Preparing For A Video Conference Interview   With many firms becoming more dynamic and embracing new technology, the videoconference interview is becoming increasingly popular. Companies recognize that the videoconference interview displays a cutting-edge technological aspect that is appealing to many and saves the time and money. Without needing to pay for plane tickets, rental cars, hotel rooms, and expensive dinners, companies are able to focus their resources on improving the environment, paying larger bonuses, and increasing goodwill.   In addition to the economic reasons, there are several other advantages to videoconferencing. Most important, your actual and apparent comfort level will be much higher with videoconferencing. Because you did not just get off a plane after a three-hour flight, you do not have to be concerned about your clothing looking clean and pressed. Similarly, you will look and feel fresh and rested. Plane delays, cancellations, and rush-hour traffic will not be a consideration for either party. This advantage alone is an enormous benefit to both you and the firm. Another advantage exists for the circumspect job seeker. If you are looking for a new job on the sly, videoconferencing will allow you to interview in another part of the world during your lunch hour. A round of interviews with different partners and hiring associates can be compressed into one videoconference interview, and there will be a more efficient use of everyone's time. The final advantage of videoconferencing lies in the atmosphere and locale of the interview. All parties will be on neutral ground, and intimidation and "home-court advantage" will not exist. This eliminates one of the largest factors of nervousness in interviews today.   The single-largest disadvantage of the videoconference interview is the lack of your physical presence at the interview. You are judged by your mannerisms, your body language, and your overall physical appearance during a traditional interview, and videoconferencing is a poor way to send a good, strong physical message to your future employer. However, if the firm requests a videoconference interview, here are several hints to help you succeed: You are not alone in the room. Many people forget that videoconferencing is interactive. You can see and hear everything that occurs and vice versa. It is very easy to feel like you are watching television, but you must remember that this TV can see and hear you too. With that in mind, be very careful not to yawn, look around the room, pick your nose, or do anything that you would not do in a physical interview. Keep shuffling and moving to a minimum, and try to avoid making any ambient noise. Technology is not perfect, but you can use it to your advantage. Look at the camera while you are talking and listening. If you are making eye contact with the interviewer on the screen, you will look like you are looking down at the floor. Videoconferencing is done over a phone line, and there will likely be some degree of lag. To avoid overlapping your words, pause frequently so that the interviewer can interject without interrupting. Avoid very brief responses because they may not even be received by the interviewer. Finally, speak clearly and slowly in your normal tone of voice. Because the effect of your body language has been minimized, gestures, eye contact, and facial movements are even more essential. Use visual and aural cues to gauge the conversation, as well. The camera is a master of manipulation and disguise. Cameras tend to bleach colors when transmitting. As a result, you will look paler than normal. The same concept is true for your clothes. Avoid anything that is a solid white or other bright color or has a detailed bright pattern. Bright and flashy jewelry will only serve to distract and should be left at home. The best clothing for videoconferencing is neutral, untextured clothing, such as medium-blue to pastel colors with a medium to dark jacket. If you use these tips during your videoconference interview, you will discover that you will come across more natural, attentive, and endearing than interviewees who assume that this is just like any other physical interview. A few tips and tricks can give you the upper hand over any competitor.

INTERVIEW TIPS   When applying for a position, remember that employers are selective:    Employers want to know what you can do for them Employers want to know if you meet their needs Employers expect sound skills Employers need to get it right as the cost of recruitment and hiring the wrong person is high    Have a plan, be prepared and practice your interview technique:    Find out as much as you can about the company beforehand Research the profile of the company and its current employees Visit their premises and get an understanding of their 'culture' Make an effort with your personal presentation, ensure it is appropriate to the job and workplace Prepare and practice answers to expected questions Show why you are the right person and sell yourself Use good eye contact and body language Listen, ask questions and take notes Predict any problems, make sure you address them first and reassure the interviewer they can be overcome Do not oversell, dominate or threaten the interviewer's status Leave questions about pay and hours until the end of the interview or a later conversation Don't worry if you're nervous - most people are! Remember that your preparation will pay off   After the Interview:    Follow up, show interest with a phone call but use your best judgment - do not harass. If unsuccessful get feedback, how might you have done better. Don't ask them to justify their decision Ask about other opportunities now or in the future.