How to Prepare for Your Skype Interview

How to Prepare for Your Skype Interview image via http://www.linkedportugal.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/ScreenClip4.png 1.  It’s a real interview Maybe I’ve just heard one too many horror stories, but I’m über paranoid about something going wrong in a Skype interview.   Maybe it was the story about the man who was on a Skype voice call only to realize that his webcam was somehow on and that his interviewer could now see his tighty-whiteys and him picking his nose.   Maybe it was the story about the woman accidentally dropping her laptop only to reveal that she had dressed professionally only from the waist up.   Maybe the combination of these stories made me take a Skype interview just as seriously as the in-person version.   Whatever the case, be absolutely professional because it is a real interview that could either potentially lead to a very real job or internship or to a real embarrassing moment. image via http://www.webrecruit.co.uk 2.  Dress the part Rock that suit.   Wear the heck out of that skirt and blazer.   Make sure that your hair is perfect and that your teeth aren’t sporting last night’s broccoli and that you are basically ready for a work-attire photo shoot.   And definitely don’t wear a button-up on the top but your lucky superman boxers on the bottom unless you’re willing to take the risk that your interviewer may get to glimpse your favorite superhero during a discussion of your past work experiences.   Bottom line: get dressed to go out for an interview and then just sit down and open up your laptop instead. image via http://www.investigationleaders.com 3.  Choose your surroundings carefully Again this comes down to being professional, and presenting yourself in a professional environment is crucial.   Don’t conduct your interview in front of the NSYNC poster that you’ve enhanced with your 5th grade lipstick kisses.   Don’t sit in your bed or outside or in the kitchen.   Make sure that you place your laptop on a level surface like a desk or a table so that the picture doesn’t shake distractingly and mess up your Skype interview. image via http://phunutoday.vn 4.  Test your connection You do not want to have to pantomime “I can’t hear you” to your interviewer as soon as the Skype call begins.   If the technical difficulties are on his or her end then there’s nothing that you can do about it, but you should absolutely check that your own computer is up to speed before the interview.   It literally takes less than a minute (you just push the “test call” icon on your Skype homepage) and could potentially save you from having to spend your interview diagnosing the problem instead of talking up your superb advertising skills. image via http://i.huffpost.com 5.  Look at the camera We are all taught to maintain eye contact during a conversation, accomplishing this looks different over Skype.   The natural thing to do is to look into the interviewer’s eyes on the screen, but this will make it seem as if you are looking slightly down as opposed to in his or her eyes.   Instead, look at the camera the entire time.   This may need a little bit of practice (especially when it’s distracting to look at yourself to make sure that you look as stunning as usual) but it can make a huge difference.   Making eye contact is crucial to presenting yourself well. image via http://static.framar.bg So just prepare thoroughly, think quickly, and good luck on your Skype interview! Search through the Uloop job listings to find your next Part-Time or Full-Time employment or Internship opportunity. Employers are waiting to hear from you!