As the job search process increasingly relies on the Internet, more and more companies are conducting job interviews via Skype. Skype is a simple and easy-to-use voice and video messaging software that is free to download. It allows for a face-to-face meeting without the inconvenience of having to travel to meet in person. Skype interviews are particularly common when applying for positions that are far away. It allows the prospective employer to get a good idea of ​​the candidate for the position before going through the expense of bringing him to an in-person meeting.

If you have not used Skype before, it is important that you familiarize yourself with the software before starting the interview. You will need a webcam and microphone to take advantage of Skype’s capabilities. Many newer computers already include these features, but you’ll want to test them beforehand to make sure the quality is up to scratch. Practice making a few calls beforehand to friends or family to see how good the sound and video quality is. Ask them if they can clearly understand everything you are saying. The last thing you want to happen when it comes time for your interview is technical problems that delay the start of the interview. It’s no different than being late for an interview and it won’t reflect well on you.

Conduct an interview on Skype in the same way as you would an in-person interview. Remember to dress professionally and be well groomed. Even if they’ll only see your face, get in the right mindset by wearing what the interview draws. Just because you can do the interview in bed in your pajamas doesn’t mean you should. Also, choose a professional username and profile picture when setting up your Skype account. Just as I would not want to include [email protected] like your email address on your resume, you wouldn’t want to use it as your Skype ID either. If possible, use your professional sounding email address as your Skype ID.

Choose an appropriate place in your home to conduct the interview. It must be neat and clean. The less stuff in the background the better, so try to choose a blank wall. If necessary, purchase a large neutral-colored paper to leave behind if you can’t find a suitable and uncluttered spot in your home to use as a background. Choose a comfortable chair where you can sit upright, that is, preferably not a recliner.

Find a quiet place where you can be alone during the interview. Just because you are conducting the interview from home does not mean that you need to babysit your children or wait for the laundry to be finished at the same time. The last thing you want during your interview is any background noise. It will distract you and make it difficult for the interviewer to hear what you have to say. Unnecessary background noise can look as bad as your cell phone ringtone sounds in the middle of an in-person interview. If you have children, ask someone else to take care of them temporarily while you conduct the interview. Consider posting an “Interview in Progress – Do Not Enter” sign on the door to minimize the risk of accidental intruders who may interrupt your interview. Don’t forget to turn off notifications that may appear on your computer and make noise or distract you, such as your email client or a social media app.

When you are setting up your computer for the interview, try to position the camera at a level that is just above your eyes, as this is a much more flattering angle. This may require you to raise your computer a bit, for example in the case of a laptop. Support some books underneath to give it a little more height. Test the video quality. Sit upright in your chair; don’t hunch over your computer like many people do. You’ll want your head and shoulders to be fully visible in the video stream while sitting upright. Try this ahead of time with a friend and ask what it looks like. Also, ask about the sound and video quality. Make sure there is no audio feedback or echo. If the quality is poor, you may need to purchase a new microphone or webcam before the interview. You may also consider using headphones to get the best sound quality and to block out any background noise. Make sure to resolve any technical issues in advance so that you don’t run into issues when it comes time to conduct the interview.

During the interview, practice the same interview techniques that you would use in an in-person meeting. Try to maintain eye contact by looking at the camera rather than at the screen. This may seem awkward at first, but the interviewer will find it more presentable and personable. In addition to the difference in format, conduct the interview in the same way as you would any other. Remember, the interviewer is already spending their time scheduling the Skype interview and listening to what you have to say, so make every word count.