Career Blog
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, we all had to adjust to new things that are now the norm, from virtual classes to online work meetings, interviews, and even networking events on digital platforms. While it can be convenient to turn off your camera while cooking spaghetti or lounging around, some meetings require you to be aware and present, which includes turning on your camera. And body language is just as important in an online setting as it is in person. Here are three tips to master the art of body language in virtual meetings.
1. Maintain a good posture
You wouldn’t slouch in a job interview or a meeting in person, so it’s important to maintain that good posture in a virtual setting. Avoid sitting in your bed or on a couch because you will start hunching much quicker than you think. When you sit upright, not only do you appear more confident, but you also feel more confident. You will pay more attention in your meeting.
2. Don’t keep looking at yourself
A lot of people keep looking at themselves on the screen when it’s their turn to talk or even when they’re listening in during the meeting. This can lead to a loss of focus and it’s easy to get distracted when you’re more worried about what you look like to others. Instead, look directly into the camera when you are speaking. You would look at someone’s eyes when you’re in person but if you’re staring at yourself on the screen, it can look like you are unfocused and not really paying attention to them.
3. Smile! :)
Starting off your meeting with a smile will set the tone for the rest of the meeting. It shows that you’re a happy and positive person. It also puts other people at ease, possibly even yourself! A genuine smile makes you look friendly and approachable.
With these three tips, your body language will become significantly more effective in virtual meetings. Not only will it be better for you, it will also help others feel more at ease.
A potential co-op employer has finally reached out to you and asked to schedule an interview. But there’s just one catch: it’s virtual… and you never actually had a virtual interview.
The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed not only the way we learn but also the way we work. Instead of the face-to-face interviews we’ve all been accustomed to, we were quickly introduced to virtual interviewing. Virtual interviews are just like in-person interviews: nerve-wracking, anxiety-ridden, and stressful! But they come with the added spice of camera malfunctions, uncontrollable background noises, and the classic internet troubles. Don’t worry, however: here are 3 quick tips to knock that upcoming virtual interview out of the park!
Tip 1: dress to impress
You want to impress your employer? The easiest way to do so is by dressing to impress. Wearing business professional attire will portray professionalism and respect towards the interviewer. In addition, it will help you focus and feel more confident. So just because the employer might not see the bottom half of your body, it is still suggested to at least put on a pair of pants (clarification: actual pants, not the pyjama pants you’ve been wearing all week).
Fun tip: Darker colours stand out better on camera!
Tip 2: own your technology
Technology plays a huge role in the success of a virtual interview and now is the perfect time to take control of it. Master the software in which your interview will be conducted, whether it’s Google Meet, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Skype. There are tons of online resources to help you learn and understand all the functionalities of these platforms. Practicing turning on and off your camera, muting and unmuting yourself, and using the chat function will allow you to take control of the situation in the case of a technological malfunction. And don’t forget to test your internet connection and assure you have all the necessary hardware (this may include a webcam, a headset, or a microphone).
Fun tip: If something does go wrong don’t worry, just be honest, patient and do your best to troubleshoot. We’ve all been there.
Tip 3: be prepared and have fun!
Your next interview might be conducted from home, but you must treat it with the same level of preparedness and confidence as you would with a regular interview. This includes showing up on time and since handshakes are now out of the picture, making sure you can confidently introduce yourself at the start of the meeting. In addition, prepare the questions you have for the employer beforehand and practice making contact with the web camera and not the screen.
Fun tip: This is our new reality, so try to smile, laugh, and enjoy your chat with your potential future employer!
Need some extra practice? Book an appointment for a Mock Interview with the Career Counsellor at the Telfer Career Centre through Career Launch, and get customized advice!
Now go ace that interview!
If you are looking for a job and have not yet been interviewed for a job via Zoom, Teams, Skype, or any kind of video platform, you may be part of a minority. You probably already know the basics, but we wanted to refresh your memory so that you can prepare.
1. Get your technology in working order
Make sure you have:
- a solid internet connection;
- fully charged batteries;
- a working camera;
- a functional microphone;
- all the required apps (properly installed) as well as plugins;
- the right camera angle;
- a friend or family member to rehearse with!
2. Resolve logistic issues beforehand
Avoid:
- clutter, embarrassing, or overly personal items in the background;
- poor lighting;
- background noise;
- any source of physical discomfort;
- clothes with jarring colours or distracting patterns;
- social media, text or email alerts.
3. Rehearse until it becomes natural
Why not:
- write down your talking points and your answers to anticipated questions (video interviews allow you to use notes so take advantage of it);
- rehearse in the shower;
- practice with a peer virtually;
- book a mock interview on Teams with a Career Centre staff through Career Launch.
4. Prepare.
- Write down your talking points in bullet-point form.
- Create a list of questions for your interviewers and make sure to have space for their answers.
- Have a cup of coffee or another beverage to help you keep from fidgeting and to make the interview slightly more convivial.
5. Embrace your mistakes.
Remember:
- No one is perfect at video interviews except robots. And you are not a robot. You are a human.
- Mistakes are not the end of the world; it is your ability to bounce back that matters.
- If you blow an answer, pause, take a deep breath, acknowledge that you find yourself rambling, and simply ask to restart the answer.
- Humility, humour, and humanity are also endearing qualities.
6. Show positivity
Try to maintain:
- a friendly demeanour and a great smile;
- your focus on the camera (and not on your notes);
- a conversational tone (listening is key).
7. Express gratitude
Remember to:
- send each of your interviewers a thank you note within 24 hours after the meeting; acknowledge the time of the person who coordinated the interview;
- reiterate your interest for the position and remind your interviewers the value you bring to the team.
“I have just had an interview for my dream job! What is my next step? What can I do to increase my chance of getting the job?” Many students are unsure of what their next step should be after an interview. A professionnal follow-up email is a great way to establish connection with the interviewers and to get any updates or information regarding the position.
Below are the critical steps to write a professional follow-up email:
Step 1 – Choose the right subject line
A good subject line should be one that gets opened faster than any other emails lying in the recruiters’ inbox. Simply reply to the latest email they sent you. This way, email will get much more attention.
Step 2 – Keep it simple
The body paragraph should be kept simple, so it does not require much time and effort for the readers to understand. Stay straight-forward: avoid being shy or unclear. Thank the recruiters for the interview and their time, reiterate your enthusiasm about the position and invite them to contact you if there are any updates.
Step 3 – Click Send
This can be the hardest step! Many students worry that their follow-up email might bother the recruiters and make them sound too desperate for the job. It is completely ok to feel this way, but it crucial to send the follow-up email when necessary. Do not hesitate to reach out to the recruiters if you need to know about any updates.
Video and Skype interviews are increasingly common in today’s workforce. You have probably been asked to do a Skype interview at least once or twice in your life. If not, you will be asked to do one then sooner or later. With more and more employers using Skype for their first-round interviews, it’s a good idea to take your digital interviewing skills to the next level. Here are five key tips on how to ace your Skype interview:
Tip #1: Do a Trial Run
There is nothing worse than turning on your laptop for a video interview and finding out that your audio is not working, or that your camera is not functioning. To avoid these mishaps, be sure that you have downloaded, installed and tested Skype’s app well before your interview. Do several checks, such as testing your microphone, checking the lighting, setting up the camera so that your face is nicely framed, and figuring out the best room to have your interview.
Tip #2: Practice. Practice. Practice.
Your first few video interviews are bound to feel awkward as you figure out where to look, what to do with your hands, or how loudly to speak. However, it is easy to work out those things ahead of time. Practice with a friend; provide them with a set of questions you expect to be asked and have them run a practice interview with you. Keep in mind how you will appear from the interviewer’s point of view. You will look them in the eye by looking into the camera, not by watching their image on the screen
Tip #3: Dress the Part
Wear the same clothes you would wear if you were going to an in-person interview. Do not give into the temptation to dress up only above the waist. Wearing the complete ensemble will help you stay in the interview mode, especially if you have to stand up.
Tip #4: Prepare Your Environment
Make sure that the room you choose to have your interview in does not have too many distractions and too much noise. A cluttered background may distract your interviewers and can send the wrong idea of your organizational skills. You want to have a clean, neutral and simple background, that not only looks professional, but it also makes sure that the interviewer focuses on you and only you.
Tip #5: Stay Present
Pay special attention to what’s going on during a Skype interview. Giving listening sounds, like “hm,” or “yes” will reassure the other party that the technology is functioning correctly and that you are, indeed, listening. In addition, pay attention to your body language: sit up straight, make eye contact, lean forward, and nod so the interviewers can see that you are engaged.
In conclusion, when it comes to Skype interview, planning is key. It will save you a ton of stress and help you perform better. Want to receive more information or practice? The Telfer Career Centre staff can help! Book an appointment for Skype interview tips on the Career Launch website, or drop by at DMS 1100 on Thursdays for a 30-minute drop-in session with a Career Centre staff.
Source : www.job-hunt.org/IT-job-search/skype-job-interview.shtml
Here are three little tips to help you stand out in your interview.
You aspire to work in the lucrative financial industry, but have only worked as a supermarket cashier? Scared that you will fail to answer technical questions during your interview? Keep on reading to discover three thing that you can do to stand out amongst a pool of qualified candidates.
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Learn a new skill or get a professional certification
Oftentimes, having a certification or expertise in a certain skill can help you distinguish yourself in an interview. Below are some ways to you can stand out, specific to your specialization, without needing years of education or any experience.
- If you are a Marketing student, you should look into the new Digital Marketing Certificate Telfer now offers to its students. With the advent of social media and data‑driven marketing, this course will teach you how to use social platforms to their full potential to reach your target market.
- If you are in MISA, arm yourself with the power of analytics by completing the beginner Google Analytics Certification course. It’s completely free! You can also look into learning a new programming language such as Python, C or Java.
- If you are a Finance student looking to build a career around investments, talk to the finance lab manager on DMS second floor about how you can pursue the Canadian Securities Course and the Bloomberg Market Concepts certification. Although the CSC can be quite expensive and time consuming, it serves as a good foundation for learning the materials covered in the CFA exam. Also, most firms will reimburse you for the expense after you get hired anyways so you can consider it a win-win!
- Interested in Accounting? Why not become proficient in softwares such as Quickbooks, Sage or SAP, just through YouTube? Those are used in most small businesses and government organizations. I once got passed over for an accounting job because the employers were looking for a student who knew how to use QuickBooks.
- If you are studying International Business, use your free time to learn the basics of a new language. You can also spend your mornings reading the news on global markets or listen to podcasts on your way to class. You won’t believe how impressed the recruiters will be during the interview.
These are just a few examples of what you can do to get an edge over other candidates in your specialization. Although they do require quite of bit of self‑learning and discipline, the value you will get from them is priceless.
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Read specialized books and bring them up in your interview
Reading specialized books highlights the fact that you are a dedicated learner even outside of your required classroom learning. Also, it is a great way to show recruiters that you possess the knowledge of a particular industry, without having any prior work experience in that sector.
Wait! There’s more!
Reading regularly will enrich your vocabulary, which in turn will improve your communication skills. This will give you an edge over other candidates, as you will be able to express yourself with extra confidence and sophistication during your interview.
Some classics that should be on every business student’s reading list are: The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham, Good to Great by Jim Collins, How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie, and Valuation: Measuring and Managing the Value of Companies by McKinsey & Company.
I am positive that after giving these books a read, you will be able to finesse your way through technical interview questions without any work experience.
Naturally, you don’t have to limit yourself to books. I remember tying back one of my interview answers to an episode of the TV show Suits.
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Follow-up after your interview
Have you heard of the serial position bias? Hiring managers typically interview candidates individually in sequence and then make decisions after all candidates have been considered. Studies show that the human brain is more likely to remember the first (primacy effect) and the last (recency effect) interactions and are more likely to forget those in the middle. As a result, your chances of moving on to the next stage depend not only on your merits but also on how well recruiter remembers your evaluation.
That is why a crucial part of your job hunt is to follow up with your interviewers. It could be as simple as sending them a thank you note for their time. This will help refresh their memory, and, due to the recency effect, they will subconsciously be more likely to keep your name in mind.
You will learn more about this topic in your Organizational Behaviour course in second-year.
At the end of the day, remember that employers know you are just starting out, which means that they will be much more impressed with your interpretation of “experience” and with the way you relate it to their questions. My advice to you is this: be yourself, keep it honest, and use the strategies above to make one killer of an impression! Good luck!
A very wise hiring manager once told me this: “Not asking any questions during an interview is shooting oneself in the foot. As a recruiter, I see it as a lack of preparation and/or interest. Either way, for the candidate, it’s the end of the road.” If recruiters can deduct valuable information from your answers to their questions, they can, and will inevitably, deduct just as much information from your questions.
As the word suggests, an “interview” is a two-way street: just as the recruiters have to ask questions to see if you are the right candidate, you are entitled – and expected – to ask questions yourself to see if the position is right for you. Here is a collection of questions that will help you make a better decision (and a better impression) during the recruitment process.
Ask about the employer’s expectations
Asking specific questions about the employer’s expectations is a good way to demonstrate clearly your interest in the position and your desire to succeed.
- What assets/qualities have made my predecessors successful?
- Which criteria will you use to evaluate my performance?
- What kind of learning/training goals are expected of me during the first six months?
Remember: TAKE NOTES. These questions can often lead to valuable nuggets of information that do not appear in the job description.
Ask about the corporate culture
By inquiring about the work environment, you send a powerful message: You know what suits you, and you want to make sure that you will be happy in your role and excel at your job.
- How would you describe the work atmosphere in three words?
- What do you like best about working for this company/organization?
- What is the busiest/most challenging period of the year, and why?
Remember: Think also about what YOU want. You are, to some extent, interviewing a potential employer. Take this opportunity to gain insight into what values are held in high regard and to see if they match yours.
Ask about the company/organization’s evolution
Showing a genuine curiosity about the organization by asking specific questions proves that you have done your research and that you are a serious contender.
- What are the biggest challenges/opportunities facing the company/organization right now?
- Who do you consider your top competitor, and why?
- How has the company changed over the last few years?
Remember: BE THOUGHTFUL. Avoid asking questions that could be easily answered with a bit of research. First, review the company/organization’s website. Take the time to go through its mission statement, values, “Career” and “Media” sections, and strategic plan. Then, prepare your questions in light of what you have learned.
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A few golden rules
- ACTIVELY LISTEN to the answers, and TAKE NOTES.
- ADJUST your list of questions as the interview goes.
- TAKE REAL INTEREST in your interviewers’ points of view, projects and work. We all love to talk about ourselves. Give them that opportunity, and make them feel heard and validated, so that your interview ends on a high note. This will help you be more MEMORABLE.
As you can see, these questions go far beyond the obvious “When should I expect hearing from you?” I hope these tips will help you create a unique list of insightful questions that will not only wow your interviewers, but also guide you in your decision-making process.
IMPORTANT: Naturally, the questions provided above are only suggestions. You should always use your own judgment to determine if a question is appropriate and relevant or not. For example, if the employer focuses on its advancement opportunities in its job posting, it may be smart to inquire about them during your interview.
Interviews for your dream job, whether a co-op placement, an internship, or a full-time position, can be stressful, to say the least. Many interviews happen face-to-face, but along your career path, you may very well come across an interview via telephone.
Employers are often conducting phone interviews as part of their initial pre-screening stage. Phone interviews are often seen as less intimidating than in-person interviews, because your body language and professional attire are not considered. However, there are other things you should consider when talking to an employer on the phone: your enthusiasm while answering questions; your genuine interest for the job and the company, etc.
In this article, I’m providing you with some tips on how to ace your next phone interview and increase your chances of receiving an invitation to attend a second interview.
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Focus and Eliminate Distractions
Make sure you are in a quiet area where you are able to talk privately with minimal distractions. This will help you eliminate any potential background noise the employer could notice. If you’re doing your phone interview from home, I would recommend sitting down at a table or a proper desk during the call. I tend to lose my focus and train of thought when surrounded by distractions. It is therefore important for me to set up a “work” environment before the scheduled phone call.
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Prepare Brief Notes
Just as for an in-person interview, you should gather some thoughts and write down a few points for the common questions that you anticipate. The difference with a phone interview though is that you can have your notes in front of you as a reference. Although this may alleviate your stress, do not write down an entire script for each question, as you might not sound genuine when you read it verbatim.
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Listen Carefully
Especially during phone interviews, it is common to listen only to the first part of a question and to overlook what is being asked overall. Many jump to conclusions too early and start answering questions too quickly, without taking a 10-15 second pause to gather their thoughts and focus on how to highlight their abilities/experiences with regard to the needs of the organization. Sometimes it is also difficult to gauge when to stop talking during a phone call, as a long, awkward pause may arise while the interviewer is jotting down notes.
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Follow-up
Many people overlook this crucial last step of the interview process, and it can sometimes determine if you move on to the next stage of the hiring process or if you are eliminated from the pool of candidates. Even though you did not meet the interviewers in person, it is still very important to follow up with them via email, within 48 hours, thanking them for their time and for the consideration.
Through these tips, I hope you will feel more comfortable when your next phone interview happens! Best of luck in all of your future interviews!
I used to think that an interview involved simply preparing for it, arriving on time, presenting your best self during the interview and then leaving and waiting to see what happens. I didn’t understand what we should be doing over and above the interview itself.
That changed when I attended one of the workshops put on by the Career Centre. I learned something very valuable that has helped me and will continue to help me throughout my career. And I’d like to share what you too can do to help you stand out from other candidates.
Essentially, I learned three important things to always do after an interview:
Ask for the interviewer’s business card
Asking the interviewer for a business card ensures you have the person’s contact information, which is essential for sending the interviewer a thank you letter. Once you have this information, you can also invite the interviewer to connect on LinkedIn, network with the person and perhaps develop a long-term professional relationship. Who knows? Maybe this means that person will think of you one day down the road when they’re looking to fill another position.
Send a thank you letter
It’s very helpful to send a thank you letter after the interview (ideally within 24 hours). In addition, to really show you’re interested in the position, you can use this as an opportunity to touch on some of the points you brought up in the interview again and to highlight for the employer why you think you’re the best candidate. For example, after the interview I attended for an ambassador position at the Career Centre, I sent a letter to Amanda to thank her for inviting me to the interview and to emphasize the qualities I could bring to the position. I’m not sure if this was what tipped the scales in my favour, but today I’m an ambassador at the Career Centre. Personally, I tend to send thank you letters only for the jobs I really want.
Follow up
I think it’s important to follow up after an interview if the date the employer gave you for a decision has come and gone. I know it may seem trivial, but following up shows you’re really interested in the position and enthusiastic about the opportunity. That said, in my humble opinion, not following up doesn’t necessarily reduce your chances of being hired or knock you out of the running—if the employer is truly interested in you, they’ll hire you whether you followed up or not.
Interviews can be overwhelming and it is often difficult to prepare for them, but if there is one thing that is certain, it is that you will most likely be asked to answer the famous ‘Tell me about yourself’ question. It sounds like the simplest of questions, but it is also the most dreaded. It is usually the first question asked by employers to get to know you better and get a snapshot of your skills. Here are three parts your answer should include to make a good impression from the start of the interview.
1) Who are you?
This answer should be separated into two parts. Firstly, discuss your educational and professional background. Discuss why you chose your field of study and why you are interested in working in it. Mention key aspects of this field that you appreciate. Secondly, try to showcase a snapshot of your personality by adding a sentence or two about a hobby you have, a sport you play or extracurricular activities you partake in.
2) What skills / experiences do you have?
To answer this question, it is important to note that the employer has your resume. Be concise and confident in your answer but do not go into a monologue on your background. Choose 2 or 3 skills or past experiences you think can be beneficial for the position and expand on them. Make sure to show some enthusiasm and show your personality, that’s what the employer wants to see.
3) Why are you the best candidate for the position?
This is the time you connect your skills and your background to the position you are applying to. Explain why you want the position and why you are a good fit for the company. This is a good time to show that you have made some research on the company by connecting ‘’your journey’’ to the company.
Think about the ‘Tell me about yourself’ question as an elevator pitch, where the product you’re selling is yourself. Your answer should not be longer than 1-2 minutes. Now that you know that this question is coming and that you know how to best answer it; practice your answer again and again!