[willow]

Hi

I have just found out that a prospective employer ( my dream job!) wants to interview me by video conference! Panic - lots!!

I have no idea how to set it up or what is required from either the soft ware or equipment point, in fact I have no idea about any part of it. any offers of inspiration? I know out here on this forum there are many many people who have brilliant IT skills and will be able to help me without me having to ask friends etc and raise suspiscions about why little old me needs to video conference. Friends would think I was doing something dodgy, which is even more worrying than them finding out we are applying to move to NZ!

Here in my cupboard I have a web-cam that we were given with the computer and also our digital recorder for filming can be used as web cam I believe. Other than that I am in the dark. Helllllllllllllllllllllllllllllp!

willow

[chocolate cake]

Skype is your cheapest and best bet. It relies on the other party also having Skype, but the quality (if you're using broadband) is very good. PC to PC is free.

Skype.com is the place to go to find out more and download the free software.

[JandM]

And don't panic - it's very straightforward. And if you have any hassle with setting up, there will almost certainly be a 'little man' who advertises in your local freebie paper about sorting out computer difficulties for very cheap, so you needn't involve friends whose interest wouldn't be welcome.

Good luck with the interview, on all fronts!

[peebles16]

OH have video conference interview and I think I've posted about this before but he organised it through hotel with facilities and his now employers paid for it :yes Less hassle and worry about broadband connection (our's wasn't great in the UK) and if they were Skype compatiable etc.. Loads of hotels etc offer the service

HTH :)

Best of luck
Karen

[Helsandfamily]

You could also try to set up skype and try a practice session with someone else first, just to see if you feel comfortable with it,

or

The other option of you are really stressing, is to speak to someone at the local internet cafe, they can set these things up for you at their place. I don't believe that it is too expensive!

Good luck
hels

[mesh2008]

Don't panic, it is really easy. All you need is a mic, video cam and Skype or any other chat software. Please PM me if you need any help setting up these stuff (I'm a computer engineer so surely I can help you).
Best of Luck
AM

[Potato]

I would check the specs of your webcam, and if necessary get one with better resolution (and that should not tax the bandwidth). Definitely worth it to make a good impression.
And yes, test it many times before the big one. If possible- with people outside of your home country.

[Janey]

Hi Willow
I had one of these last Autumn and took the easy option of usinh a local conference facility, they undertook a lot of checks the speed of our side to theirs was different which meant that if they moved several freeze frames followed them which was quite funny. It was worth the investment as I have no idea with IT (£75) I did get the job but had to turn it down as I could not meet their time frame
good luck
regrds Jane:roll

[Norwegian Blue]

Hi,

Telecom NZ tried to organize this for me using proper VC facilities, but they had real difficulties finding any that were reasonably commutable for me and where they were able to find UK staff to work after hours. In the end I just had 2 telephonic interviews.

Your prospective employer should pay for it (most will reasonably pick up interview costs) as it is expensive if you use proper facilities (about £120+ per hour).

Pete

[willow]

see,

I knew you would know how to do it! I will investigate Skype and also see if the local hilton hotel can let me use their facilities. Not sure which will stress me more, having to go to a hotel late at night to use facilities I know nothing about or risking dog barking or kids bursting in during interview at home!

any more help will be greatly appreciated also. This forum is so good, everyone really helpful and positive.

[gil]

I would go for the hotel/conference centre option as it will be a more professional experience (no dogs, kids etc!) and less stress than trying to do it yourself.
I had a VC interview and went to the company's nearest UK office to use their facilities - easier for them as the equipment was compatible, all set up anyway and no costs to foot.

One thing - the time delay is a bit weird at first, just doesn't feel so spontaneous! Not a problem though.

Good luck Willow,

Gil

[nickydwuk]

Can't help with the VC but good luck. Which DHB is it?

[Wonderbob]

I would go for the hotel/conference centre option as it will be a more professional experience (no dogs, kids etc!) and less stress than trying to do it yourself.
I had a VC interview and went to the company's nearest UK office to use their facilities - easier for them as the equipment was compatible, all set up anyway and no costs to foot.


Gil

Agree with Gil here.

As a manager for a large multinational IT company (who seems to employing nothing but immigrants...), I would highly recomend you spend the money and do it professionally, you are trying to sell yourself, and you need to do that in the most professional manner possible - don't try to do it on the cheap, and by all means request reimbursement for teleconference costs - it doesn't hurt to ask, the worst they can say is no.... And remember to try and relax as much as you can. I know it's an interview, but the more relaxed you are the easier everything will go. Good luck!

[Kate D]

I had a viedoeconf interview at a place dedicated to doing them. As this was the job I was really keen on, I was stressed enough without worrying about the technology side, and fortunately the company organised the conf. I agree with others that if your prospective company won't pay, it's still a worthwhile investment. You'll have enough to worry about interpeting pauses vs time delays and remembering to look at the screen as if the person is actually there. You don't need the hassle of dodgy IT or worries about untimely interrupts:-)

Good luck!

Kate

[Wonderbob]

I agree with others that if your prospective company won't pay, it's still a worthwhile investment. You'll have enough to worry about interpeting pauses vs time delays and remembering to look at the screen as if the person is actually there. You don't need the hassle of dodgy IT or worries about untimely interrupts:-)

Kate

Agree with Kate, interviews are all about putting your best foot forward, presenting yourself in the best possible way, so low-tech shouldn't feature.....And remember the best way to relax in interviews is to always remember that you are actually interviewing them as well - "do I really want to work for this company??" If you do some research into the company first it pays good dividends - employers love interviewees who ask probing and informed questions, it shows real interest and commitment.

[willow]

Hi,

had video interview using SKYPE at home last night at 11pm til 12.12am!!! i had a nice blouse on my top half and my pj bottoms on out of sight of the webcam, a girls gotta feel comfy!!

the process was a breeze and i can recommend it to others having to do a video conference interview. skype was easy to install at both ends. i had a few trial runs with friends before hand to get used to the system, i even found a few friends who had skype who i had lost touch with. so skype has done me proud, and i saw my brother for the first time in 18 years in australia and my niece and nephew for the first time ever too, so now we are skype addicts in our household!

the interview went without a technical hitch once the new zealand end of the interview turned on their microphone/speakers. i typed them a message to tell them i couldn't hear them and they couldn't hear me and told them how to rectify it, and then was asked during the interview if i was IT competent!!

so, all good news. nurse registration has come through too. i will hear mid july early august if i have been succesful. i will keep you all posted

thanks to everyone who offered support and advice about video interviews, i wouldn't have known what to do without your help.

willow x

[benhila]

Well done, Willow! Loved the PJ bit, just don't forget to change before you go to work, NZers are a bit on the conservative side.

[JandM]

Well done, Willow! Loved the PJ bit, just don't forget to change before you go to work, NZers are a bit on the conservative side.What about that thread recently where people were telling how it's perfectly normal to see folks in pyjamas in the supermarkets?:laugh (Admittedly, that's clients, not the workforce!)

[Mrs TW]

Well done on the interview Willow. I hope you received my PM.

Let us know when you hear anything

Nicki

[dusk]

glad to hear the interview went so well - good luck
and a bonus that skype is working out so well for you too :D

[nickydwuk]

Well done with the interview. Where is the job you're going for?