Going the extra mile?

Question

Hi forum,

I recently just got an interview invitation to an MBB firm that's in another continent. They're not paying for my flight nor accomodation but when asked, agreed that skype for the first round could be an option.

I was wondering if there are any experienced recruiters here that believe being there in person would make a big impact. My logic is that even if you perform well on skype, they might take another candidate they've seen in person because there is more "risk" associated with your profile since they have not met you in person and can't gauge who you truly are.

Thank you

Answer 1

Go for it.

1. I did exactly this and I found it to be a great way to connect with the interviewers.

2. This also helps you prepare for the second round as you’ll be less nervous having seen the office etc.

3. If you are like me, most likely you have spent time and perhaps money on your prep. Adding a flight ticket and a day or two hotel cost is nothing compared to the possible return.

I wouldn’t be focused on cost savings once you have secured your spot.

Best of luck.

Answer 2

Hi,

I personally had a skype interview - it worked well. Although I recommend you to suggest them to plan a live interview in a couple of weeks. A Personal meeting is definitely better than online experience since you can definitely connect better with the interviewer when it is a live meeting.

Several things to consider:

Is it a big amount of money for you personally?
Are you ready to work for a company that can't pay?
What is the industry? In tech most of the candidates are interviewed on skype. In consulting most of the interviews will go live and you will have a weaker position having an interview online

If you still want to have an interview on skype, here are some general recommendations:

First of all, check whether they are providing a conference room in a local office
If not - find a place with good internet speed and test it multiple times before the interview. Also, think of nice room / proper light for the video conference if you do it from home
You should be dressed the same as for the regular interview
Don't hesitate to ask clarifying questions if there are problems with connection or you were not able to hear something
Don't forget to look at the camera and smile - same as you do on a regular interview

Best

(edited)

Answer 3

Hey anonymous,

It's more and more common to use Skype to do interviews, especially first round ones, so I don't think that would be a major issue. Thus, if your alternative is to take an intercontinental flight from your own pocket and face the risk of arriving really tired (and jet lagged) to the interview, I wouldn't do it.

Besides, if you're good enough (are at least at the bar!), you will be selected for R2, as MBBs don't select/hire based on your performance vs. a single other candidate, but instead to a previously defined bar.

Best

Bruno

Answer 4

If this is an off-cycle/experienced hire interview, I would try to interview in person because the process is more bespoke than for on-cycle (undergrad/grad) interviews and live impression will have a greater weight in the decision especially if fewer candidates are involved.

If instead this is an on-cycle interview, there are probably several people in your situation and several people interviewing live from local schools, so being live will not be a true differentiator.

Hope it helps,

Andrea