Phone - Video Conference Interview | Traci McCarty & Associates

PHONE / VIDEO CONFERENCE INTERVIEW SUGGESTIONS

Phone or Video Conference interviews are enjoyable most of the time. Sometimes they can be tough because you are not sure if the Interviewer is engaged.

The best thing to do is to be honest and focus on their questions and your specific and direct answers. Be natural and focus on the people on the other end of the phone or video conference and NOT the phone/computer itself.

Here are some keys to successful phone or video conferencing interviewing.

THE OBJECTIVE:

Get the invitation for an on-site interview.
Always be engaging.
Listen carefully to the questions.
Give clear, honest and succinct answers to the question. Then give an explanation of your answer, if needed.
Be honest.

BEFORE THE PHONE / VIDEO INTERVIEW:

^{Do research on the job and the company you are interviewing for.}
^{Make sure you are in a place where you can read notes, take notes, and concentrate.}
^{Allow enough time to do the phone or video conference interview,}
^{Keep notes or an outline in front of you to remind yourself of key points you want to cover with the interviewer. Do not sound scripted, however, you do want to get your information across.}
^{Have your resume in front of you so you can remember dates of your experience and accomplishments.}
^{Ensure a good phone or video conference connection and that you can hear and are being clearly heard and viewed.}
^{Phone interview - Consider standing when being interviewed on the phone. You'll sound more professional.}
^{Video conference interview - Make sure your surrounding area is clean and neat, especially the area behind you.}
^{Find a quiet, private, well-lit place, free from possible interruptions.}
^{Ensure your internet connection is stable.}
^{Check that your computer’s audio is working.}
^{Test your computer’s webcam.}
^{Close any unnecessary web browser tabs and applications.}
^{Dress professionally and avoid bright colors.}
^{When listening, nod and smile to show you are engaged.}
^{Place your phone in silent mode.}
^{Position the camera so that you are looking up slightly and centered on the screen.}

THE PHONE / VIDEO CONFERENCE INTERVIEW:

Introduce yourself.
Always get the name(s) of the interviewer(s) and titles.
When asked, give a short overview of your career. Let them know why you are interviewing at this time.
Use people’s names when addressing their questions.
Be short and to the point when talking about your past experiences.
Speak positive about past employers.
Never divulge proprietary information from a past employer.
Some silences are good. If you've completed a response, but the interviewer hasn't asked their next question, don't start talking just to fill in silence. Instead, ask if they need more information. Often times they are making notes of your answers.
Don't breath hard, snuffle, sneeze, cough, eat, drink, chew gum or any other bodily functions.
If asked about compensation, it is OK to share what you were making. It is also OK to let them know you are negotiable and would like to meet the people and see the operations before you suggest a salary range. You would like this to be based on more information about what is required, learn more of the total compensation package and the cost of living for the area.
The Interviewer will respect knowing what you are currently making and respect your choice to make a good informed decision.

YOUR QUESTIONS:

If you are not given the opportunity to ask questions while the interviewer is asking their questions... then ask your questions at the end of the interview, if time permits.
Usually the Interviewer has a list of questions to ask in their allotted time. If you take too long with your answers you may not have time for your questions at the end of the interview.

Have a SHORT list of questions that are important to you. Below are some samples:

How long was the last person in this position?
What do you see are the weak areas, or challenges, for this position / department?
What do you see are the strengths of this position / department?
What are the objectives for this position?
What do you want your new person to achieve in the first few months?
What is your time line for filling this position?
YOU... If you want the position, please let them know you want this job.

REMEMBER:

You are being rated until the phone call / video conference ends.
Be sure to thank everyone. AND... remember to smile. The odds are strong that the person(s) interviewing you will notice how much more pleasant your voice sounds when you're doing so.

MOST IMPORTANT...

^{It is important to listen to the question and to understand what is being asked.}
^{If you do not understand the question, please ask for further definition of the question.}
^{PLEASE... remember to stay focused and help insure the interviewer gets your answers to their questions.}

AFTER THE INTERVIEW:

Please email a Thank You letter to your Executive Recruiter, to forward to the Client Company that conducted the interview.
If you are not using an Executive Search firm, please email the Thank You letter to the person conducting the interview.

We wish you the best with your interviews.