How to master a Skype interview

It’s no surprise that with the evolution of modern technology, some interviews are now being conducted digitally. Skype interviews have grown in popularity, but for those of us who have never used it before, the prospect can be daunting.

Below, we’ve put together 7 valuable tips to help you master your Skype interview:

Make your surroundings presentable

The background of your Skype interview could make or break your chances. It’s all well and good telling your potential employer that you are an organised and creative individual, but do your surroundings show a messy, less organised version of you? Make sure you tidy up before you start your video call, otherwise you could be promoting a very embarrassing part of yourself.

Find a room with a plain background and not much furniture – don’t give your interviewer anything extra to focus on but you. If possible, choose a background with a solid colour (maybe in front of a white wall, rather than a patterned one), an uncluttered area and try and get rid of as many distractions as possible. Your surrounding should be as professional as possible.

Dress to impress

Anyone interviewing for a job via Skype will still need to dress professionally, unless the employer has stressed that this isn’t a requirement. Think the same way you would when dressing for your video call as you would for a face to face.

Again, try not to wear anything too unusual. Wear solid colours, as large patterned tops could be very distracting. All the focus should be on you and what you have to say. How you dress for an interview is more important than you think, especially because it’s the first thing employers notice about you. Make a good first impression before you even get to talking.

Set your computer to eye level

It’s best to set your laptop/computer to eye level, otherwise the angles could be less flattering. The best way to go about it is to have your laptop on a desk to ensure that it won’t move during the interview, which could potentially disrupt the picture quality. Even if you have to set your laptop onto a box or something to make it eye level, it will improve the quality of the video call.

Using your phone? It might be a good idea to use something that could prop your phone up to the appropriate level before the call. Holding it with your hands could result in a shaky view for the interviewer, and a pair of very tired arms for yourself…

Test your internet connection

This is one of the most important aspects regarding a Skype interview. Your internet connection will need to be strong, and of course, working. Test your connection before you head into your video call. Failing to test it could result in some very embarrassing pauses or delays to the interview – you might not even be able to go through with it.

Run a practice call on Skype before the actual interview. If there are issues, move to a different location to test it, or give your employer a heads up prior to the interview, just in case you need to rearrange for a face to face instead. A video call might seem like a simple prospect, but there are so many potential issues that could affect its quality. These could include:

• The area you live in affecting the strength of your internet
• The efficiency of your laptop, if it’s running slowly
• The quality of the camera
• Any external noises/distractions

All potential issues must be considered and catered for prior to your interview, otherwise it could prove to be a poor experience for your potential employer.

Make sure your video call is the only focus

It will be pretty obvious to the interviewer if you aren’t paying attention to the questions asked . If your eyes are wandering around your screen, the interviewer may assume that you are uninterested. Splitting your attention during a video call is not professional. Unless you have physically offered or been asked to pull something up for the call, don’t do it. Anything you need to prepare should be done before the call, so that your full attention is with your interviewer.

Are you a victim of rolling notifications? Switch them off before the call, so you aren’t distracted.

First impressions count

Before you join the call, make sure that your Skype username and profile picture look professional. This is just another small thing to consider to give off a more professional vibe to the interviewer.

Practice makes perfect

We’ve mentioned this previously, but if you are worried about how your call could go, practice. It takes 2 minutes to Skype a friend to test the quality and efficiency of the call. If you can prepare as much as possible in advance, it will ease your concerns for the actual interview. Remember, the less time spent worrying about the call means more free time to perfect your interview skills.