A Job Interview on Skype

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) June 27, 2011 -- To save interviewing time and costs, companies are turning to the Internet instead of phones and offices to conduct initial interviews.

Video interviewing used to be complicated, requiring special equipment and software.

Skype is easy to use, it's free to download and all you need is a webcam to get started.

For the candidates, it's easy to interview right from home. It eliminates travel time and associated costs.

As the interviewer, if you can see facial expressions and body language, you can have a better sense of what a person will be like, and their potential to fit in with your team. Instead of meeting with 20 finalists for a position, you can pre screen with Skype and then bring in the best two or three candidates.


Preparing for job interviews on Skype
If you haven't already had a job interview, on Skype, the chances are that you will at some stage so get ready.

Here are some pointers from Connaught Executive, to help you make the most of each interview.

1. Choose a professional username
As with an email address you use for business, a Skype account with a name like hotpants11 or partyanimal123 is not going to help you.

2. Practice talking to your computer

Before a Skype meeting or interview, make sure you're familiar with the technology, Practice using it. Rehearse with a friend.

3. Arrange the setting
You want to be seen against an uncluttered background with no distracting objects, movement, or sound. There shouldn't be light behind you, because it will darken your face. Wherever you are skyping from, check out the background to see what the interviewer will see.

Go to: "Tools -> Options -> Video Settings".

Make sure that you are clearly visible and comfortably positioned in the "shot" in your chair. If you are using someone else's office then still take the time to check the background and make changes where necessary.

4. Block out interruptions
Turn off your mobile phone. If you're skyping from home, banish your family and pets for the duration. Howling dogs or children will do you no favours.

5. Back it up a little
Don't move too close to the monitor. You don't want only your face showing.

6. Make (virtual) eye contact

Gazing at the computer screen instead of the camera while you're talking will make you seem shifty. "As in a live meeting or interview, remember that the first impression you make will be lasting," So, particularly for a job interview, be sure to look the part: "Even if the company has a reputation for being laid-back and casual, wear a suit”.

7. Know what you want to cover
Put a post note with your key questions and points you may want to make by the camera so you can get a memory jogger without having to look away.

As with all interviews, research the organisation, the people, the news around the organisation and the sector.


Be prepared and be yourself and enjoy the meeting.

Connaught Executive