seriously.
You signed up for this virtual job fair to get a JOB! So choose the appropriate icon and send messages with care. Avoid using cyber slang, emoticons, and IM environment to create a “professional” vibe even in cyberspace.
Video Conference
Even if the video conference is conducted at your home, wear a business attire outfit to exemplify professionalism and set you in the mood. Use the same wardrobe you will be using for an on-site interview.
Rehearse, rehearse and rehearse. As a form of rehearsal, do mock up interviews with your friends or family. From this recorded interview you can study areas you need to work on and also helps you ease your nerves since you’re in front of a camera. Focus on your posture, speech, and confidence.
In any case, whether you get hired or not, remember to send a thank-you note to your interviewers. This shows