SKYPE INTERVIEW TIPS!

You can do better than You expect.

Skype interviews are getting more and more popular form of selecting candidates by employers. It is your chance to win the employer-to-be attention by performing well and leaving a good impression behind. If your English isn’t perfect, don’t panic, Skype interview might be easier than phone conversation as you may use some nonverbal communication and show enthusiasm, smile and positive energy. They are usually shorter that face-to-face meetings, too.

But always remember: An interview is an interview!

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, have a few answers for common interview questions prepared and be ready to ask your questions at the end.

Some tips:

1.First, technology in place

●Make sure you create a professional username in Skype and share it a day before with your interviewer, make sure you are connected.

●Make sure you have a good internet connection and laptop.

● Check your headphones, webcam, microphone couple of days before to have time to replace equipment.

●Don’t use Skype on your mobile, use computer on the table and sit on comfortable chair.

●Five minutes before the video interview is not a good time to realize that your internet is down, Skype isn't working, or microphone cord is missing, or you would need headphones. Not only does this reflect badly on your organizational skills.

2. Be aware of your environment

-Some of candidates can also mess up their interview backdrop! They should choose a private office or clean bedroom and use as much natural light as possible.

-Finding a quiet place to do the interview is vital as the microphone picks up more background noise than you might think. 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

3. Your look

●It’s best to wear neutral, solid colors (shades of black, blue or grey are best) because these colors look the best on video and don’t create any distractions for your interviewer. Also, try to stay away from colors that match your skin and hair tones, plaids and stripes that look overly busy on video, and women in particular should leave the glittery jewelry off-camera!

4. Preparation:

●Make you have researched the company’s website prior to the interview.

●Avoid being “over prepared”, exercise interview questions but do not learn by heart as you may sound “robotic”, don’t surround the computer by large number of notes and do not search through them during interview!

●Make sure you have a copy of your CV in front of you.

5. Body language

● 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.

● Smiling is a big one - this makes you look positive, confident and enthusiastic about the job you are applying for.

● don’t move too much, stay calm too look relaxed.

6. Communication -particularly while Your English is Your second language:

● Speak slowly and clearly and adhere to the same rules as you would with a face to face interview, formal introductions "nice to meet you" and try to retain eye contact. Many Skype interviewees tend to look down and don’t use the same amount of body language and subsequently don’t communicate as well. Use short sentences, the result will be better.

● 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.

● Don’t tell personal stories or anecdotes.

● Don’t use complicated words that might be new or difficult for you to pronounce, describe the situation in simpler words but keep talking

In conclusion:

● The golden rule with a Skype interview is to treat it like any other face-to-face meeting. There is a real person on the other end of the call, so treat them like one.

Also:

● never ever drink, eat or smoke during the Skype session

● Say: Thank you and Goodbye

● after the session make sure that the sound and video transmission are disconnected! This is precious tip.

Good luck!