Although a Skype interview takes place in the comfort of your own home, it should still be taken very seriously and treated like a face-to-face meeting. First impressions are vital, even if they take place through a webcam, so be sure to execute these Skype interview best practices:
Dress For The Occasion
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Although you aren't meeting the company in person, dress smartly and in line with the industry. Not only will it boost your confidence, but the interviewer will see that you are serious about the position. Avoid stripey or checkered clothing as these can sometimes be distorted when using a webcam. Also, be sure that what you're wearing doesn't blend in with the back drop; a floating head is sure to distract the interviewer.
Think about your surroundings as well as your personal appearance. There's no point looking the part if you are sitting in a messy and unclean room. Sit in the position you would for the in-person interview, and check behind you to make sure it looks presentable.
Use The Right Equipment
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Ensure that your equipment is up to the task in regards to microphone, webcam, and internet connection. Having a low quality microphone or webcam can make a Skype interview really tricky if you have to keep repeating yourself or the picture is pixelated. Likewise, if your internet connection isn't up to par, there can be awkward delays and a communication struggle.
Be sure to test everything well in advance so you can have plenty of time to fix any technical problems or buy new hardware. When it comes to the actual interview, make sure that you are in a quiet room or, even better, an empty house.
Practice
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Practice makes perfect, especially when it comes to video calls. Remember to look at the camera and not the person on the screen, and be sure to speak at a comfortable volume as opposed to shouting. You could consider recording yourself answering made up questions, then play it back to yourself to see how you sound and pinpoint areas you can improve on.
Don't Forget To Smile!
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Smiling comes naturally in a face-to-face interview, but it's something that's easy to forget when you're sitting in front of a computer screen. Just before the interview, try and get into an upbeat mood, and make a mental note to smile just as you would in person. Smiling is a proven way to help reduce nerve and stress levels, and a powerful way to convey enthusiasm. Combining this with good posture helps you appear confident and alert.
Keep Your Notes Handy
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One of the biggest benefits of a Skype interview is the ability to have notes in front of you without the interviewer knowing. This can help you out of sticky situations, but be sure to be subtle when you glance at them, instead of reading off the page. Consider creating sticky notes to place around the screen, which contain important and concise information.
It may be useful to have your resume on hand as well as any information about the company you are applying to. And, of course, don't forget to write down any questions you wish to ask.
We hope these simple but important best practices help you perform your best during your next Skype interview. Remember, the first few video calls won't be perfect. But don't let this discourage you. Although they were once a novelty, Skype interviews are becoming more common, so it's always a good idea to learn how to ace one!
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