Skype Success: How to Ace an Online Interview

While not yet the norm, Skype job interviews are definitely becoming more common as companies look to cut costs and streamline the hiring process. According to career website FindEmployment.com, a trend is developing in which organizations use Skype for initial interviews – and only those candidates making the cut are then invited to continue the application process with a face-to-face interview. That means the stakes are high when you chat online with potential employers. Here’s how to ace your big performance on the small screen.

Set the Stage: Make sure your background is uncluttered and free of distractions – a blank wall is safest. Experiment with lighting to find the most flattering angles and levels. Finally, make sure you have a solid plan in place to avoid interruptions like children, a ringing phone, the doorbell, barking dogs, etc.

Conduct a Sound Check: It’s critical that you test all technology. A headset microphone works best, and you should avoid connecting wirelessly if at all possible, to avoid glitches like buffering problems. Lynda Zugec, Managing Director of The Workforce Consultants in New York, warns that “it is of utmost importance to ensure that your internet connection works properly during a Skype interview. It is difficult to have a discussion if the interviewer is unable to hear you due to technological difficulties and interruptions. The impression will be that you are unreliable.”

Dress the Part: Pay attention to personal grooming; hair, makeup and clothing should all be low-key and buttoned-up. Do not distract with bright colors or patterns, and avoid the temptation to pair a business top with pajama bottoms thinking it won’t be seen. Look professional from head to toe.

Rehearse Your Role: “People have no idea how they are being received on another’s computer screen,” says career consultant Kerrie Hopkins. She recommends plenty of practice – and recording your efforts to check out facial expressions and get over camera shyness.

Give a Star Performance: When it’s time to shine, remember to look at the camera and not the computer screen, or you won’t be making “eye contact” with your audience. Maintain good posture, and keep your hands calm and where they can be seen. Speak slowly and clearly, pause as needed, and remember to be confident and enthusiastic, as Skype tends to dampen the expression of emotions.

One last tip – make sure your user name on Skype is something professional. Logins such as “krazykatluvver99” or “keggers4ever” will compromise your image before the interview even begins.

For more great career advice, consult the technology staffing specialists at Triumph Services. Our HR expertise, combined with access to a wide variety of top-notch IT positions, means that we can find the perfect professional role for you. Call us today!