You want the interviewer to see you, so don't sit with your back to a bright light. Your webcam may adapt to the light, making you look like a mysterious silhouette. Your interviewer won't see your face or mouth move, which won't help your chances of getting the job. Instead, if you can, turn toward the light source so that your face and the background are equally bright.
02 out of 09
If you've ever been on the other end of the phone and heard everything you said echo back to you, you know how frustrating it can be. Some high-quality microphones can do a great job of preventing this from happening. However, the easiest way to ensure you don't annoy your interviewer is to wear headphones. Unless you have very loud headphones, your microphone shouldn't pick up audio from the interviewer.
03 out of 09
When you interview on Skype, the interviewer may only see your chest, shoulders, and face. Still, you should dress appropriately for the interview. Dress as if you were going to walk into the company's office to meet your interviewer face-to-face. Wear dress pants or a conservative skirt, as you may need to stand up and move around during the chat. Shoes and socks are optional; if your feet end up in the shot, something else is wrong.
04 out of 09
It's not just the echo of your interviewer's voice that you have to worry about. Try to choose a quiet place so that the interviewer can hear you when you speak and is not overheard by loud noises while you are speaking.
This doesn’t just mean you should find a quiet space when you start your interview. Your living room may be quiet, but street noise may suddenly erupt. If your family or roommates are home during your Skype interview, they may cause a disruption. Also, avoid tapping the keyboard while using Skype as the clicking sound is quite noticeable.
If you have trouble finding a completely quiet place, use Skype's microphone mute button when you're not talking.
05 out of 09
You should provide the interviewer with your Skype username before chatting, and you should have a backup plan. No matter how well prepared you or your interviewer are, problems may arise. In this case, be prepared to switch to a regular phone interview. The transition will be easier if you give the interviewer your phone number ahead of time so they can contact you if the Skype connection goes down.
Please check your Skype username and profile before sending your Skype details to the interviewer. If you have a silly username you made up in high school or you have profile details you don't want potential employers to see, update them or create a new Skype account for professional purposes.
06 out of 09
Your cell phone may be useful in many ways, but it's not ideal for conducting interviews. If you have no other option, use your phone, but if you can, use your computer. A larger screen makes it easier for you to see the interviewer, while a taller, more fixed camera gives them a better angle to see you.
If you must use Skype on your phone, don't hold it in your hand. Find a stable place to place it, preferably at eye level. This eliminates camera shake and allows you to move freely.
07 out of 09
A key element of using Skype online is being online. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile connections are more stable now than in the past, but wired connections are generally more reliable. If your computer can connect to the internet using an Ethernet cable, and you have wired headphones, these are your best bet for getting a stable connection during calls.
08/09
A cluttered background may distract the interviewer, and if the background is really cluttered, it may leave a bad impression on them. Ideally, find a place with a clean, plain background so the interviewer can focus on you.
The angle of the camera is also important as you should try to keep it level with your face. Avoid holding the computer on your lap while tilting the webcam. This is an easy way to let the interviewer get to know you.
09 out of 09
The last thing you want to do is use Skype minutes before your interview and be unfamiliar with Skype. Even if you use the app regularly for conference calls, test it out with a friend before your interview to make sure everything looks good, sounds good, and works as expected.
You should also make sure that your Skype software is updated and that you know your password. You don’t want to launch an app just to spend a few minutes trying to remember, recover, or reset your password.
If you notice any issues during your trial run, there are several ways to troubleshoot Skype issues.
