If you receive an invitation
for your first Skype interview, don´t panic!
A part from the regular
preparation you would normally do for any interview, breathe, and make sure you
check the following steps:
One or two
days before the interview:
- Test your Skype program – Do it at least one day before the
interview date. It includes checking also the webcam and microphone. If you are
familiar already with the layout of the program, and you know for example where
to click to turn off the mute bottom for the microphone and where to reply in
case the Recruiter sends you a text message, you will be more relaxed when your
interview starts.
- Have a backup gadget that you could use for any emergency – Imagine
that you test Skype on your computer the day before the interview, and it is
working properly. For some reason, when you test it again 15 minutes before the
interview starts, there is a problem with the webcam. If you have your
smartphone close, or another computer available, you can log in with your Skype
ID on the other gadget, do your interview and the problem is fixed. If you do
not have a “plan B” in this case, you might need to re-schedule the interview.
- Print a copy of your updated CV- Have it with you during the
interview.
On the
interview day:
- Be
ready in advance – You should be ready in front of your computer or
smartphone, connected on Skype, at least 15 minutes before the interview time.
If you were going to do a personal interview, you would not arrive at the
interview place two minutes before the interview starts, correct? So consider
the same anticipation for Skype interviews too.
- Check the lighting on your interview room – The Recruiter probably
will want to see your face, and there is nothing more frustrating than see only
a dark shadow instead. Avoid weak light in the place, and be careful if you
have a window on your back, with too much light, because it might also
contribute to show an unclear image on the webcam.
Don´t worry if you are not a Light
Technician to choose the best place to put your computer. Just test it with
your webcam on, and decide. A table lamp can also be useful.
- Keep your printed CV close - Some people prefer to have their CV
open on the computer screen, in one-half part of it, and the Skype program open
in the other half. Doing so, they can read the CV and see the Recruiter at the
computer at the same time. Choose whatever makes you feel more comfortable, but
have easy access to your CV. You might need to check any information on it
during the interview.
- Save paper and pen around - In case you feel like writing down some
details during the interview, better to be safe than sorry.
- Chose a
quiet place to be
- If the Recruiter can´t hear you well due to background noise, this might
affected your interview and make you feel nervous. We know that you can´t
control you neighbor’s dog barking all day long, nor the construction right
above your apartment, nor the car noise coming from the streets. Although, at
least try to minimize those noises.
You can close the windows and
the door; chose a quiet place in the house to be (if the internet connection
works properly from that room); and turn off the TV, the radio and your phone.
Please consider also informing your family or other people at your place that
you are doing a job interview and that they should not interrupt you.
- Your
appearance – Some colors or kind of clothes might look professional and
harmonious in person, but not necessarily in front of a webcam. You will show
only your face and part of your upper body. Some fabrics with lines or drawing
might create an optical illusion when they appear on the computer screen, and
the result can be weird.
You should place yourself in
front of the webcam, dressed with your interview clothes, turn the camera on,
and check if you like the result. Just do not assume it will be good, because
the way you see your clothes in the mirror can be different then the way your
clothes appear on the screen.
- The
room appearance – A smooth surface on the back is always better than one
with too much information (like colorful posters, photos or paintings). You
should be the main thing calling the Recruiter´s attention, not all the things
that appear on your background once the webcam turns on.
- Keep your status on Skype as “Online” – You can select your status
from different options on Skype, so make sure you show the Recruiter you are
ready for the interview by keeping the “Online” status. You can also text the
Recruiter using the Skype chat 5 minutes before the interview to inform that
you are already available.
When you follow those steps,
you avoid unnecessary problems. Help your mind to relax and to get ready for
the interview. Take this experience just like any other interview you have done
before, because that is exactly what it is.
Do your best and go ahead!
As you know, English is not my
native language. I use it because I can reach more people and share my experience
with you. Feel free to visit my blog at julianarabbi.blogspot.com and find more
articles and videos.
Click here to watch the video on You Tube.
Click here to subscribe to my YouTube channel.
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