How to Face an Interview – Part3 Acing Other Types of Interviews

1

Ace the Skype interview. The trick to acing a Skype interview is to treat it just as seriously as a real interview even though you’re not doing it in person. If you want to really succeed, then dress up just as if you were going to a real interview, leave a copy of your resume and cover letter on your desk, and make sure you’re in a quiet place with good internet connection.

• Pick a location with flattering lighting so your interviewers can really see you and read your expressions.
• Close your email window and any other windows that are likely to distract you during the interview. Give all of your attention to the person who is talking to you.
• Check that your microphone and video chat works in advance. Practice by trying to chat with a friend the day before so you know you won’t have any technical difficulties when the time comes.

2

Ace the phone interview. Many companies have an initial phone interview to get a better sense of their top applicants before they invite them to meet for an interview in person. This saves time for them and gives them a better understanding of each candidate. You should treat this type of interview just as seriously as a real interview. Have your notes in front of you, dress up, and find a quiet place and good reception so you can have a meaningful conversation over the phone.

• Make sure to be professional and considerate in all of your responses. Don’t slack off just because you’re only talking over the phone.
• Remember that, since your interviewer won’t have visual cues, you’ll have to work extra hard to paint a picture of who you are with words. Have a list of relevant buzzwords ready if you think it’ll help you.

3

Ace the group interview. Occasionally, you may be invited to a group interview so that your interviewers can interview more candidates at once and so they can get a better sense of how you interact with other people. The trick to acing these interviews is to be able to be assertive enough to still give your interviewers a sense of who you are while also showing that you’re considerate toward others and can work well in teams.

• Don’t try to put down other interviewers in order to make yourself look good. Instead, be kind and supportive toward them while making it clear that you’re the best candidate for the job.
• If there are group activities during the interview, try to take a leadership position while making sure you’re not bossy and don’t keep the other interviewers from contributing.