Remote hiring is a popular concept in today’s world. As a result, you will have to face your interviews through online conferencing tools such as Skype. When you are going for a job interview, you prepare yourself. You should do the same when you are getting ready for a Skype interview as well. This guide will share more details to you on how you will need to get prepared for the Skype interview.
Table of Contents
Select an appropriate location
You need to make sure that you select an appropriate location to join the Skype interview. It is recommended to select a place where you can have a plain whitish background. Then you will be able to keep the focus on you. Along with that, you can present yourself perfectly well. In addition to that, you need to make sure that there aren’t any background noises in the location that you select to take part in the interview. Otherwise, people who interview you on the other side will have a difficult time with talking to you.
Dress accordingly
London based CandCsearch says that you should dress yourself accordingly to take part in the Skype interview as well. You should think that you are attending a regular interview and dress up yourself. You don’t have to dress up professionally all the way from head to toe. Dressing up professionally up to the waist level will be more than enough. However, you need to make sure that it is not just a casual t-shirt. You should wear an appropriate outfit and it will heavily contribute towards creating a perfect impression.
Practice a lot
It is also important for you to practice a lot before taking part in the Skype interview. You can practice for the interview along with a friend before the real interview. If you have not taken part in any online interviews before, this will provide you with the chance to get rid of the nervous feelings that run through your mind.
The very first Skype calls you take can be awkward. For example, you will have to keep on taking a look at the camera, instead of the screen. Practice will help you to stay away from these awkward situations. While you are practicing with a friend, you can play around with everything that you can find around you. Then you will be able to present yourself perfectly well during the interview.
Use notes
You can have your notes by the side when taking part in the interview. In addition to that, you should have a copy of the resume on your side as well. One of the benefits that you can experience when taking part in a Skype interview is that you are provided with the chance to keep a cheat sheet in front of you. You can write down answers to some of the most common questions that will be asked from you. Then you can make sure that you don’t have to memorize everything. However, you should also make sure that you are not just reading the answer that is written on the paper when you are asked with a question. You will need to get the facts from your cheat sheet and answer the questions accordingly.
Close all the other programs in your computer
Before the Skype interview, you need to make sure that you close all the other programs in your computer. Imagine what would happen when you get constant notifications from Facebook while you are taking part in the interview. This will not just distract you. It can also provide an unprofessional experience to the people who interview you. Therefore, you need to make sure that you close all the other programs on the computer.
Likewise, it is better if you can put your phone into silent mode as well. You will not be able to answer the phone calls or attend to the text messages while you are taking part in the interview. Hence, there is no harm in keeping your mobile phone silent during the interview. It will help you to refrain from distractions and focus entirely on the interview that you are taking part in.
Keep the Skype profile professional
First impression matters a lot during Skype interviews as well. The very first thing that your interviewer will be able to see on you is the Skype profile. It includes your Skype username and the profile picture. Before you take part in the Skype interview, you need to double check the Skype username and profile picture to make sure that they are appropriate. It is better if you can create a new Skype account only for interviewing purposes. You don’t have to make a payment to create a Skype account. It will help you to deliver an excellent first impression to the people who interview you.
Keep an eye on your body language
You must keep an eye on your body language while taking part in the Skype interview as well. You need to maintain an excellent posture throughout the interview. People on the other side will keep an eye on it. On the other hand, you should also avoid stiffness. If you can keep the shoulders relaxed, you will be able to refrain from stiffness in a convenient manner.
Engage with the interview
Throughout the Skype interview, you should engage with the interviewer. You need to stop every once in a while. Then you will be able to ensure that your interviewer is catching up with what you tell. In addition to that, you need to make sure that you have a clear understanding about the interest level of the interviewer as well. Then you can ensure that the attention doesn’t go away from you.
Final words
These are some of the most effective tips to nail a Skype interview. Focus on these and you can end up with getting the best returns out of a Skype interview.
