Food for thought this weekend - more and more employers are using video as an interviewing tool. As companies go global and travel costs rocket it's an obvious medium for employers to use. The advantages are that it's cheap, immediate and is more personal than a telephone interview.  If you're used to using Skype or something similar you'll be comfortable, but for those novices out there it can be very intimidating. I found this article which has some great hints and tips for people who are about to be Skyped.

My favourite piece of advice is to make sure you wear something smart on your bottom half as well as your top in case you have to stand up during the interview!

The answer to that question may be 'a lot', and some of what they find could affect your employment prospects. Have you 'Googled' yourself lately? Employers and recruiters are using this method regularly now to find out more about job applicants to decide whether or not to interview them.

Here at the RSC Careers Service we recommend that you have an online presence to raise your profile and find out about new contacts and opportunities - it's essential in the current climate. But make sure you manage your online reputation carefully. I found a good post about this on the University of Warwick's Careers blog. It's well worth a look.
My colleague Laura has written a great article on using LinkedIn effectively too, which will help you to look good online.

If you haven't 'googled' yourself lately, try now - you could be surprised at what you find. That photo of you on holiday in a Hawaiian shirt dancing on the table should really be behind a privacy wall for friends and family only!

The RSC's Trends in Remuneration 2013 survey has been launched. All members who are not students will receive an email from our survey partners, GfK NOP, with an invitation to take part in the online questionnaire, which takes around 20 minutes to complete.The RSC has carried out regular remuneration surveys since 1919, using the data to keep members informed and to support RSC activities, including the Careers Service. The quality of the data is entirely thanks to the contribution of individual members so we would appreciate it if you could spend a short time completing this year's questionnaire. We are working again in 2013 with GfK NOP, who will process the data and collate the responses. You can be assured that all information collected will be treated in the strictest confidence, and that your answers will remain completely anonymous. The survey report will be free of charge to members in September.
Many thanks in advance for your contribution.

Does the idea of a networking meeting fill you with dread? You're not alone. Many of the people we speak to here at the RSC Careers Service share your nervousness. Common worries are that it will be intimidating, that no-one will be interested in what you have to say and that to ask people for things is somehow wrong and impolite. Sounds familiar? Don't let these preconceptions put you off. We all know that creating and maintaining a strong network of contacts is essential if you want to progress in today's competitive job market.

I suggest turning your thinking around. Instead of going to a networking event with the idea of getting, think instead about what you have to give. What can you offer to others? If this makes sense, read this article for more hints and tips. Of course there are many ways to network online, but nothing beats face-to-face contact for making a lasting impression. Don't let nervousness and negative preconceptions put you off. Just think what opportunities you could be missing!

Some more interview advice from me this week as I wanted to share this article  with you all about making sure you provide the best answers you can, particularly for the competency based questions.

Don't forget to read the job description and advert beforehand in preparation for the interview, as it will indicate the competencies that are going to be tested and you can probably have a reasonable guess of the types of questions that you are going to be asked.  It is important to try and think of some answers beforehand, but I always caution not to over prepare just in case you reel off an answer that doesn't quite fit!