More and more often, I am being asked to schedule an initial Skype interview with a candidate. Many people have it already installed on their computer or phone and use it with friends and family. But it’s best to be prepared before you actually schedule an interview.
What to Know Before Your Skype Interview
Remember you can be seen by the person conducting the interview. So you will want to dress and groom appropriately. It’s not likely you will have to stand during the interview, but in case you need to stand up to retrieve something, you want your bottom half to look professional too.
A suit on top and cartoon character flannel pajama bottoms may not convey the level of professionalism you want and it’s not worth the risk…so go with a completely professional outfit.
Practice Makes Perfect
Practice with the process before you try to connect with the hiring manager. Lack of technological skills is a reason for rejection. Don’t let it be why you didn’t get the job.
Practice with your phone and with a computer. The larger image on a computer monitor may help you remember they can see you too. Just because the image on the phone is small, doesn’t mean they can see less of you.
As with the phone interview, be sure you are somewhere secluded where you can talk and not be interrupted.
Be sure that your background is appropriate. If you don’t have a blank wall behind you, it’s easy enough to find a plain drape, curtain or sheet and cover everything so you are the main point of focus. You do not want a pattern in the fabric as it can be distracting.
Even having a book case behind you can be distracting. It may seem like it makes you look smart, but that one book you are embarrassed to have is probably going to be the only one anyone notices and/or it may look like clutter.
Also, open doorways behind you are a bad idea. You don’t want someone coming in or out of the bathroom showing up in the middle of your interview.
Always keep in mind that Skype is very close to an in-person face-to-face interview. Make eye contact with the person you are speaking with. Be careful not to interrupt them (it’s much easier to do this with Skype due to the lag time) and remember they can see you…so be especially mindful of those little nervous habits (like pulling on our ear, scratching your nose or playing with your hair).