Virtual job interview is done online using Skype and other VoIPs. Some entrepreneurs or interviewers would interview an applicant using voice only but there are some who prefers video call wherein both parties use video camera in addition to voice call to see the applicant.

Just like having a face to face interview, you may be nervous too on phone interview. There is not much of a difference except you are interviewed via phone or video call.

How to prepare for an online interview:

• Job description: Prior to that anticipated phone interview, read and understand the job description carefully. You need to assess the type of person the company is looking for. From there, you can focus your interview and prove to the recruiter that you are best fit for the post.

• Resume: The interviewer might ask you something that’s on your resume so better be prepared than get some surprise questions. You may open your resume from your computer or print it out so you can refer to it during the interview.

• Notepad and pen: You may think pad and pen is not necessary, but having a ready available notepad and pen for taking down notes during the interview is a fundamental to success.

• Disturbances: Choose a room in your house where no one can disturb you and as much as possible no background noise like dog barking, TV programs, loud music, a baby crying or children fighting and screaming. Even though it’s a phone interview you may want this to be as professional as possible so be sure your family is aware so they can at least minimize interruptions. Also, avoid a room that has an echo or makes you sound as though you’re in a well or something during your phone interview.

• At Office: Work isn’t the best place to have a phone interview for a new job but sometimes, the only possible time for a phone interview is during the day when you are at work. You have to notify the recruiter if you’ve preferred to conduct your phone interview in your office about your work situation and the preferable time to call you. Some people use their break time or lunch time to accommodate the phone interview.

• Telephone: Shun the idea of using a speaker phone unless you have a hearing problem. If using a headset, test the sound quality and the microphone if working or not. Have your mobile phone or a battery operated phone fully charged before your interview should your interview last longer than expected.

• Relax: You can get butterflies in your stomach even with a phone interview. Relax and take a deep breath minutes before the phone interview. Find a comfortable chair to sit and not on your bed with your laptop. You want to be calm and relaxed so you aren’t distracted during your interview. This will allow you to give the interviewer your undivided attention during the entire phone call.

• Water: There are times that we really get nervous during the interview and we tend to chew gums to ease the tension. Forget the gums or candies and just have the water readily available once your throat dries out.

• Who leads the interview: Let the interviewer lead the interview – don’t interrupt him, listen to him carefully before answering. Don’t talk much and into details especially if it is out of context unless you are applying for sales and marketing post wherein you are required to talk and talk.

• Be yourself: Yes, you want to get the job but never try to impress the interviewer that you know everything. Be honest about your knowledge and skills. If you do not know something, acknowledge and propose or recommend instead on ways to solve the situation.  If you try to pretend you know something that you really don’t know, it will backfire to you once you are hired.

• Humor: It is not bad to break the ice and crack some humor. Just relax and smile.

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With today’s technology, telecommuting is paving its way to home base jobs and those who wants to work remotely from home, the easiest way. The internet, smartphones, tablets, and computer have made it significantly more accessible to work outside of a traditional setting – the office workspace or cubicle.

Some of the work from home or online jobs that is sought after by employers and clients are:

1. Graphic designer – graphic designers are generally regarded as some of the most creative people on a team. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, they’re the ones liable for designing visual concepts, choosing colors and schemes, images, and layouts, and advising clients on methods and styles to influence their audience. To be able to get this job, one must have a bachelor’s degree in graphic design.
2. Computer programmer – they create, test and fix bugs in software programs by working with computer code. These programs gamut from simple mobile apps for smartphones and tablets to more complex operating systems. Most programmers are working independently and are productive when they work alone and in a quite environment. A bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field.
3. Software Developer – software developers are set up to telecommute and working wholly from computers. This means, they need a lot of focus and this can only be achieved if the working environment is quite and far from distractions. Most of them work at night when everyone is asleep and quite, yet they earn big bucks.
4. Bookkeeping / Accounting – Companies are employing accountants and bookkeepers to ensure that financial documents and records are updated and balance sheets are tallied to the last centavo. Accountants can carry out his work anywhere and not only confined to an office environment.
5. Writer – In this age of technology, people, a company or an institution is being introduced by a compelling write-up, PR or a content. Behind each masterpiece is a talented writer. A writer can work anywhere serene where he can put his words together. Some writers are productive when they are working in with nature or just simply at the comfort of their home with a cup of coffee.
6. Public Relations Specialist – this is ideal for telecommuting. Internet and phones are bridging the gap to make presentation to clients or potential customers and the need for immediate communication doesn’t always have to be in the office.  A degree in Public relations, English major, journalism is preferred for this job.