What is appropriate etiquette and attire for a job interview via Skype that might be different from a face-to-face interview?
Oh Man, the stakes for a skype interview can sometimes be higher than for an in-person interview, and pretending that they are the same can hurt you. First of all, you have to make sure that you're dressed appropriately-the same way you would for an interview. (I'm assuming that you've done your research-what type of place is this, what do the wear, and have tailored your clothes accordingly.) But you really need to assess where you are going to be skyping. Your apartment? Your office? Wherever you choose, you want to make sure that:1) It's quiet (I've heard of people who couldn't get over the distraction of cars driving by-and you want the interviewer to be focused on you, not any noise that is happening.) Of course, you can't control all noise, but the point of skype is that you choose where you want to be-so take the time to find someplace quiet. 2) There is nothing physically distracting in the background. I have heard of some crazy things showing up in skype interviews. What is that weird death mask behind you? Why is there a pizza box on the table? Interviewers are making judgements about you-make sure that your background doesn't give them time to think anything more about you and what you're saying. I know people might think "it's the interviewer's job to focus on the interview" but I also know how easy it is to be distracted. This happens in person as well, I know interviewers who ended an interview prematurely because of terrible cologne or who came away saying "I was really distracted by her flower pin." But in skype-where there is no eye contact, it sometimes becomes harder. 3) When you are skyping, it often removes some of the small talk and banter. There is no "Man, that rain is coming down really hard," or "your office is really cold." Which means for interviewers who are looking for a personality fit will find it harder to place you as a personality-because like it or not, judgements are based on how you interact with the secretary, on whether or not you value small talk. I don't have a good solution to this-but you should be aware of it.4) Make sure that there are no technical problems that are happening. You will seem unprepared if you start out the interview by saying "one sec, a g-chat just popped up-let me just reply and shut it down" or "I need to log-on and off because the sound isn't working". Again, technical difficulties happen, but do all you can in order to ensure that you're prepared.
Would it be appropriate of me to ask for a Skype interview if I'm out-of-state?
Great question! The short answer is, it shouldn’t be a problem. Skype, Zoom, GoToMeeting, Google Hangouts, and other video conferencing software have become the go-to sources for interviews. Having said that, companies are accustomed to doing some of their hiring processes online. If I were you, I would tell the recruiter that I am pleased to have been selected for the interview and look forward to learning more about the opportunity. Then ask, “would it be possible for us to conduct the initial interview via phone or Skype? Currently, I am out of the country/state on a project and am not able to go to your company for an interview.” There should be no problem.Here is an excerpt on some Skype Interview Tips.Top Skype Interview Tips ListUse a Professional Skype UsernameAccept the Skype Call – Do not push for a phone call instead.Dress to Impress – Dress as you would for an in-company interview.Use a Well-Lighted Area with Clean BackgroundUse a Good Webcam and HeadsetLook into the Camera – Make it seem like your are looking into the interviewer’s eyes.Be Prepared for Tech Glitches – Have a back up plan in case your connection goes down.Eliminate Disturbances and Other Ambient NoisesBody Language – Be aware of your body language and the non-verbal cuesRecord Yourself – Record your session and then watch it to correct it.Here are the tips presented in a video.Here is a link to the complete article.I hope I was able to shed some light on your question. Please follow up if you have any more questions. Happy job hunting!
How should you dress for a Skype interview?
Have you ever noticed that whenever anyone is on TV (news, or talk shows) they nearly always wear a jacket or sport coat? Something just looks wrong or incomplete when people are on TV in just their shirt-sleeves. The jacket lends a level of gravity, professionalism, maturity, and polish that a bare shirt doesn’t convey. Even for young people, in more casual environments.Pretend that you’re on TV, too.I always try to overdress by one “notch” for a video interview. If the work environment is business casual, I’ll either wear a collared shirt with a jacket—and maybe a tie. Women would wear a nice blouse, and may wear a jacket. Putting on dress pants is probably optional—but a smart thing to do.If you don’t know what the company’s dress code is, you can ask the recruiter or whoever set up the interview. You can also ask them for their advice, and ask them about the expectations of the interviewer or hiring manager!Whatever you do, make sure that your hair is neat, your teeth cleaned (no parsley stuck in them!), and your clothes are not wrinkled. Keep a glass of water nearby, and be sure to use the restroom before your allotted time.Be ready a couple of minutes before the scheduled time, and make sure the door to your room is closed, and a Post-It note tells people what you’re doing (so they keep quiet and don’t interrupt). Understand that the meeting might go well over the time originally scheduled, and be sure your phone or computer has a full charge, or is plugged in.(I will tell you that once in my over twenty years of recruiting I had a candidate rejected for overdressing. Honestly, I believe that feedback was an excuse to cover for some other reason—but it happened! Once.)(Bonus Tip: If you dare, try to video record yourself with your phone—it’s a great opportunity to see how you acted and reacted—and you’ll have a record of some details that you’d otherwise forget about the interview! Just be sure to turn off your ringer and notifications!)(ADDED BONUS—See my relevant and related answer here, for What is the best way to prepare for a phone interview? Do you have tips/tricks?)
Is it unprofessional to have a Skype interview over cellphone or tablet?
That’s a great question. The short answer is, no, it is not unprofessional to have a Skype Interview over cellphone or tablet. However, it is important to keep in mind two things:Wifi or 4G signal - Occasionally you are in an area that doesn’t have the greatest reception, so this will influence the quality of your interview. Double check your signal prior to the interview.If you are going to use these two device, DO NOT hold them in your hands. Place them on the table. Nobody wants to feel like you are on a roller coaster ride and get vertigo from seeing your screen shake all the time. It ends up making it not a good interview experience if this happens.Now for some general Skype Interview Tips.Top Skype Interview Tips ListUse a Professional Skype UsernameAccept the Skype Call – Do not push for a phone call instead.Dress to Impress – Dress as you would for an in-company interview.Use a Well-Lighted Area with Clean BackgroundUse a Good Webcam and HeadsetLook into the Camera – Make it seem like your are looking into the interviewer’s eyes.Be Prepared for Tech Glitches – Have a back up plan in case your connection goes down.Eliminate Disturbances and Other Ambient NoisesBody Language – Be aware of your body language and the non-verbal cuesRecord Yourself – Record your session and then watch it to correct it.For the complete Skype Interview Tips article, click here.I hope you have found this post helpful and it will help you out in your next Skype interview. Happy job-hunting!
How long do SKYPE INTERVIEWS for graduate studies last?
Nobody can answer your questions except the person who will be interviewing you, or perhaps the administrative secretary of the department for that graduate program. If you don't answer the questions very well, the interview might not last very long at all. These interviews are often focused on how well you are prepared to handle the program, to compare you to other candidates, to judge your verbal communication ability, and to see if the program is a good match for you. Expect to explain why you picked that program compared to similar programs at other universities. You should study the specific interests and research areas of all the faculty in the program and be able to discuss each professor by name that focuses on topics that match your interests. If a few professors are particularly good for your research topics, then do your homework on them by reading all of their most important papers and publications well enough to discuss the topics intelligently. Your preparation (or lack of it) will show very quickly in the interview. Many students do not prepare extensively for interviews, so doing this research could set you apart from the rest of the applicants. Professors want highly motivated graduate students that they can use to the research work for them, so that they can get most of the credit.
What should I do if my Skype interviewer is late?
I've been invited for an interview over Skype for college admissions in another country. The interview was supposed to start at 12pm. It's 1pm now. I don't know what to do and I actually can't wait any longer because my lunch break from work is over now! Should I email them and ask to reschedule? Should I just risk losing my job and wait even longer?
Where do you do Skype interview?
Great question! Having a bad location during a Skype interview can really hurt your chances of getting the job, so pick wisely.Always look for a quiet room or office where you won’t have any distractions. Distractions could be phones ringing, dogs barking, construction, etc. Try at all costs to avoid these noises. One thing that helps is to use noise canceling headphones. Here are some high level tips for your next Skype Interview.Top Skype Interview Tips ListUse a Professional Skype UsernameAccept the Skype Call – Do not push for a phone call instead.Dress to Impress – Dress as you would for an in-company interview.Use a Well-Lighted Area with Clean BackgroundUse a Good Webcam and HeadsetLook into the Camera – Make it seem like your are looking into the interviewer’s eyes.Be Prepared for Tech Glitches – Have a back up plan in case your connection goes down.Eliminate Disturbances and Other Ambient NoisesBody Language – Be aware of your body language and the non-verbal cuesRecord Yourself – Record your session and then watch it to correct it.Read the Complete Article of Skype Interview Tips!
What do you feel about Skype interviews?
I like them if I cannot meet with the candidate 1:1. It’s easy, affordable and still helps in assessing the candidate’s traits and character for behavioral interview answers.As a Career Coach in outplacement, some things I tell my outplacement clients to consider while interviewing on video:Ensure a simple, professional background and appropriate interview clothingPractice using various video technology platforms such as Skype, FaceTime, and Google+ HangoutsEliminate any potential for interruptions, noise, and other distractionsLook at the camera, not at yourself on the screenSpeak loud and clear - practice with your microphone and soundCheck the lighting to ensure the interviewer can see you clearlyClose all other programs and windows on your computer prior to the interviewEnsure that your computer is plugged in directly to your power and internet sourcesReview your profile on the technology platform to be sure all content is appropriate and matches your professional brandMake sure to log off once the interview is completed
What company might hire me via Skype or telephone interview?
I have asked this question once before, but I did not get any leads and I am hoping this time will be different. My husband is active duty army and we are in Japan. In 7 months from now he will be getting out of the Army so when we leave Japan neither of us will have jobs. I want to go back early, but the thing is I need a company to hire me before I leave Japan. We are a younger couple with no cars or house in the states so we are basically starting over. I am prior-Army, and I have a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. I am nervous to leave since the moment I get in the states I am technically homeless and have no car! I need a job before I leave here, but I am unsure of what type of companies will hire me. I want to wait until January to apply for several reasons, but I would like to start compiling a list now of where to apply. Thanks for any help you are able to give me!
Should I change the skype profile picture for a job interview?
It depends on how 'unprofessional' the picture looks and the culture of the company you're interviewing with. It doesn't sound too bad to me. (Who doesn't like bicycles & beautiful scenery?) If you look professional for the interview and have a professional photo on LinkedIn that should suffice, but it doesn't seem like a major effort to change the photo for your Skype interviews while you're job searching either. Better to be safe, than sorry!