As the world is getting metaphorically smaller, and technology develops, the barriers to progressing an application received from a job seeker living overseas are being removed. The introduction of skype has meant that prospective employers are now able to virtually meet the candidate, rather than rely on a phone interview.
Skyping provides the opportunity to ascertain an individual's communication skills, and demeanor without having to fly them over, so it is a cost-effective interview method.
But for those that haven't used skype before, it can be more nerve-wracking than interviewing in person.
5 tips to ace your Skype interview
1. Practice using Skype
It is likely you may already be nervous about the interview, so the last thing you want is to be worried about the functionality of the skype technology. Make sure you have practiced beforehand and are confident in how to use it.
2. Set yourself up in a quiet place
Often a skype interview will be conducted from your own home so make sure you set yourself up in a quiet place. You need to be uninterrupted for the duration of the skype interview - any background noise, like a phone ringing, can be a distraction for both you and the interviewer. Similarly, consider the lighting of the room so you can avoid shadows.
3. Dress appropriately
Although you are not meeting the interviewer in person, you still need to dress professionally. If in doubt, err on the side of formality.
4. Remember you are communicating solely through your facial expressions
Unlike a face-to-face interview, skype does not permit you to demonstrate your full body language, therefore even more expression and animation are needed in your face. Maintain eye contact at all times by looking directly into the camera. If appropriate, hand actions may be used to emphasize a particular point, but again be mindful of the small window visible to the interviewer.
5. Prepare all supporting documentation well in advance
One of the benefits of a skype interview is having the ability to have documentation that supports your application nearby. Of course, you do not want to be reading off a sheet, but an occasional glance down is acceptable.
The documentation you should consider having is:
- A copy of your resume
- Information about their organisation (usually obtained from their website)
- Notes pertaining to questions you anticipate being asked
- Questions you would like to ask the interviewer
As with all interviews, you need to be adequately prepared. If you treat a Skype interview in a similar vane as a face-to-face interview and consider the above tips, it should run smoothly.
MORE: The ultimate guide to video job interviewing
RELATED: 5 questions you should ask at every interview
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