As video conference and call technology continues to improve, employers are more often considering it as an option to conduct interviews using software like Skype, Live Messenger, and more. Whether you are abroad for a semester or live cross-country from your employer of choice, you may encounter a video interview as part of the process in your application to jobs. The Career Center has some tips below to help you make the best impression and stand out when the conversation takes place via video chat or by phone.

PHONE INTERVIEWS

Employers will often conduct interviews over the phone in the first round of the interview process, or if they are located at a distance from you and cannot arrange an in-person visit. The length of phone interviews can vary, so it is recommended that you ask the employer how long you should expect the conversation to last before scheduling your interview.

Phone interviews are similar to an in-person interview in that the types of questions asked and strategies to answering those questions are often the same. The fact that you will be speaking on the phone with the employer should not change your professional tone, enthusiasm for the position, or ideas about what to say in your answers.

Here are some specific tips & tricks to consider for maximizing your phone interview:

• When possible, use a landline phone. If this is not an option, find a place where you know you have excellent reception for a cell phone or internet call
• Make sure the area where you will be for the interview is background noise free.  Background noises will distract you and the interviewer.
• You can have some notes and thoughts in front of you for the call, but be mindful that if you shuffle them too much, the employer will be able to hear it.
• Smile. Although the employer will not be able to see you, interviews can tell when there is a smile in your tone. Be positive!
• Sometimes it can help if you dress professionally for the phone interview even though you will not be seen. It may help put you in the mindset of a professional conversation

SKYPE INTERVIEWS

Skype interviews are another common method employers can use to interview you if an in-person meeting cannot be arranged. Like any interview, the length of a Skype interview can vary, so it is recommended to ask the employer how long you should expect the conversation to last before scheduling your interview.

Skype interviews are similar to any other interview in that the types of questions asked and strategies to answering those questions are the same. The fact that you will be on Skype with the employer should not change your professional tone or dress, enthusiasm for the position, or ideas about what to say in your answers.

Here are some specific tips & tricks to consider for maximizing your phone interview:

• Since the employer will be able to see you via webcams, it is critical to dress professionally for a Skype interview. Suits and ties are your best bet. Be conservative with your color choices, as cameras and monitors may blur very bright colors.
• Find an appropriate interview space. Be sure the area is free of background distractions, such as posters, pictures, and even noises. It’s important that the interviewer focus on you, not the room.
• Check your internet connection, webcam, and microphone before the interview. Make sure technology is on your side. If possible, use a wired internet connection. When not possible, make sure you are in a place where the wireless connection is reliable.
• Make “eye contact” with your interviewer by looking into the webcam when you speak, not at the person’s image on your screen. If you look at the image on the screen, it will appear to the interviewer that you are looking slightly downward.
• For practice with webcam interviews, try InterviewStream – a free resource for Villanova students where you can use your internet connection and webcam to practice interviewing anytime. Visit the site and set up your account to begin: www.villanova.interviewstream.com
  
• If you need a quiet space to conduct your phone or Skype interview, contact the Career Center.