Usually, if an employer likes your resume and cover letter and wants to interview you, they simply call you, maybe do a phone screen, then schedule an in-person interview. But nowadays, some companies might ask you to do an online Skype interview first (and by 'Skype' I mean any online video conferencing application). This practice is still relatively unusual, but might come up if you're applying to cutting-edge technology companies, or if you and the employer are in different geographical areas.

A Skype interview is like any other job interview except that, from the employer’s perspective, you’re not a whole person—you’re just a talking head on a screen. It’s as if they’re watching you on TV.

But unlike TV personalities, who have a professional crew to make them look good, you’ll need to work out the set design, lighting, and camera issues on your own. That’s where we can help.

Skype Interview Tips Video

We’ve put together this short video of Skype interview tips to demonstrate a few simple principles that will help you project a more professional, polished image in your Skype interview. As you’ll see, the secret is to be well-prepared (as you would for any job interview). Choose a clutter-free, well-lit location, eliminate noise sources, place your webcam at eye level, and smile! You’ll not only avoid looking foolish, you’ll boost your confidence and keep the interviewer’s focus on you and your message, not on your kitchen light fixture or your collection of knick-knacks.

Click here to watch the Skype Interview Tips video.

What do you think? Post a comment below with your thoughts about the video or about Skype interviews, in general.

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