Expert HR Managers Explain How To Knock Your Next Skype Interview Out Of The Park
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The traditional prim and proper in-person job interview is increasingly making way for the remote interview via your computer. Not all that long ago, colleagues conferred with long meetings and traveled each day to their cubical for work. Today, however, many have abandoned the brick-and-mortar office space for the "virtual office." HR professionals agree and have advice about remote interviewing.
Claudia Parulo has been Regional Director of Human Resources for Denihan Hospitality Group and The James Chicago since opening in 2006. With over 18 years of HR experience, Claudia recruits for all levels of employment for a variety of hotel properties in the Denihan Hospitality portfolio. Kristin Byrnes, Human Resources Manager for The James Chicago, specializes in recruiting for all roles at The James Chicago.
What To Consider Before The Remote Interview?
Lock Up The Cat
Burns: "If at all possible, avoid being in a distracting area — it is more difficult to establish a rapport via webcam than in person, so you want to make sure that you are fully able to focus and not be distracted by your surroundings. Choose a quiet area and put away any projects, cell phones or anything else that may divert your attention, even pets! If you do experience small technical glitches, don't allow that to throw you from your train of thought. With any business, having the ability to adjust accordingly when something goes awry is an asset, so you can demonstrate that quality versus panicking if that scenario were to happen."
How To Avoid That Unfocused Gaze
Parulo: "Again, posture is important so that you can look straight into the camera. Think of it as keeping eye contact with the person in front of you. Don't focus too much on your own image on your screen, but have a natural conversation with the interviewer. Smile, look friendly, nod, wait for the other person to finish speaking. Have a small pause before answering, so that your full answer can be heard clearly. If possible, avoid headphones, as it looks unprofessional, unless a noisy environment dictates having to use them."
Seeing Is Believing
Burns: "Much like eye contact in person, looking at the interviewer when they ask a question shows engagement. When answering questions, some of us have a natural predisposition to glance around as we consider what we would like to say, but to get a point across, make sure to make eye contact for at least a few seconds, (4-5 is usually best). This will show you are more confident in what you have to say and shows the interviewer you prepared."
Jacky Runice has been a columnist with the Daily Herald Chicago since grunge music and flannel was the new black. Her fingers and gray matter have been busy as travel editor of Reunions Magazine; penning a column that was syndicated around the nation via Tribune Media Services. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
