Skype interviews are increasingly common as they’re quick, cost-effective ways to screen potential employees who live far away or who are pressed for time. Sometimes it’s difficult to coordinate schedules between an employer and a candidate, and a skype interview is a great way to accommodate that.
For the candidate, however, these interviews can be awkward and nerve-wracking, especially since the interview could be ruined by tech issues or computer malfunctions. Here are five ways to make sure you nail your skype interview and stand out to your potential employer.
Choose an appropriate handle or username.
Use some variation of your name, not something that will reflect some immature past behavior. Accompany it with a professional-looking headshot, not a beach picture from your college spring break trip.
Create a studio.
Set up a space against a neutral backdrop that won’t clash with your outfit. Use lighting that flatters your face and doesn’t create a glare.
Limit all distractions. Turn off your TV, radio and phone. Close the door and remove children, pets and noisy roommates who might interrupt. You should be the only living creature in the room!
Avoid technical difficulties.
If possible, plug into your internet source to avoid losing a wireless connection. Since video streaming takes up a lot of bandwidth, you may need to ask your family or roommates to disconnect their devices to avoid interference. Invest in high-quality sound equipment or headset to make sure there’s no audio feedback.
Eliminate distractions on your computer. Close your email and all other browsers. You don’t want to be tempted to glance at another window while an interviewer is speaking because that will be noticeable! You also don’t want to be interrupted by a loud alert from your email or an obnoxious pop-up ad.
Dress the part.
Dress professionally. Darker, solid colors or shades of blue tend to show up well on camera. Patterns can be distracting and sometimes create an odd glare, depending on the lighting in the room.
Dress head to toe. It’s tempting to wear sweatpants with a suit jacket and tie, but you never know if you’ll need to stand up or what might actually show on camera. Pajama pants don’t exactly shout “businesslike.”
Avoid large jewelry that can create distracting glares. Practice recording yourself in your outfit to see how you look on camera.
Master your digital body language.
Since you can’t shake hands, you’ll have to rely on visual cues and body language to seem composed and confident. Use a firm nod and maintain eye contact with the camera—don’t look at yourself or elsewhere on the screen. Sit up straight and lean forward slightly.
Exaggerate your enthusiasm and talk with your hands since the interviewers can’t see the rest of your body. Excessive movements can be blurry on screen, so don’t fidget.
Speak strongly, clearly and slowly. Pause before speaking so you don’t inadvertently interrupt the interviewer.
For more advice on how to nail an interview, contact us today!
Ty Culver is the Client Development Director of CulverCareers focusing on talent acquisition and workforce solutions with a wide variety of local, national and global clients.
Ty has been working in various aspects of the industry for over 10 years and developed deep expertise in Executive Search, Executive Benefit and Talent Acquisition Programs along the way. He has a range of experience from SMB to Enterprise clients and hyper specific executive searches to high volume recruiting with companies in a dynamic state of flux.
Today, Ty leads a talented team of Talent Acquisition Specialists, Executive Recruiters and Client Success Managers at one of the most respected Recruiting Firms in the Nation, CulverCareers. While leadership is a key aspect of his role, Ty still enjoys working with clients on recruiting strategies, executive benefit solutions and workforce solutions to help clients build a holistic approach to talent acquisition and talent retention.