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Skype job interview

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The invention of Skype has transformed the world of communication.  Making it easier to talk long distances for free has helped friends and familes stay in touch.  However, Skype is now becoming more and more common in the work place.  More companies are conducting job interviews via Skype, especially if the employer and the interviewee are located in two different places.  Skype is a more cost efficient way of conducting interviews and it is also more time efficient.  However, because it is over the computer and on camera, Skype interviews may be slightly uncomfortable the first few times.  As with all interviews, make sure to relax and take a deep breath before you start.



Here are a few other tips to help the interview go more smoothly:

  • Profile name

Gowing up as a kid, fun messaging names such as Surfergurl23 or PrettyPrincess81 were popular.  Popular and fun yes, professional, no. Make sure that your Skype name is an appropriate representation of yourself.  Often times using your name is the best route to choose because it is simple, describes you and is appropriate.

  • Simple background

You want to make sure that you are the primary focus. With a busy background, it is hard for the employer to concentrate on you and what you are saying.  Using a bookshelf or painting behind you will create depth and character without clutter.  Avoid using a plain white wall because it is also distracting in the way that it is boring and lacks the least bit of character. It is important to remember that you are not speaking in person and that the computer distorts images.  Therefore what you see behind you looks a little different on the other end.

  • Proper lighting

Natural light is best when conducting a Skype interview.  The other types of indoor lighting can wash out the color in your face or even make it darker. Natural light, near a window should be facing you so that it illuminates your face.  If using a nearby window is not possible, you can use a desk light, just make sure that it is pointing toward you and not behind you.

Just because you are not meeting in person, does not mean you should dress differently than a regular interview.  Appropriate attire is important even in a Skype interview because they still see you and how you are representing yourself.  Before the interview it is a good idea to check to see how you look in the camera.  That way if your makeup is to dark you have time to fix it, or if your outfit is not flattering you can change it.

  • Where to look

It is your natural reaction to look at the computer screen at the other person.  However, try to look at the computer camera while you speak. Pretend that the camera and the eyes of the person are the same.  You want to try to make the interview seem as personal as possible, and not take notice of the technology. Looking into the camera also can help you to relax.  Since you are not looking at the employer directly you can focus on what you are saying without being nervous.

  • Open only Skype

Only have Skype open on your computer and make sure that you close other programs during your interview.  You do not want any interuptions or distractions during your interview.  Also, if a program or message pops up on your computer and makes a noise, it is not only distracting to you but to the person interviewing you.  The person interviewing you could also interpret that as a sign of disinterest and it could worsen your chances of getting the job.

  • Practice

As with all interviews, practicing what to say is important.  It helps you to be more fluid in your answers and more comfortable during the interview.  If you have a general idea as to what kind of questions the employer may ask, you can have a basic outline and be prepared to answer even the most difficult questions.  More specifically, practicing for a Skype interview can help you determine what setting works best and how to adjust the sound to an appropriate level.  It also helps to practice for Skype interviews so that if a technological problem occurs, you know how to fix it so the actual interview runs smoothly.

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Top eBooks Under $5 on Volunteering

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With so many options for volunteering, it is often difficult to choose the best option or even to know where to begin.  With these eBooks from Amazon.com and all under five dollars, you can begin your quest to helping others.

*Note: All ratings are out of five stars.

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Soul

by Robert Clancy and Hugh O'Brian

Price: $4.11

Rating: 5

Borneo Bound

by Steve Morris

Price: $3.58

Rating: 4

Dream Trekker: A glimpse into international volunteering

by Gabriella Louise Sheldon

Price: $4.47

Rating: N/A

Your Guide to Volunteer Travel

by Sarah Palmer

Price: $3.54

Rating: N/A

How to Fundraise for Volunteer Opportunities Abroad

by Julia Ramos and Carolyn Luck

Price: $2.11

Rating: 5

Strategic Volunteering: 50 Ingredients to Transform Your Life and Career (Part 1)

by Mark McCurdy

Price: $3.50

Rating: N/A

How to Organize Successful Charity Golf Tournaments

by Patrick Cash, Ann Westlake and Johanna Socha

Price: $3.59

Rating: N/A

How To Set Up A Kick-Butt Volunteer Management Program (The Activist's Guide to Changing the World for VISTA Voluneers)

by Cheryl Antier

Price: $3.50

Rating: N/A

Publicity to the Rescue: How to Get More Attention for Your Animal Shelter, Humane Society or Rescue Group to Raise Awareness, Increase Donations, Recruit Volunteers, and Boost Adoptions

by Susan C. Daffron

Price: $4.86

Rating: N/A

How To Be A School Volunteer (Educating Our Children)

by Amy Vigilante and Waln Brown

Price: $4.82

Rating: N/A

101 Ways to Contribute

by Nathan Youssef

Price: $4.07

Rating: N/A

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Top eBooks Under $5 on How to Get a Promotion

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Need help figuring out how to advance your career?  Amazon.com has several resources to help guide you through the process.  These eBooks are just a few examples.  Why eBooks?  For a start, this list has suggestions that are all under five dollars.  Also, eBooks are easily accessible, whether you choose to read them on your smart phone or eReader, that is up to you!  Check out these eBooks on how to get that promotion!

99 Ways to Win Promotion (Managing Your Career)

by Rob Horlock

Price: $3.59

Rating: N/A

The Little Brown Book of Corporate Advancement

by Nicholas Noyes and Kerren Barbas Steckler

Price: $3.81

Rating: N/A

promotionGet That Promotion With the Law of Attraction

by Community Press

Price: $4.70

Rating: N/A

47 Tips You Can Use to Get a Job Promotion (Career Success)

by Karen S. Roberts

Price: $3.59

Rating: 5

How to Get a Promotion: 21 Leadership Strategies That Will Get You Promoted Fast

by John Bradford Love

Price: $3.58

Rating: N/A

How to get a promotion

by Jamie Palmer

Price: $4.03

Rating: N/A

How To Get A Promotion (Career Assistance Series)

by David Chitester

Price: $3.58

Rating: N/A

How to Get Promoted Quickly

by Jane Wilson

Price: $3.58

Rating: N/A

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Top eBooks Under $5 on Networking

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"It's not what you know, it's who you know."  Sound familiar?  Though this saying often times is very true, it doesn't help if you don't know how to network and get to know people.  These eBooks, all under five dollars and from Amazon.com, help guide you through networking.

*Note: All ratings are out of five stars.

Networking Awesomely (The Least You Need to Know)

by Colin Wright

Price: $1.19

Rating: 4

Make Your Contacts Count: Networking Know-how for Business And Career Success

by Anne Baber and Lynne Waymon

Price: $3.60

Rating: 5

How To Win Friends and Influence People

by Dale Carnegie

Price: $3.33

Rating: 4.5

Networking Superhero - Secrets To Forming Powerful, Long-Lasting Relationships, Fast! (Superhero Success) by TW Walker

Price: $1.19

Rating: 4.5

Build Your Professional Network: The How-To Guide

by Jan Hill and Vook

Price: $1.02

Rating: 2

How to Network on TwitterNetworkTwitter

by Jade Craven

Price: $3.58

Rating: 4

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