8 TIPS FOR YOUR INTERVIEW

Follow These 8 Tips For Your Interview, and You Will Be Off to a Great Start.

Over the past five years, the majority of our clients have indicated a preference for us to conduct interviews via Skype as a cost saving measure. Although nothing can truly replace an in person interview, Skype has proven to be a valuable resource. However, I have noticed that it is being taken advantage by some because it is not directly in person. Some candidates become very lax when it comes to Skype interviews, notably their dress and professionalism.

I am always a bit surprised when a candidate shows up for their Skype interview dressed like they are going to a ball game or to the beach. An interview is an interview, regardless of whether it is in person or via Skype. I hope the following tips will help anyone with upcoming Skype interviews.

1. Dress professionally.  Dressing appropriately shows that you are serious about the job opportunity and want to impress.
2. Be aware of your surroundings. Although Skype interviews are often done at home, having the pool as your background is not always the most professional. Furthermore, pets and children should not be in the room.
3. Make sure you are in a fixed location.  It is not appropriate to be interviewing as a passenger in a moving vehicle, and it’s even worse if you are driving.  This is dangerous and unprofessional. And yes, I really have had candidates try to interview like this.
4. Check your Skype settings in advance to make sure that your video and audio are working appropriately. Obviously, there are occasions when Skype just does not work properly, but going through Skype beforehand can really help to prevent any issues on the candidate’s side.
5. Be on time.  (As you would with any interview)
6. Close all other applications on your computer. Just like you would turn off your phone when going into an in person interview, turning off all the applications and programs on your computer can help to prevent issues with Skype and ensure that no other programs cause interruptions during the interview.
7. Make sure the lighting is fixed in a way so that you are not in the shadows. It is very difficult to see people in the dark.
8. Look at the camera. It is very common for candidates to look down, not because they are distracted, but more so because they are looking at the person they are talking to on the screen. By putting the Skype window at the top (near the web camera), it is much easier to remember to look directed at the camera.

Overall, a Skype interview is just like any other interview. If you treat it that way, you should have a successful interview!