The Pongo Blog
Skype Interview Tips
February 08, 2011 (2:19PM) by Julie O'Malley, CPRW
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.
RELATED LINKS
20 Job Interview No-No's
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Video Resumes: If You Must Create One, Don't Be Dave
I actually have a Skype interview today for a company in San Franscisco! These tipes helped me so much! Thanks. I will let you know how it went.
Posted by: Jim | February 09, 2011 at 12:04 PM | Quote This Comment
@Jim
That's so cool! Congratulations, Jim! Come back and let us know how it went, will you?
Fingers crossed!! --Julie
Posted by: Julie O'Malley | February 09, 2011 at 12:54 PM | Quote This Comment
Very helpful tips... do you find that skype is being used very often for interviews these days?
Posted by: Chris | February 16, 2011 at 5:07 PM | Quote This Comment
I guess this makes sense, given how technology has impacted every other area.
This is where those public speaking skills will come in handy. Hmm, I just thought of a new blog post for you; "how Toastmasters can help you get a job." Unless you've already done it.
~ Anthony
Posted by: Anthony Kirlew | March 03, 2011 at 5:13 PM | Quote This Comment
Also keep your account photo preferably a photo of yourself and a nice one at that and pay attention to the various time zones of the people you’re interviewing.
Posted by: interview coaching | December 09, 2011 at 9:46 PM | Quote This Comment
Video interviews are still relatively new for a lot of us, and some find it a bit unnatural to talk to a computer monitor. Remember to relax, make sure your head is centered in the viewer’s screen, and remember to make eye-contact. Also, it’s okay to use hand gestures, even if the viewer can’t see them it will make you appear less stiff and more natural.
Posted by: interview techniques | January 19, 2012 at 11:19 AM | Quote This Comment