Posted on

Skype interview – Another case of ‘The Future is Now’

My
Rowan University students have been asking me about skype interview prep. Here
are some tips compiled from a variety of sources that should help. To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com.

First: a summary

1) Do
wear the same attire you would wear for an on-campus interview. Business dress
is recommended.

2) Do
situate your camera or laptop in a quiet room where you will not be interrupted
by other people coming or leaving during your interview.

3) Do
make sure your camera/laptop is charged or plugged in so you do not have to
interrupt your interview to plug it in.

4) Be
aware of how you appear on camera. Test your camera before the interview to
ensure that the lighting is not too bright or too dim and that your distance
from the camera is appropriate – we do want to see more of you than your face,
but we do not need to see the entire room behind you.

Happy
Skyping!

——————————

10 must-dos for Skype interviews

Master video
skills, etiquette ahead of time

 

Oct. 1, 2011 from The Philadelphia Inquirer – Career Builder

 

If you are a job seeker and never used
Skype – the software program that lets you video chat on the Internet – then
you might want to get familiar with it. Skype interviews are becoming
increasingly common during the hiring process. They’re more personal than phone
interviews since they allow recruiters to meet candidates face-to-face. They’re
also great for job seekers conducting long-distance searches, especially these
days when budget-conscious companies might be unwilling to cover travel costs
for interviewees.

If Skype interviews still are uncharted
territory in your job search, here are 10 must-do tips for this up-and-coming
hiring practice.

1. Do a tech check. A successful Skype interview will require a high-speed
Internet connection and a webcam, so make sure you’ll have both of these
available and in working order before scheduling your interview.

2. Practice. If you’re new to Skype, set up a time to chat with a family
member or friend to work out any technical kinks. You also can use this
practice call to play around with Skype’s file-sharing capability, in case your
interviewer requests to see samples of your work, a résumé, reference letters,
etc.

3. Dress appropriately. A Skype interview should be taken just as seriously
as an in-person interview. If you’d wear a suit for an in-office interview,
wear one for the video interview, too.

“Even though you are not interviewing for the position in person,
appearance still matters,” said Cheryl Palmer, owner of Call to Career, a
career coaching firm in Ohio. Dressing your best will help you feel confident,
qualified and professional.

4. Watch your back(ground). Set up your computer where you plan to conduct
the interview and turn on your camera. What do you see? Chances are, you’ll be
doing the interview from home, but your surroundings should be free of mess,
clutter and overly personal touches. In other words, your pile of dirty dishes
and your toddler’s high chair should not be visible in the background. A neat
home office, well-organized bookshelf or blank wall will make the best backdrop.

5. Pay attention to lighting. Like in any other setting, lighting will help
set the mood for the call. You’ll want to make sure your face is well lit and
free of shadows.

“Since you are clearly trying to put your best foot forward, you don’t
want shadows over your face,” Palmer said. “It is advisable to put a
light behind the computer so that there is enough light to illuminate your
face. You should also keep in mind that the lighting can make your face shiny,
so make sure that you powder your face lightly (even if you’re a man).”

6. Minimize the chance of interruptions. “Lock dogs, cats and other
pets in another room, preferably out of earshot, and turn off the ringer on
your land and cell phones to avoid an awkward interruption,” said Laurie
Berenson, a certified professional résumé writer and owner of New Jersey-based
Sterling Career Concepts. “Or, if there’s any chance that someone might
ring your doorbell or knock on your door, place a sign on the door that says
‘Interview in process. Do not disturb.'”

To avoid distracting background noise, turn off radios, televisions and
loud appliances.

7. Look at the camera. “Practice looking at the camera,” said
Steve Langerud, director of professional opportunities at DePauw University.
“Most candidates look at the screen but that means they are not looking at
the interviewer. It feels odd but looks a lot better on the other side.”

Looking at the camera will give the interviewer the impression that you’re
making eye contact.

8. Sit still. Hand-talkers, take note: “Don’t gesture too much.
Depending on the connection on the other end you will present a jerky and
distracting picture,” Langerud said.

9. Jot down notes. Have points you want to make or ideas you don’t want to
forget? Write notes down on an easel pad or type them up in a large font and
print them out. Then, mount your notes behind your camera. That way, you can
glance up at it if you need to jog your memory.

10. Hang up. Once the call is over, make sure you actually hang up.
Accidentally leaving the connection open provides endless potential for
embarrassment.

Kaitlin Madden is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job
blog, www.TheWorkBuzz.com.

Posted on

Standing out from among the best

I was recently asked what a student must do to stand out from among the best. Some of my comments will appear in PRomo, the Rowan University PRSSA publication (Public Relations Student Society of America). To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com.

They must be the total package:

  • When meeting a professional, a student must give an outstanding first impression. That would include a businesslike appearance, firm handshake while looking the person in the eye, being an articulate and eloquent oral communicator and a strategic planner with outstanding writing skills.
  • In addition to crafting an effective resume, students should develop a compelling personal elevator speech, which summarizes who they are, what professors and other professionals think about them, their ambitions and why they should get the internship or the job.

It is important that the Rowan student conclude the elevator speech with another firm handshake as he/she hands the person being addressed a business card containing their name and contact information.

A student’s goal is not only making an outstanding first impression, but also a lasting impression – one that a prospective employer won’t soon forget – particularly if the “right fit” position opens.

SEE BELOW from Prof. Litwin’s book The ABCs of Strategic Communication:

An elevator speech is a strategic message delivered quickly and simply

(no more than 30 seconds – about the duration of an elevator ride) that

communicates a brand promise, mission or other main element about

you or your organization. The elevator speech or “pitch” must be clear

and concise and communicate the core aspects of your business – touch

briefly on the products or services you sell, what market you serve, and

your competitive advantage. It must be brief and clear. Employees and

stakeholders should know their organization’s elevator speech.

 

If the elevator speech is about you, identify your personal attributes and

quickly explain their benefits – benefits that might just get you a job or promotion.

According to author and business coach, Rhonda Abrams, it takes quite

a bit of thinking and practicing to decide what to mention in an elevator

speech. Because it must be short, you have to decide what must be left out.

“Often,” she says, “these can be the things you are most excited about.”

 

You’ll find you use your elevator speech more than just in elevators. Says

Abrams, “You will turn that 30-second speech into e-mails to prospective

customers and investors, to introduce yourself at organizational meetings

or when running into an old friend at a ballgame. Who knows? You may

even use it if you meet a potential customer in an elevator.

 

“So,” she advises, “go out and find a three-story building with an elevator,

ride up and down and practice your pitch. That way, you’ll be prepared

the next time someone asks you, ‘What do you do?’”

                                                            Sample Elevator Speech

Rowan University is a dynamic Top Tier regional university serving

high-achieving students through a combination of teaching,

research and project-based learning. The school’s reputation for

academic distinction is aided by its small class size, focus on interdisciplinary work and technologically advanced facilities.

To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com.

Posted on

Tips to protect home, yourselves during storm

From the National Flood Insurance Program come these important tips as we move into fall and eventually winter. Flooding has been at its all-time worst.

To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com

Flooding safety tips:

Safeguard your possessions. Create a personal flood file holding information about all your possessions and keep it in a secure place, such as a safe deposit box or waterproof container. The file should have:

A copy of your insurance policies with your agent’s contact data.

Conduct a household inventory: For insurance purposes, be sure to keep a written and visual (i.e., videotaped or photographed) record of all major household items and valuables. Create files that include serial numbers and store receipts for major appliances and electronics. Have jewelry and artwork appraised. For more information visit www.knowyour stuff.org.

Copies of all other critical documents, including finance records or receipts of major purchases.

Prepare your house.

Make sure your sump pump is working and install a battery-operated backup, in case of a power failure. Installing a water alarm will also let you know if water is accumulating in your basement.

Clear debris from gutters and downspouts.

Anchor any fuel tanks.

Raise your electrical components (switches, sockets, circuit breakers, and wiring) at least 12 inches above your home’s projected flood elevation.

Place the furnace, water heater, washer, and dryer on cement blocks at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation.

Move furniture, valuables, and important documents to a safe place.

Develop a family emergency plan.

Create a safety kit with drinking water, canned food, first aid, blankets, a radio and a flashlight.

Post emergency telephone numbers by the phone and teach your children how to dial 911.

Plan and practice a flood evacuation route with your family. Know safe routes from home, work, and school that are on higher ground.

Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to be your emergency family contact.

Have a plan to protect your pets.

To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com

 

Posted on

Resumes and interviews

[To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com]

The link below takes you to important handouts on www.larrylitwin.com. You are encouraged to download them as you move toward internships and jobs. Lots of good luck. http://larrylitwin.com/handouts.html

Handouts No. 29, 30, 62, 64 and 65. (As time permits, peruse other handouts.)

Also, check out previous week’s blogs about these important topics. If you have questions, do NOT hesitate to write: larry@larrylitwin.com.

Be sure to look through The Public Relations Practitioner’s Playbook and The ABCs of Strategic Communication. Both have successful/proven techniques that could help you nail down that internship and/or job. Good luck!

Posted on

Near Record-Low Confidence in U.S. Public Schools

To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com

 

As reported last week, according to the most recent Gallup Poll on the topic, Americans continue to express near record-low confidence in U.S.
public schools — holding in the range seen throughout the past few years of tumult for the U.S. economy and state budgets. The 34 percent who say they have a “great deal” or “quite a lot” of confidence in public schools is unchanged from last year and statistically similar to what Gallup
has found since 2005.

For the full  report, http://www.gallup.com/poll/148724/Near-Record-Low-Confidence-Public-Schools.aspx?utm_source=alert&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=syndication&utm_content=morelink&utm_term=Americas

Check out the protocol. It makes use of cell phone technology in its audience selection. Let me know your thoughts…  larry@larrylitwin.com.

 

Posted on

Tips To Succeed: Mind your Manners

[Tip No. 12 from “The ABCs of Strategic Communication” by M. Larry Litwin, APR, Fellow PRSA. To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com]

It takes only three to five seconds to make a first impression, but it can take a whole career to undo it.

Here’s what you should keep in mind during those first fateful moments to make a positive impression at an interview, conference, party or any other time

you meet new faces.

 The tardiness taboo

 The most important guideline is the most fundamental: Don’t be late. Ever.

 Figure out how long it takes to get to your meeting point and allow extra time. It’s better to arrive early than risk tardiness. For interviews and other important events, do a practice run in advance to clock the drive and make sure you know the route.

If you arrive more than 10 minutes ahead of schedule, take a short walk before going inside. Arriving too early can rattle the person

you’re meeting.

Appearances

It’s an unfortunate fact of human nature that before you even say hello, people form an opinion of you based on how you look.

 In business settings, look sharp by dressing slightly more formally than the people you’re meeting with. Avoid distracting accents, like excessive jewelry or a goofy tie. Your clothes should not draw attention to you. And don’t leave a bad impression by forgetting the rear view.

 Check the back of your clothes in the mirror for rips and stains. Make sure you’re tucked in where you should be. Also examine the back of your shoes for mud splashes or worn-down heels.

 Presenting yourself

 At events where you have a chance to make new contacts, take a proactive approach. Peter Post (Emily’s grandson) says, “Go in with an attitude that says you’re going to participate, you’re going to be willing to go up and introduce yourself to people and start conversations.”

 It takes guts to approach strangers, but if you do it with charm, those you meet will be impressed by your sociability.

Post recommends four actions to ensure a positive first impression:

 • Stand up to get on eye level with the person.

• Look them in the eye.

• Give a firm handshake, but don’t “bone crush” them. Keep your shoulders and feet oriented toward the person.

• Repeat the person’s name and say you’re pleased to meet them.

Fine-tune and rehearse your self-introduction, a 10-second or less sound-bite (elevator speech) that includes your first and last name and a snippet of background information to kindle conversation.

Example: Hello, I’m Denise Kersten, a careers columnist for USATODAY.com.

Making connections

 

Introducing others will make you seem gracious and well connected, but be sure to follow the proper protocol.

In social situations the order in which you introduce two people is based on gender and age (women and older people first).

In business settings the order is determined by rank.

Introduce the lower-ranking person to the higher-ranking person, then reverse the order, so you say each person’s name two times.

Try to add an interesting tidbit to start the conversation. If you were introducing Mrs. Smith, a vice president of the company, to Mr. Jones, a junior associate, for example, you might say:

If you are unsure who the more important person is, default to the gender and age guideline.

Don’t panic if you forget a name. Most people will be happy to remind you and appreciate the introduction.

Chit chat

 

Conversation is more like a tennis match than a golf game. Hitting the ball too many times in a row is a serious faux pas. Instead, try to establish a back-and-forth volley.

Asking questions about the other person’s background and mentioning that interesting item you read in the newspaper are tried and-true chat starters or icebreakers. Stay away from politically

charged or sensitive topics with people you’ve just met.

Also avoid alienating individuals with different professional backgrounds.

Stay away from industry language and acronyms. It may make you make you feel plugged in, but it can turn-off uninitiated listeners.

If you succeed at establishing rapport with a new contact, you may ask for their business card and offer yours. But only do so in the context of building a mutually-beneficial relationship, or you may

come across as pushy.

The recovery

 

We all make etiquette slip-ups from time to time. Even Peter Post admits to the occasional oversight. But you can minimize the damage with a sincere apology.

“Acknowledge your mistake. Don’t try to put it off on somebody else. Accept it as your mistake. Then correct it,” Post says.

For the less serious offenses a simple “excuse me” goes a long way.

Denise Kersten – USATODAY.com

Dana May Casperson – Author of Power Etiquette:

What You Don’t Know Can Kill Your Career

Posted on

Tips to Succeed: Know your etiquette in

[Tip No. 30 from “The ABCs of Strategic Communication by M. Larry Litwin, APR, Fellow PRSA. To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com]

Dining out with your boss or a client is your chance to make a good impression.

 • Can I drink soda or beer from the bottle?

No. Use a glass.

 • What if I am served something that I don’t know how to eat?

 Watch your host and do what he or she does.You may not be right, but you won’t be wrong. And when you do have a choice of foods, don’t order anything that you don’t know how to eat.

 • Is it OK to kiss colleagues in business social situations?

The handshake is the proper business greeting in most business and business social situations.Yet there can be situations where kissing may be OK, depending upon:

A.Your relationship with the person. If people know each other

well, they may kiss at business social events.

B. The type of company you work for. Large, formal, or conservative companies usually have less kissing than smaller, creative or informal types of companies.

C. The type of business functions you attend. Company picnics may be more relaxed and informal than business dinners at a fancy restaurant.

D. When in doubt, shake hands.

Barbara Pachter – Author -When The Little Things Count . . .And They Always Count

http://www.pachter.com/ [To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com]

Posted on

Techniques to Succeed: Just what is integrated marketing communication – synergy?

[To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com] This is Tip 125 from “The ABCs of Strategic Communication by M. Larry Litwin, APR, Fellow PRSA. Thanks to former Rowan University colleague Amy LeBow for this and her insight.]

Like many strategic communication practitioners, you may spend much of your life trying to get friends and relatives to understand what you do for a living. Try this example:

• You see a gorgeous girl at a party. You go up to her and say, “I’m fantastic in bed.” That’s Direct Marketing.

• You’re at a party with a bunch of friends and see a gorgeous girl. One of your friends goes up to her and pointing at you says, “He’s fantastic in bed.” That’s Advertising.

• You see a gorgeous girl at a party. You go up to her and get her telephone number. The next day you call and say, “Hi, I’m fantastic in bed.” That’s Telemarketing.

• You’re at a party and see a gorgeous girl. You get up and straighten your tie You walk up to her and pour her a drink. You open the door for her, pick up her bag after she drops it, offer her a ride, and then say, “By the way, I’m fantastic in bed.” That’s Public Relations.

• You’re at a party and see a gorgeous girl. She walks up to you and says, “I hear you’re fantastic in bed.” That’s Brand Recognition.

[To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com]