Congratulations! You’ve applied for the job with your ATS-friendly resume, made contact with the hiring manager, and now they want to schedule an interview. Instead of an in-person or phone interview, they want to do a Skype interview. Uh oh, now what?

No need to worry! Today in the first installment of our Skype Interview 101 Series, we’re going to discuss how to set up and prepare for a skype interview. 

What is a Skype Interview?

Not sure what it means to have a Skype interview? Skype is a video communication software that allows you to set up a free account to video conference with people. 

Employers are choosing technology for interviews more these days. There are a couple of reasons for this:

• Costs: Employers don’t have to worry about costs incurred for travel, whether for the interviewer or interviewee. 
• Time: Along with the unnecessary need for travel, it also saves time. Interviewers don’t have to leave their office and interviewees don’t have to worry about being stuck in traffic or navigating unfamiliar areas.

You both simply set up a time for the interview, login, and use your webcam to conduct the interview. Sounds pretty simple, right?

Not so fast. First, we need to get you prepared for the interview. Let’s take a look at our tips on how to set up and prepare to ace a Skype interview.

Tip #1 – Set Up and Testing

If you don’t already have a Skype account, the first step is to set one up. It’s free and easy to do. Choose your username wisely, as you have to give that information to the interviewer. 

Something simple and professional like your first and last name will work best.

Once you’re logged in, get comfortable with how the system works. Call a friend or family member so you can do a trial run.

Test that your microphone and speakers work. Can they see and hear you clearly? If not, you may want to consider getting headphones for your Skype Interview. 

Not only do headphones cancel out background noise, it means you both can hear each other clearly.

Tip #2 – Choose the Interview Room

Next, you need to choose the interview room. Pick a room with:

• Good lighting. You don’t want lights behind you. Backlighting will create a silhouette and the interviewer won’t be able to see you clearly. You want the lighting to be natural so you look as though you are sitting right in front of them.
• No noise. Let everyone in the house know the interview time so they don’t make loud noises or interrupt. Close the door and minimize any distracting noises. 
• A simple background. Don’t have a basket of laundry or a mess behind you. A blank wall is best, or some very simple pictures (landscape, nature) in the background. You want to be the focus, not the room.

Tip #3 – Rehearse Before the Big Day

You want to do a practice run-through before your actual interview. Change into your interview outfit and get settled in front of the computer. 

Not sure what to wear? Stay tuned for our next article, How to Dress for a Skype Interview.

Make sure you are in the frame of the picture. You should be in the center of the video, roughly chest level with a few inches of space above your head.

Make sure you look at the camera, NOT the monitor! Looking at the camera is the same as making eye contact with the interviewer. Looking at the monitor can be distracting and make you lose focus.

Do a Skype call with someone and have them ask you interview questions. Get comfortable talking to the camera before the day of your interview.

Tip #4 – Body Language is Important

While you’re practicing, make sure you pay attention to your body language. 

• Don’t slouch, sit straight up. Move your webcam to adjust to you sitting straight up, and maintain your posture throughout the call.
• Look at the camera, not the monitor! 
• Sit slightly forward and nod at the interviewer. This signals that you are listening and engaged.
• Keep your hands down. Moving your hands can be distracting for both you and them.

Tip #5 – Get the Specifics

To prepare for your Skype interview, figure out who is calling first. Get an alternate phone number and give them yours in case the video call doesn’t work. 

In case that happens, be sure to check out our tips on how to prepare for a phone interview.

Check the time zone. First impressions are everything, don’t miss the call completely because you logged in too late.

Review the person’s name you’re interviewing with, and make sure you use it during the interview.

We hope you enjoyed these tips on how to prepare for a Skype interview. We’ll be back with more in our Skype Interview 101 Series.