Skype Video Interview - Getting Your Own Point across
The recent surge in popularity of Skype has created a unique situation for freelance videographers: if you want to make a video presentation, no longer do you need to leave your home; you don't even need a webcam. With the rise of Skype and other internet-based video conferencing programs, making a video commercial or marketing yourself on the web using Skype's features is a cinch. The advent of broadband services like DSL has made it even easier. All you need to do is get online and make an appointment with one of your local video production companies.
The Skype video interview has become firmly integrated into the job application process at many agencies. Skype use has more than doubled in the past two years, from just around 200 million total minutes used per day to over 700 million. The largest indicator of Skype's popularity? The skyrocketing number of freelancing video interviews. So how can you capitalize on this trend and create lucrative freelance videographer jobs?
One strategy that is growing in popularity is called teleseminar. A Skype video interview usually consists of two separate interviews, and the first takes roughly ten minutes. The second interview, usually conducted while the first is going on, covers the same material but in an extended format that will usually last anywhere from one to three hours. Both versions of the interview provide detailed information about the company, the project at hand, and how the applicant can help the company achieve its goals. In this sense, a Skype video interview is similar to traditional "big interview" formats.
While many of your previous online clients will likely have some familiarity with your work, make sure they know that you are using Skype as opposed to some other service. Don't make them guess. Give them a general idea of what will happen during the interview and let them make up their own mind. You won't be able to make any promises with strangers, but you can't blame them if they want to keep their options open. At least give them a general idea of what to expect.
Another strategy for a successful Skype video interview involves eye contact. While everyone knows that eye contact is a basic human-social interaction, not everyone makes eye contact during interviews. Some people, for whatever reason, are uncomfortable with making contact with another person and would rather just nod or look away. Make sure that your body language and eye contact are steady and firm, and that you don't cross your arms or bend at your knees. Of course, making eye contact is also a good way to show your enthusiasm and awareness for the position.
Skype interviews are also much more informal than they used to be. When a company used to post an interview on YouTube and LinkedIn, the focus was often on answering one question: "How did you hear about us?" With Skype, you can actually show people the video you've recorded yourself, so it's much more personal and gives a more insight into you as a professional. This is a good strategy for LinkedIn interviews as well, even if you aren't applying directly to a company.
One last note: Don't share your actual interview smile or the smile from your previous interview. If the interviewer asks you to show off a photo of yourself, make sure you have a way to stop sharing your actual smile, and only show the picture of your smiling face (which should be a nice one, at least). You don't have to tell the whole story; in fact, you don't have to tell any of the details at all. But showing your interviewer that you're confident and happy in your own skin is definitely a good thing!
Skype interviews can be a bit more awkward than normal, but by following the tips above you can make sure you make the best impression possible. Also, make sure to pay attention to your body language throughout the interview. You want to be friendly, but still maintain some level of professionalism. The more you practice your eye contact, the more confident you'll come across. Also, remember to shut up and take a few deep breaths.
The Skype video interview has become firmly integrated into the job application process at many agencies. Skype use has more than doubled in the past two years, from just around 200 million total minutes used per day to over 700 million. The largest indicator of Skype's popularity? The skyrocketing number of freelancing video interviews. So how can you capitalize on this trend and create lucrative freelance videographer jobs?
One strategy that is growing in popularity is called teleseminar. A Skype video interview usually consists of two separate interviews, and the first takes roughly ten minutes. The second interview, usually conducted while the first is going on, covers the same material but in an extended format that will usually last anywhere from one to three hours. Both versions of the interview provide detailed information about the company, the project at hand, and how the applicant can help the company achieve its goals. In this sense, a Skype video interview is similar to traditional "big interview" formats.
While many of your previous online clients will likely have some familiarity with your work, make sure they know that you are using Skype as opposed to some other service. Don't make them guess. Give them a general idea of what will happen during the interview and let them make up their own mind. You won't be able to make any promises with strangers, but you can't blame them if they want to keep their options open. At least give them a general idea of what to expect.
Another strategy for a successful Skype video interview involves eye contact. While everyone knows that eye contact is a basic human-social interaction, not everyone makes eye contact during interviews. Some people, for whatever reason, are uncomfortable with making contact with another person and would rather just nod or look away. Make sure that your body language and eye contact are steady and firm, and that you don't cross your arms or bend at your knees. Of course, making eye contact is also a good way to show your enthusiasm and awareness for the position.
Skype interviews are also much more informal than they used to be. When a company used to post an interview on YouTube and LinkedIn, the focus was often on answering one question: "How did you hear about us?" With Skype, you can actually show people the video you've recorded yourself, so it's much more personal and gives a more insight into you as a professional. This is a good strategy for LinkedIn interviews as well, even if you aren't applying directly to a company.
One last note: Don't share your actual interview smile or the smile from your previous interview. If the interviewer asks you to show off a photo of yourself, make sure you have a way to stop sharing your actual smile, and only show the picture of your smiling face (which should be a nice one, at least). You don't have to tell the whole story; in fact, you don't have to tell any of the details at all. But showing your interviewer that you're confident and happy in your own skin is definitely a good thing!
Skype interviews can be a bit more awkward than normal, but by following the tips above you can make sure you make the best impression possible. Also, make sure to pay attention to your body language throughout the interview. You want to be friendly, but still maintain some level of professionalism. The more you practice your eye contact, the more confident you'll come across. Also, remember to shut up and take a few deep breaths.
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