oDesk Interview Experience

Skype Voice Calls Work on iPad with Everyman Headset (Photo credit: stevegarfield)

In my quest to finally land on a full-time online job, I've been applying to oDesk jobs recently. Most of the posts I refer to are about article writing, website content writing, research, and social media management. Luckily, there were a few interview schedules, and it inspired me to create this blog entry.

When you get an invitation for an interview on oDesk, clients have their own definition of "interview." It's either you are invited to chat, to video chat or voice chat only. So, it's important to clarify these things to the client so that you can prepare well especially if they require you for a video chat interview. Clients who invite you for an interview, ask for your Skype account and/or Gmail. 

The odesk client for this recent interview invitation for a research assistant post asked for my skype ID. She sent me a link to her online appointment calendar, and from there, I chose the time slot for my interview schedule. However, due to the confusion with the time zone, I missed out the interview schedule. Good thing she was kind enough to reschedule the interview just this morning. But, I had to file for a leave from the office to accommodate this Skype interview. Again, take note that Skype is critical so if you do not have a Skype account better create one now. It is one of the essentials when you are engaged in online jobs.

To cut the story short, I was asked for my resume after the Skype interview. It started with the usual "tell me about yourself" because she wanted to get to know me as a person. It was an orientation of the company I am going to work for and the like. I also learned that it is the first time that she will be hiring an academic researcher, so, I would consider this as a prospect for a long term online job which is actually my goal this year. If I have to quit my full-time job if everything goes well with this online opportunity. 

I was left with a few assignments, and I have to get back to her for another interview schedule. If the test project goes well, I will be paid for it and then get hired. But, if not, then the job hunt goes on...