When a lot of interviewees discover an interview will be
conducted via Skype they feel a small panic in the pit of their stomach. Do not
let this happen to you. In fact, an interview through Skype can be more
fulfilling and satisfying than having a face to face meet with a hiring manager
or related personnel.
Getting the best out of a job interview through Skype is not
that difficult. Skype is an online video service that is being utilized for a
number of different corporate processes, including interviewing. It makes for
an easy exchange of information and convenient for companies as well as
individuals on a number of fronts.
Many find it less stressful than an in person meet for a
job, less expensive than traveling to and from an interview (especially for out
of town business prospects) and it avoids things like bad breathe or bad
weather. However, do not confuse this type of interview with having less significance
than other types. Being prepared with the right information for your interview
will make a difference.
Our body language conveys a lot when we communicate with
each other. This makes Skype interviews more noteworthy than phone interviews,
but slightly less weighty than a face to face meet since the entire body is not
visualized. The major point that should never be ignored with this type of
application for a job is to make certain all visual cues are observed. The added
obstacle of technology can make it tricky.
Make a Skype interview work in your favor when possible by
using these tips;
Lighting is essential
The lighting used is important. A dark room or backdrop
presents shadows which can fool the camera into making you look older than your
years and less attractive. Many job seekers use additional lighting not found
in the average room to enhance their features.
Clipping extra lights to structures that hang from above are
better than a table lamp. Table lamps can create shadows. Either bring in extra
lights or invest in some from your local home goods store.
Wear the right colors
Wearing the correct color clothes are vital for a face to
face meeting and hold true for the Skype interview as well. Although black is
slimming, it doesn’t do a lot of interviewees justice with technology. Instead consider
solid jewel hues which will brighten the contours of the face. Solids work
best. A little pattern without being too busy is okay, but stay away from
anything that screams “where is Waldo”.
Do not get too
comfortable
Being comfortable is fine for the park or play date, but not
your next job interview. Remember, this is a job interview like any other that
happens to be conducted via a computer. Although you may be in your own living
room or study-you are interviewing for your next business or professional
position and should dress as such.
Make certain the workspace or back drop behind you is clean
and free of all clutter. A clear workspace means a clear and certain mind for a
lot of interviewers. Even if you work better with the clutter, you may not have
the chance to explain your working methodology to a hiring manager.
Keep the phone and television off during this time and get
rid of pets and the children while taking care of your business.
Look directly at the
camera
Interviewing with a camera is not much different when it
comes to looking into your interviewer’s eyes while having a conversation. Remember to smile into the camera just like
sitting across from the person speaking to you with Skype.
Reduce nervousness
Keep the screen shot of yourself minimized to reduce
nervousness. Sit up straight and tall and keep your hands as non-busy as
possible. There are a number of people that speak with body movement moving
their heads or lots of hand gestures. This can be distracting using Skype
communication. Try and remain calm and secure during the exchange by keeping
body movement to a minimum. Sitting up straight will project your voice in a
positive manner and tone.
In conclusion
These are tips to make a Skype interview successful and having the best Skype job interview possible. Although
they may seem small they are huge in nature when technology replaces a face to
face meeting for your next job opportunity. Skype is a friend indeed when it
comes to getting the job and can replace the traditional meeting of hiring
managers and interviewees in our modern age of the computer.