Jerry
How do I prepare for a long-distance interview?
I've recently started the job/internship-searching process. It seems that, as a college student, many interviews you'll have are over the phone or via Skype. Many of us students have others in our dorm/suite, and the door swinging open and college-vernacular being hollered for just a few seconds may give a very bad impression. Moreover, the quiet places on campus are likely the places that prohibit talking altogether. And what about the internet connection--will it be stable enough for me to carry out an entire 30-minute interview? What tips & tricks are there to interviewing virtually when you're stuck on a rowdy college campus? #college #job-search #interviews
3 answers
Gary Petito (Veteran)
Gary’s Answer
Hi,
Good question, personally this is not something I am familiar with but I thought I would offer this advice - I used to work at a career center and we offered quiet spaces for people and companies to conduct interviews so your campus career center may have some resources for you.
Maybe a Teacher or Professor may let you use their classroom if is available or some cities have business centers with space available for employers to conduct interviews as well.
Good luck!
Gary, I'll be sure to look into my college's career center! I'm aware they offer office-sized study rooms, so perhaps they'll have a space for interviewing. Thanks a lot!
Jerry
+1 to this recommendation- contact your college's career center and ask them what they recommend for these types of interviews. Also, interviewers should be very understanding of unexpected situations arising when interviews are conducted via Zoom/Skype so don't panic if there is a little noise or your wifi cuts out. It happens all the time even when people are in home offices. Good luck!!!
Brenna Smedley
Rosie Aguilar
Rosie’s Answer
The previous recommendations made are great. Here are some additional tips:
1. Coordinate with your room/dorm mates so that you have a couple of hours of uninterrupted time. Most interviews only last about 30-45 minutes. With remote interviews being scheduled on your calendar in advance , you'll know the window they have dedicated for the interview. Some quiet time for you to prep for the interview before the start is always helpful. So even if you're only able to get "alone" time in your dorm room for an hour, you should be good to go.
2. With regard to WIFI. Have a backup plan. Turn on the hotspot feature of your cell phone so that if you lose your regular internet connection, you can quickly hop on to the hotspot and rejoin the meeting.
Lastly, don't stress too much if something unplanned happens during the remote interview. Companies understand that you tried your best. The most important things you can do are: prep, personal presence (don't be distracted), professional appearance (dress/groom as if you're going to meet the interviewers in person), and give it your best.
Erica Torres
Erica’s Answer
I have not experienced over the phone/skype interviews, but you might consider checking with your campus library and ask if they have any rooms/conference rooms to be booked so you can take the call privately.
Good Luck!