iSchool Career Center Newsletter 5/4/14

May 5, 2014 Career Newsletter

Skype Interviewing (By Jessica DiPietro, Career Services Student Assistant)

Did you know that 12 -18% of interviews are now conducted via the internet? Get ready when a potential employer asks you to interview via skype! While many professional aspects of the interview are the same, don’t let the following technological aspects trip you up…

Finding a good location

The most important thing is to choose a location that’s quiet. Noise from family members, co-workers, loud appliances, and pets can be very distracting during an interview. Next, turn around! What you see behind you is what your interviewers will see. You may love that poster of your favorite boy band, but it’s not appropriate for an interview. A blank, neutral, and clean area is always best.

Looking the part

Even if you’re conducting the interview at home in your bedroom, dress as if you were going into the office. It will help you get mentally prepared for the questions ahead. A smile comes more naturally in person than online, so remember to bring similar positive energy to your online interview too!

Keep in mind that webcams aren’t designed to be flattering, so preview yourself in the camera beforehand. If you want to flatter your image, don’t have lights or windows behind you because it makes shadows on your face. Face your light source towards you to highlight your best features!

Looking the part also includes what interviewers see in your skype profile. Have an appropriate skype name and contact information, including a professional profile picture. Why should you have a profile picture? If you encounter technical difficulties with the video feed and are forced to switch to an audio call, you still want your interviewer to be able to visualize you!

Positioning yourself

When setting up your video, sit up straight and make sure your face is in the center of the webcam. Remember to look into the camera, not at the video feed on your screen. If you look directly at the image of your interviewer on your computer screen, you’ll appear to be looking slightly away from him or her. Looking directly into your webcam will seem like direct eye contact to your interviewer. This is also applies to your own picture. If you are distracted by how great you look that day, take the temptation away by hiding your picture entirely.

Other things to keep in mind

Run a test with someone else beforehand to iron out potential technical difficulties
Don’t do other things on your computer while in the interview. Keep all other computer programs closed, especially if they might make noise during the call.
If your wifi is unreliable or your computer is far from your router, consider connecting with an ethernet cable.

Career-Related Events This Week

Identifying Your Strengths
Mon, May 5 | 2:30 – 4:00pm

Meet the Employer: Walgreens
Mon., May 5 | 5:30 – 7:30pm

iCareers: Employer Info Session with National Park Service
Tuesday, May 6 | 12:30 – 1:30pm | MGH 420

Webcast: Developing Apps at the Geospatial Edge: Moving Data Closer to Users
Tuesday, May 6 | 11:00am

Networking for Shy People (& Everyone)
Tue., May 6 | 3:30 – 4:30pm

Meet the Employer: WorldQuant Investment Consulting
Tue., May 6 | 5:30 – 7:30pm

Resume & Cover Letters
Wed., May 7 | 3:00 – 4:00pm

Successful Interviews
Thu., May 8 | 3:30 – 4:30pm

Therapy Dogs Visit
Friday, May 9 | 12:00 – 1:00pm | MGH 420

Social Media-Maximize Internships & Job Options
Fri., May 9 | 3:00 – 4:00pm

External Events