9 Tips to Help You Prepare For a Skype Interview

This is a picture of a woman sitting at a desk being interviewed by someone through a computer

9 Tips to Help You Prepare For a Skype Interview

In the digital ecology we live in today, more and more job interviews are being performed online. Online interviews are a whole different ballpark than in-person interviews.

Don't know to do a Skype interview? Don't fret. There are some essential differences between the two that'll help you when preparing for an online interview.

Want to know exactly what they are so you can nail your next Skype interview?

Keep reading.

Getting Ready

First step: prepare for your online interview. Luckily, you have the luxury of interviewing from the comfort of your own home. That doesn't mean, however, that there's nothing special you need to do in preparing for a Skype interview.

Say Yes

First of all, when asked to do an online interview, always say yes. Even if it's easier to do an interview in person or over the phone, it shows that you're flexible and willing to do what the company needs.

Not familiar with Skype? Don't worry. It's simple to use, and there are tons of online resources to help familiarize yourself with the program.

Create a Professional Username

If you're just downloading the program now for your interview, that's great! You have the chance to create a username with professionalism in mind. Keeping it simple also makes it easier for your interviewer to find your profile.

If you already have a Skype account with an unprofessional, personal username, considering making a new account for your interview. Your username is going to be the interviewer's first impression of you, which is super important.

Tip: be sure to distinguish the difference between username and display name!

Dress Up, Not Down

Just because you're interviewing at home doesn't mean you shouldn't dress the part! It's still a real interview, and you'll be expected to look nice.

While plenty of people pull the dress shirt on top sweatpants on bottom online interview style, consider dressing well from head to toe. Studies have shown that what you wear affects your mood and self-esteem, which need to be at an all-time high when going into an interview.

If you ever need to stand up at any point in the interview, say to grab your resume off a nearby table, you'll be stuck if you're wearing sweatpants!

Check Your Background

Once you're dressed to impress, sit down in front of your computer and turn the camera on. Check out the scenery behind you. Are you sitting in front of cluttered shelves?

Make sure the background is clean, clear, and free of any moving parts like fans. These can be distracting for an interviewer, and you want all attention on you.

It's also a good idea to check your lighting; make sure you're not sitting in front of a window, or you'll be backlit and your interviewer won't be able to see you.

The Interview

Preparing is half the battle. Now that you're all ready for the interview, let's go over some online interview tactics for the interview itself.

Nix the Interruptions

If you live with others, make sure to let them know you'll be in an important interview that shouldn't be interrupted. Try to conduct the interview in a separate room, and keep the door closed to minimize interruptions.

If you have a noisy pet, be sure to find a way to keep them from speaking up, too. Put them outside for an hour, or confine them to a separate room.

Use an External Microphone or Headset

Too many online interviews are derailed by the interviewer not being able to properly hear the interviewee. While many computers these days come with microphones built in, they're not always top notch.

Invest in an external microphone or headset to make your voice loud and clear during your interview. Besides making the interview go more smoothly, it'll also show that you cared enough about the interview to go out and get what you needed to make sure it went as smoothly as possible.

Test Your System

Now that you're all geared up with an external microphone or headset, you'll want to test them before you enter into the interview. It's a good idea to test your computer's camera, too, to be sure everything's in working order.

Open Skype and make a test call before the interview. This'll ensure no embarrassing technological difficulties can arise during the interview, making you look more professional.

Eyes on the Camera

It's human nature to want to make eye contact when we're speaking to someone, but you need to consider how that looks to the interviewer on the other end. When your eyes are on your screen, your interviewer only sees you looking slightly down.

Try to keep your eyes trained on the camera while speaking to create the illusion of eye contact through the interviewer's eyes. Eye contact is essential in a job interview to make you appear confident and honest. You don't have to sacrifice that just because you're interviewing virtually!

Stay Personable

Interviewing online can feel awkward. There are no nonverbal cues, like body language, to tip you off to how your interviewer is receiving you. There's also no opportunity to shake their hand or compliment that cute photo of their son that's propped up on the desk.

That's why it's essential that you remain as personable as possible during your online interview. Try not to get caught up in the fact that there are miles between you. Focus in on your interviewer's face and act as naturally as possible.

It's also a good idea to ask questions at the end of the interview to encourage organic conversation!

After all, you're the person for the job. Let them see it.

Find Your Skype Interview

Now that you've read up on all the best Skype interview tips for your next virtual interview, it's time to get out there and find the perfect position!

We have over 100,000 open postings for disabled veterans, and they're a click away. Make an account today to get on the job hunt now that you know exactly how to land it.