Every actor knows that verbal messages are enhanced by body language, facial expression, voice intonation and props. Remember the job interview is a one time only performance – so make it a superb one!  When the job interview spotlight shines on you make sure your words, body language, and voice work work together to land you that position!

• Deal with Nervousness:

A little nervousness can actually aid you in being sharp and improve your performance. But heart-thumping, face-twitching, voice-quivering nervousness will reflect poorly on you and your self-confidence.

To rid your body of nervous tension, just before you go into the interview find a private spot outside or in the
restroom, shake out your arms, legs, and hands. Take a couple of deep breaths. This physical exercise releases tension that has built up and helps calm you. Then, close your eyes and visualize a scene about winning, seeing yourself as the “winner.” This visualization helps get you into a positive,  “I can do it” framework.

• Come Prepared:

The night before the interview pack up what you need to bring including a couple of resumes.  Have your list of references. Be sure all addresses, emails, and phone numbers are current and accurate. Include any work samples and the list of questions you intend to ask.   Check Google Maps to be sure you know where you are going.

Be on time; in fact, be there 10 minutes early.

• Pass The First Impression:

Before you even say hello, the employer’s mind is evaluating attire, hygiene, style, and formulating an opinion as to whether or not you fit into their  organization.   Even in today’s more casual, dressed-down workplace, appearance
counts a great deal with employers. Therefore, dress professionally. Greet the interviewer with a smile, and offer a firm handshake.

Nothing creates a poorer impression than a weak, couple-of-fingers handshake.

• Non-Verbal Cues:

Movements, gestures, posture and facial expressions are an important part of your overall performance. A sincere
smile sends a warm, confident message. Eye contact is one of the most important things employers notice about you. It conveys confidence that your message is believable.   Smile often, and be yourself. Douse vocal intonations to make your point so you’ll seem personable.

• Offer Support Documentation:

Every employer loves to see proof that you can do their job. It’s impressive to bring samples that demonstrate your abilities to do the job. Some examples: a spreadsheet that is an efficient tracking system, reports you have written,
materials you have created, brochures that list you as a panelist or speaker, etc.

• Listen:

Listen to the hiring manager / recruiter’s questions, hear their needs, hear their expectations. If you listen carefully, employers often reveal everything you need to know. It is frustrating for the interviewer to ask questions that never get answered, so listen closely. Many employers reveal their “hidden agendas,” those few things that really influence their decision. Paying close attention allows you to really address their true needs and land the position.

Read on…

For a Skype job interview you will need to dress up, be professional (no noises in the room or neighbors outside mowing the lawn).  Although it may seem informal, try to take it just as seriously as a real interview.

Tip: you can be the one to recommend to have a  Skype job interview.   If you think they’re techy enough to go for it, it’s a win-win-win for you.  Why?

• You’re being proactive.
• You’re offering to save them money.
• You’re also showing that you’re tech savvy.

Another plus: if you are the first one who have offered to do a virtual interview for them – this will indicate your initiative.

So what is Skype you ask?

Skype is a software application that allows users to make voice calls over the Internet. Calls to other users of the service and, in some countries, to free-of-charge numbers, are free, while calls to other landlines and mobile phones can be made for a fee. Additional features include instant messaging, file transfer and video conferencing.

To get started, download and install Skype and create a free user account.  Your computer should have a fast broadband Internet connection, and you need a USB headset and mic (cost is from $25 to $30).  If you have laptop, the built-in mic will work, but a headset sounds sound better. If your computer has a Bluetooth chip, you may be able to use the Bluetooth headset you use for your cell phone.

Now you are all set to make Skype calls from your computer.  The software will allow you to test out your setup with a  prompt asking you to say something. Skype will then play back what you said—if you can hear yourself, your setup is working.)

Calling other Skype users is free so arrange for your interview call in advance with an employer who is willing to use Skype for the intervew.

Calling people who don’t use Skype: This can be done but it is not free.  Skype can connect to the phone system so you will need to give Skype your credit card number (or your PayPal account). Then type in the phone number and press Call.

Bottom Line: Since you are already paying for an Internet service connection, there really is no need to pay for phone service, too. The Internet is already your phone. Use it.

a) Select this link to watch a short  Time magazine video entitled  How to Ace a Job Interview on Skype:

Time Video – Using Skype

b) Select this link to read the original  Time article entitled How Skype Is Changing the Job Interview:

Time Magazine Article

Blurb from the article:

“Get ready for a closeup: your next job interview might be on webcam. Looking to save time and money, companies are turning to video-chat software as a cheap, low-hassle way to vet job candidates. That means a growing number of people looking for work are meeting their prospective new bosses not at the office but in the comfort of their own home.”

Preparation

There are two main types of phone interviews – expected and unexpected. In order to be prepared for the unexpected phone call, make sure you have access to proper materials near your phone or desk. Keep a file of “employer research” near by along with a fresh copy of your resume. Your resume will allow you to easily answer questions about your past experiences. Company research can help you quickly come up with a few questions for your interviewer. Having access to a notepad and a pen is probably a good bet as well.
For expected interviews, make sure you have a space set aside that is free of distractions. Keep a glass of water nearby in case you need to clear your throat. Remember, phone interviews are just as much of an interview as a traditional meeting.

Tips

Know your comfort zone.

Some people perform best in a quiet room, while others prefer to pace around. If sitting still is your style, a room free of distractions is best. If you are the type of person that likes to walk-and-talk, consider determining a predefined route. This will help ensure that there are no outside noises or unexpected distractions like sirens. Make sure it is a leisurely walk so you can maintain calm breathing patterns.
Smile.

Negativity or a uneasy attitude can easily show itself over a phone call. Before the interview, consider spending a few minutes listening to your favorite song or watching a funny video on YouTube. Make sure you are in a good mood.
Disable call waiting.

If for some reason you are not able to disable call waiting, absolutely ignore it if someone calls.
Listen.

Without the visual communication of an in-person interview, it can be tough to know when to stop talking. If your nerves are high and your blood is flowing, you can easily make the mistake of saying too much. Make sure to speak slowly and articulately. When you have answered the question, allow for that possibly uncomfortable moment of silence. This will let the interviewer know that you are through, and then they will proceed. Listen and wait for them to finish with their next question, and then proceed. Consider taking notes on the key aspects of each question.

Do’s and Don’ts

Do give accurate and detailed contact information in your cover letter so your interviewers can easily connect with you.

• When in job-hunting mode, don’t have a disproportionately silly or long greeting on your answering machine or voicemail.
• Do ensure that household members understand the importance of phone messages in your job search.
• Do practice, if possible. Have a friend call you to do a mock phone interview so you get the feel of being interviewed over the phone. Practice makes perfect. As with all interviews, practicing before hand helps you prepare for common interview questions. Remember to “play in practice as you will in the game.” It will make a huge difference.
• If you cannot devote enough time to a phone interview, do suggest a specific alternate time to the recruiter. It’s often best to be the one who calls back so you can be mentally prepared.
• Do consider using a phone interview log.
• Do consider keeping some notecards or an outline in front of you to remind yourself of key points you want to cover with the interviewer. You don’t want your responses to sound scripted, but you don’t want to fumble for important points either.
• Do ensure that you can hear and are being clearly heard. If you are taking the call on a cell phone, make sure there is no wind in your vicinity. Wind noise will prevent you from hearing the questions and make it harder for them to hear your answers. No speaker phone.
• Do consider standing when being interviewed on the phone. Some experts say you’ll sound more professional than if you’re slouching in an easy chair. Stretching out your torso will allow you to have the full strength of your lungs. You will be able to speak more clearly and powerfully.
• Do enforce a dress code. Believe it or not, properly dressing in at least a business casual attire will make a big difference in your ability to focus on the interview. Wearing the right clothes and taking a serious approach to the call will help you maintain a professional attitude regardless of your surroundings.
• Do create a strong finish to your phone interview with thoughtful questions.
• Make sure to ask for your interviewers name. Follow up with a thank you note.
• Don’t panic if you have special needs. If you are hearing-impaired, for example, phone interviews are still possible.
• Don’t snuffle, sneeze or cough. If you can’t avoid these behaviors, say “excuse me.”

See more >>> How to Ace a Phone Interview

Check this Link entitled: How to Ace a Phone Interview

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124390348922474789.html#articleTabs%3Darticle

Title of Article: Job seekers, beware the telephone

Sarah Needleman explains how, for years, the phone interview was a preliminary step that allowed an employer to give a candidate the once-over and schedule an in-person interview. But these days, many recruiters are using the phone interview to pose the kinds of in-depth questions previously reserved for finalists. What’s more, job hunters say the bar for getting to the next level has been raised much higher, catching many of them off-guard.   READ ON via the link…