UPDATE: How to Ace Your Skype/Video Interview

How to Ace Your Skype/Video Interview

Due to the internet becoming more prevalent and widespread, most job, internship, or company interviews are done online – specifically through Skype. Skype is a software that lets you chat, voice call, and video chat to someone who’s halfway across the globe.

Interviews through Skype are very different compared to traditional and formal interviews. They are harder to prepare and making a lasting first impression may prove difficult.

Sooner or later, you yourself will be undergoing a remote interview, through Skype or other video chat platforms. How exactly do you make a great first impression and how do you ace your Skype interview?

1. Practice, Practice, Practice – As cliché as it sounds, practice makes perfect. Ask someone to do a mock interview. Better if you approach a career center. Mock interviews are a great way to gather feedback.
2. Create Your Set – Be sure to angle your camera properly even before the call. Remove any unnecessary things on the background, and if possible, have a neutral colored one. Remember that you are interviewing for a professional position, and should look professional.
3. Take it Seriously – This shouldn’t even be said, but for those who are in need of a reminder, yes. Take your interview seriously. It may not be as intense as an office interview, but it is still a professional setting. Interviewers can still gauge on how bad you want the position or internship even through a screen.
4. Be Passionate – As mentioned above, an interviewer can still evaluate whether you’re taking the interview seriously or not. Make your future employer feel your passion, how excited you are to be able to work with them. If you’re not able to convey that feeling during questioning, you can express it yourself once the interview is done.
5. Articulate – Remember that you’re not in the same room together. There are different variables that can affect the flow of your interview. One of that variable is camera and audio quality. Talking fast and swallowing your words won’t help you increase your chances of getting employed. Calm down, take your time, and articulate your words properly.
6. Look The Part – Experts and studies have shown that cues and 90% body language. Since you’re not in the same room with the interviewer, dressing the part will help you immensely.
   Do some research about the company and get an idea of how the employees dress and act. Then take what you learn and incorporate it to your prep work.
7. Be an Active Listener – Ever tried talking to someone unresponsive through the phone? Don’t let your interviewer feel like he/she is talking to a brick wall. Give some verbal cues or a nod that you are following what they’re saying.

   You can say words like “hmm” or “yes” to let the other party know that you are still engaged in the conversation. If the interview is only a voice call, avoid tinkering with the computer. Hearing mouse clicks and keyboard tapping while your interviewer is talking to you is straight up disrespectful.