Interviewing is stressful. Whether it's in person or a Skype interview, you're going to be worried as long as it matters to you.
This morning I had a Skype interview with ABC Channel 7 / WJLA. Needless to say, I was super nervous/ excited/ anxious about it. I prepared very well. Did my background check on WJLA making sure I knew who the anchors were for every news show. Well, the lady who interviewed me didn’t ask me anything about that, but at least I was prepared!
7. Be prepared for questions about you (obviously, right?)
I was so worried that they were going to ask me questions about the actual channel/ program that I didn’t even think to prepare the questions they would have asked about myself. Believe it or not, talking about myself is something that I find to be difficult and wish I prepared on that a little better.
6. Be ready for questions that might catch you off guard
I was asked about the community service I had done, as well as why I wanted to work for WJLA. I was also asked what do I have to offer to them that I could expand to their team. Also, make sure you explain how enjoyable it is to work with a team. Use examples, because in any career this is something that is super important.
5. Do your background checks!
I mentioned this already… I had checked on the news and knew who all of the anchors were. But I also checked up on the lady that interviewed me. I found her on LinkedIn and just scanned her page for anything that I knew I could chat about so I would have a better chance of her remembering me (I can only imagine how many interviewers they get). I noticed she went to Capella University which was so funny because my mom got her doctorate from that school too! I mentioned that and she smiled and laughed and I know she will remember me for something different.
4. Check your Wi-Fi connection if it's an interview online
We were having a few technical difficulties, and that isn’t fun for anyone. Luckily, it worked (phew!) but once we connected she couldn't see me I could only see her (not good). So while the chat had started, she was briefing me about WJLA and what they do, then suddenly lost connection again. I called her back and the second time there were no problems and she was able to finally see my bright smile!
3. Wear business clothes (if that goes accordingly to the position you're applying for) and make sure your hair looks good.
No matter what position you are applying for, make sure you dress accordingly. My interview was at a news gig, so obviously I needed to dress business professional. I wore a bright red top to make sure I stood out and hopefully she would remember me better. I also blew out my hair so it looked nice and neat, and wore makeup and made sure my nails looked good (no one likes chipped nails).
2. Be in a quiet, non-distracting, setting.
You want to use a simple background, so the person who is interviewing you is looking at YOU. Make sure not to be somewhere where you or the person on the other end will become distracted. You want the interview time to be as intimate as possible, so then they have a better chance of remembering you.
1. Smile and be different…. be YOU.
Smiling is a number one seller. It shows that you have a positive attitude, displays confidence, and also shows how good looking you are! Also, make sure you let out anything that you have to offer that makes you stand out from everyone else applying for the job. An interview is all about selling yourself, so speak now or forever hold your peace!
