5 things I wish I knew before: My Skype interview
So you’ve been job-searching and applying like a pro and just chalked up your first Skype interview. Any job interview can be stressful, but for some people interviewing via Skype is a completely unknown territory, thus an even more nerve racking experience. A Skype interview though has its perks and charms and just like with any in-person interview you need to be fully prepared. We are here to give you 5 tips to help you triumph.
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Do your research
First things first! Before the interview take a good look on the company’s website and social media to gauge their vibe and communication style. If you know the name of the hiring manager, go through their social media to get to know a bit about their work and lives (they are probably doing the same). This way you can get a better feel of how to behave, dress and also what talking points to emphasize on.
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Be professional
Being in the comfort of your house or in a familiar setting doesn’t mean that you can dress in a comfy outfit. You should dress the part! Throw on your favourite business-casual outfit and look professional from head to toe, exactly as you would if you were invited in an in-person interview.
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Be prepared
Don’t forget to check your connection and test your web camera and microphone beforehand. Set up your camera in a way that compliments you, use your headset – preferably – to avoid poor sound quality and adjust the lighting in the camera setting’s or in your room to ensure that you look your best in the frame.
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Practice
Having a test run on Skype sounds great, but practicing the interview with a friend is even better. This way you could not only test if everything is working properly but you could also get feedback on how you look, speak and your body language.
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Cheat a bit
It is absolutely OK to keep a notebook next to you or even to put post-its on your screen with general info, and sneak a peek during the interview. Just ensure that your notes are in bullet points or in small, easily readable sentences and know exactly what is where, so you won’t get distracted from the conversation.
So now that you know all the important tips… take a deep breath, relax and don’t forget your gorgeous smile. Always remember that there is a reason that your application stood out, so be yourself and be confident. You own it!
Sevasti Christoforou,
CareerProfessor.works team
P.S. If you’re still at the early stages of your job search, don’t forget to check the 5 things to do before your job hunt.
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