Skype Interview Tips – FSU Career Center

Skype Interview Tips

Whether you are being interviewed on Skype, over the phone or in person, all the general rules of a job interview apply. Research the company, read the job description thoroughly, know your resume inside out, and have a few answers for common interview queask the interviewer. Just because you are not meeting the interviewer in the flesh doesn't mean any less preparation is involved! 1.) KNOW YOUR TECHNOLOGY

• Download Skype ahead of time and become familiar with • Test audio and video settings the day before the interview to become familiar with your

computer or laptop’s capabilities.• Before the interview check your

good time to realize you cannot connect to Skype.• Test the audio and video settings • Use the Echo/Sound Test Service to ensure the microphone is working properly.• If your web-cam is detached from your screen, be sure to center the

look at the screen and monitor at the same time.

2.) SKYPE ETIQUETTE

• Choose a professional Skype profile picture.

• Dress as you would for a faceof black, blue or grey are best) because thesfrom patterned clothing (plaid, bright stripes, or floral) which don’t work best on the screen and can distract the interviewer.

• Try to make eye contact: look straight into the camera when you are talking, as this will make the interviewer feel as if you are speaking directly to them, despite your being remote.

• Select a quiet, clean interview your video.

• Clarify time zone for the schedule

3.) BE AWARE OF INTERUPTIONS

• Dogs barking, children crying, mobile phones or music are not welcome distractions when an interviewer is trying to determine whether you will be suitable for a job. be picked up from your computer’s microphone. walking in and out of the room on the door, prior to the start of the interview.

• Ensure that your cell phone, radio, clock and other

Center www.career.fsu.edu

kype Interview Tips

Whether you are being interviewed on Skype, over the phone or in person, all the general rules of a job interview apply. Research the company, read the job description thoroughly, know your resume inside out, and have a few answers for common interview questions prepared, as well as questions to

Just because you are not meeting the interviewer in the flesh doesn't mean any

Download Skype ahead of time and become familiar with its features. Test audio and video settings the day before the interview to become familiar with your

s capabilities. Before the interview check your Internet connection! Five minutes before the interview is not a

cannot connect to Skype. Test the audio and video settings again at least an hour before the interview. Use the Echo/Sound Test Service to ensure the microphone is working properly.

cam is detached from your screen, be sure to center the camera in order to easily look at the screen and monitor at the same time.

professional Skype name similar to your e-mail address and use

Dress as you would for a face-to-face interview. It’s best to wear neutral, solid colors (shades of black, blue or grey are best) because these colors look the best on video. Tryfrom patterned clothing (plaid, bright stripes, or floral) which don’t work best on the screen

nterviewer. look straight into the camera when you are talking, as this will make

the interviewer feel as if you are speaking directly to them, despite your being remote.Select a quiet, clean interview space and a blank wall or a warm-tonedbackground

Clarify time zone for the scheduled interview time!

Dogs barking, children crying, mobile phones or music are not welcome distractions when an to determine whether you will be suitable for a job.

be picked up from your computer’s microphone. Nor does it look good if you have people walking in and out of the room – if need be, make yourself a 'do not disturb' sign and stick

prior to the start of the interview.

Ensure that your cell phone, radio, clock and other digital devices are turned completely off.

Page 1

Whether you are being interviewed on Skype, over the phone or in person, all the general rules of a job interview apply. Research the company, read the job description thoroughly, know your resume

as well as questions to Just because you are not meeting the interviewer in the flesh doesn't mean any

Test audio and video settings the day before the interview to become familiar with your

connection! Five minutes before the interview is not a

again at least an hour before the interview. Use the Echo/Sound Test Service to ensure the microphone is working properly.

camera in order to easily

use a professional

best to wear neutral, solid colors (shades e colors look the best on video. Try to stay away

from patterned clothing (plaid, bright stripes, or floral) which don’t work best on the screen

look straight into the camera when you are talking, as this will make the interviewer feel as if you are speaking directly to them, despite your being remote.

background to shoot

Dogs barking, children crying, mobile phones or music are not welcome distractions when an All of the above can

Nor does it look good if you have people if need be, make yourself a 'do not disturb' sign and stick it

devices are turned completely off.

Skype Interview Tips – FSU Career Center www.career.fsu.edu Page 2

4.) PRACTICE FOR SKYPE

• During the interview, you can see yourself in the video camera which can seem awkward at first. It’s important to get familiar with your own facial expressions when you talk, which can help eliminate camera shyness.

• Listen and become comfortable with the sound of your own voice, it can sound different when using certain technology.

• Find a person you trust and use Skype or other video conferencing software to conduct a mock interview. You're bound to make mistakes, so it's best to practice with someone who can provide honest feedback.

• Wear your interview attire while you practice on Skype—ask a friend if it looks okay or seems too distracting on video.

5.) DURING THE SKYPE INTERVIEW

• Have a copy of your résumé ready to send as an attachment. • Close all other applications on the computer to avoid distractions. • Don't shout, but do speak loudly and clearly. Sometimes with video calls there may be a delay

with the picture so a clear speaking voice is extremely important. • The golden rule with a Skype interview is to treat it like any other face-to-face interview. There

is a real person on the other end of the call, so treat them like one. Occasional smiling makes you look positive, confident and enthusiastic about the job you are applying for.

• Before the interview ends be sure to verbally thank the recruiter for the interview.

6.) AFTER THE SKYPE INTERVIEW

• After the interview is finished, take some time to reflect on what went well and what you can improve upon.

• Remember that the interviewer is now one of your Skype contacts and can access your profile picture or personal information. Be mindful of privacy options.

• Send a thank you note or email after your Skype interview.

8.) FINAL REMINDERS ABOUT SKYPE

• Watch out for the delay-- there is a slight transmission delay when using the video functionality. It’s important to be aware of this delay and to pause to ensure that your interviewer has finished speaking before you speak.

• Make sure the lighting is good. One of the most important features of video is lighting. If necessary, get a lamp that can be in front of you (halogen lamps often work well for this).

• Remember that the interviewer can see you and on video interviews it is easy to tell if someone is not paying attention. It can be tempting to check your Facebook or email during a long question, but be aware that it is very obvious!

Compiled on 2/20/12 by Emily Kennelly: http://www.cnn.com/2011/LIVING/07/11/skype.interview.tips.cb/index.html

http://www.career.gatech.edu/plugins/content/index.php?id=95 http://jobsearch.about.com/od/jobinterviewtypes/a/skypevideo.htm