How To Prepare For A Skype Interview

If you’re applying for a job abroad or outside your home city, chances are the Skype interview might come up. Even if the job is in your home city, you never know when a Skype interview may be part of the recruitment process.

The idea of doing a Skype interview can be a bit daunting. Prepare properly and you’ll feel more confident. Check out these tips.

Dress smart

Just because you’re sat behind a computer screen in your bedroom doesn’t mean you can stay in your jim-jams or a baggy hoody.

It probably sounds obvious, but always dress as you would if you went to a face-to-face interview. You’ll feel more confident if you’re in the correct attire and look the part. Besides, the interviewer will see you’re taking the opportunity seriously.

Pick a good spot

Whether you do the interview in your bedroom or living room, make sure the space is tidy and presentable. Pick somewhere where you’re sitting in front of a plain wall. The less fuss around you, the more focused on you the interviewer will be.

Don’t stare at yourself

During the interview, don’t stare at yourself on the screen; look straight into the webcam so the interviewer can see you clearly.

Only have Skype open

You don’t want any distractions so make sure you close any other programmes and windows. The last thing you want is for notifications pinging up which will only throw you off.

Let everyone know about it

Make sure everyone you live with knows when the interview is taking place. You don’t want your mum to come waltzing in asking if you want a cuppa; it’ll throw you off and could become awkward. Make sure everyone is briefed to leave you to it.

Be ready for any technical glitches

Things can go wrong like moments when you lose sound, the video freezes or it keeps cutting out. Just remember if anything like that does happen to remain calm and let the interviewer know if you’re having the issue on your side. Don’t be shy to ask if it’s okay to hang up and call back. 

Have a test run

It’s a good idea to check things like your sound and camera quality prior to the interview. Make a test call to a friend or family member to make sure everything is set up correctly. While you’re there, have a little practice answering some common interview questions too. You could try sitting in a few different areas to find which one looks best lighting- and background-wise.

Be mindful of your body language

It’s not all about your verbal communication with the interviewer. How you present yourself through your body language is an important point to remember. Make eye contact, smile and sit up straight.

As with anything new, it can feel scary doing a Skype interview. Once you’ve got your first one over and done with, you’ll feel more prepared next time. Good luck!

Haleema Khokhar. also known as Kimi (a college nickname that stayed). is a journalism graduate working in the world of marketing and freelance writing. She loves animals, dance and a strong cup of tea. Check out her website and Twitter at @MyImpression_ you can also check out her personal Twitter at @KimiKhokhar 

Inspiring Interns is a graduate recruitment agency which specialises in sourcing candidates for marketing internship roles and giving out graduate careers advice. To browse graduate jobs and graduate jobs Manchester, visit their website.