So, you’ve landed yourself the job interview, congrats! That means you’ve passed the first test thanks to your impressive resume and now it’s time to convince the employer that you’re the one that they need. But there’s a catch: the interview is taking place on Skype, and as stressful as these moments usually are things are a little different when the interview is online.
But the idea of conducting interviews via Skype is becoming increasingly popular since many businesses work on a global scale these days and need to connect with their would-be workers wherever they are in the world. As a multinational organization we’re the same, and if you’re applying for a job at clovio then you’ll certainly need to be prepared for a Skype interview before the position is finally yours. The process is much the same – you’ll need to be thoroughly researched, dressed professionally, and donning your most charming smile – but there are some particulars of a video interview that can make it even more frightening than an ordinary one. Luckily, it’s something we know a lot about…
Are Skype Interviews Any Different?
A common mistake that many job applicants make when it comes to Skype interviews is that they treat them differently to regular job interviews. However, aside from a few things and the fact that you aren’t in the same room as the interviewer – therefore making physical contact and gaining personal insight about the company impossible – there is no major difference between Skype job interviews and their traditional equivalents.
In fact, Skype interviews are more convenient than having to head into the office to meet your employer face to face, making them a better option for those who have problems making it to an interview due to scheduling issues or being too far from the business’s workplace.
Skype Interviews 101
Just because your potential employer is sat on the other side of a video call and not a table in front of you doesn’t mean you should be slacking off; the rules of interviewing will still be the same. While the process isn’t any different, if you want to ace a Skype interview then you should – at the very least – pay attention to our important tips for surviving an online interview.
Preparation
While you should be doing the necessary preparation like researching the company, getting certain documents ready, and even practicing potential answers, for this situation you’ll always want to include prepping the tech for the big event, too.
Perform a test call with friends or family members so that any problems with the connection and audio or video feed are spotted early on. And let’s not forget that the software itself can often let us down; make sure that Skype is up to date but that you also have the Skype app installed on your phone ready for those inevitable disasters. A mobile data plan is a good idea, too, in case your Wi-Fi picks this exact moment to drop out.
This is also the perfect opportunity to check equipment like the webcam or headphones. And don’t worry about looking silly with headphones and a separate microphone; this way you’ll ensure you won’t be bothered by echo or noise and it’ll actually show that you’re techy enough to work at a modern, forward-thinking company.
Professional Skype Profile
Since the Skype profile is the first thing that recruiters will see before the actual interview, it should convey the same professionalism of resumes and LinkedIn profiles. This means ditching that ‘cool’ nickname in favor of your full name – which coincidentally makes it easier for recruiters to find you – while a professional profile photo should be used, preferably the same as the one on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
The Ideal Place
Since Skype interviews will most likely take place at your own home, it’s easy to lose focus if you’re constantly interrupted by outside sounds. To avoid this, remove any possible noise sources for the duration of the interview or find a quiet, well-lit place – ideally the place you’ll be working from.
In fact, if the job you’re after is home office work, then being in the ‘office’ not only adds a personal touch to the interview but it will also help recruiters get to know you better. Remember that you’ve got to be professional, though; you won’t convince employers that you’re cut out for the role if your workspace is cluttered, messy, and disorganized. Your environment will represent your attitude, so showcase a tidy, professional workspace.
Appearance and Attitude
You’d at least wear a shirt or smart top for an interview, right? Well the rules are exactly the same for Skype interviews, meaning that even if the interviewer won’t see your entire body, you should still be dressed in the same clothes you’d wear during any ordinary interview.
It sounds obvious to say, but be sure to act like a professional for the entire duration of the interview, too: arrive on time, speak clearly, ask the right questions, and keep that confident smile throughout. You’ll not be directly interacting with one another, though, so extra caution is needed to avoid sudden movements and maintain good body language during the call. Speaking of which, looking directly into the camera to make eye contact with the recruiter is integral; it could be disturbing at first but ultimately it’ll be effective at portraying the confidence you’re no doubt brimming with.
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