Discuss ways to ensure you present a professional image in a ...

[dalyningkenk]

Discuss ways to ensure you present a professional image in a Skype interview.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What is the advantage to using a network for job referrals?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[ebenov]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: To ensure you present a professional image in a Skype interview, follow the advice for all virtual interviews and these additional video-specific guidelines.
Create a professional Skype profile account using your real name and a professional-sounding username. Include the same professional photo that you use in your social media profiles.
Select a professional background. What the interviewer sees behind you can be as important as what you are wearing. If possible, use a business office or a conference room. If you don't have access to a professional environment, position yourself in front of a neatly organized bookshelf or desk.
Use good lighting. Your computer should be between you and a sunny window or table lamp so the interviewer can see you without shadows or glare.
In a face-to-face interview, eye contact is important to make a positive impression. This is equally true in a Skype interview that includes video. Although looking at the interviewer's face on your computer monitor may seem like you're making good eye contact, you actually need to look at your camera lens in order to appear to be looking directly at the interviewer.
Ensure a good connection and equipment. . Also use a good camera and microphone, and make sure the connections are secure so you won't inadvertently unplug something as you gesture during the interview.
Use good body language and active listening cues. Recent studies show that it's more difficult to appear likeable on screen than it is in person. This makes it even more important that, in addition to making eye contact as mentioned above, you sit up straight, smile, and lean in toward the computer to look engaged. Sit at a comfortable distance so the interviewer can see more than your head, and use normal gestures. Make listening noises such as hmm and right to demonstrate your connection to the speaker.
Practice. Test your background, lighting, eye contact, and connection quality with friends and family to ensure you are presenting a professional image. Ask for feedback about your interview attire, the tone and volume of your voice, and any distracting background sights or sounds.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: To find unadvertised job opportunities, draw on your network for referrals, including using word-of-mouth strategies through social media. Referrals can provide you a substantial advantage in the job market. A recent study by economists from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York indicates that candidates with a referral are twice as likely to be granted an interview than other interviewees, and, once they've made it to the interview stage, 40 percent more likely to be hired.