Nowadays, Skype interviews are becoming a crucial part of all selection or hiring processes. Many companies are preferring to conduct virtual interviews rather than conducting physical interviews. Even the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has made it a necessity to conduct virtual interviews.
Skype interviews offer benefits to both the employers and the candidates. These interviews allow employers to conduct face-to-face interaction with the candidates without spending extra resources on physically hosting them in their workplace.
Skype interviews are also a great way for employers to conduct various types of interviews like group interviews, case interviews, etc. Case interviews have emerged as a great tool to test the candidate’s practical knowledge. You can read more about case interviews here.
For the candidates, skype interviews help save time and effort as they no longer need to be physically present for interviews. Also, the candidates can give interviews from familiar settings that can go a long way in improving the interview’s overall quality, providing them with better chances of converting the job.
While these interviews are trending and most people have already given some skype interviews, they will agree that these interviews can be tough to crack. However, there are certain things that you must keep in mind while preparing to use the opportunity at hand, especially if you are appearing for an interview on Skype for the first time.
1. Check Your Gadgets and Internet Connection
A functional gadget with audio and visual support along with a high-speed continuous internet connection are two primary things that you must have when appearing for a skype interview. However, all things related to technology can experience a glitch at any time.
These glitches can cause significant hindrance in your interviews and might lose you the golden ticket that you have been waiting for all along. Check Your internet connectivity before you ask for scheduling the interview.
If your internet connection is unstable or slow, try arranging for an alternative source. Test your camera, mic, and speakers to be sure that there are no last-minute hiccups. Check the position of your camera before starting the interview.
It is essential that the camera angle is on a level with your eyes because you must look in the camera and not on the screen at the time of an interview. It is advisable that you use some sort of earphones for better conversation.
However, there can be some technical issues that you cannot address at all. In such a case, you must notify your interviewers right in the beginning and request a reschedule if absolutely necessary.
2. Do Your Research
Doing your research and being informed is highly crucial to converting the interview. You must know about the organization that you are applying for, like its mission, values, core business, etc.
It is also vital that you determine the relevant details about the job role that is being offered. Yes, you can ask questions and clear your doubts, but you must not be completely blank that gives a wrong impression.
If possible, you should get enough information about the interview panel to turn the tide in your favor. But whatever it is, being informed is essential. Also, you can make notes and keep them with you at the time of the interview. However, you need to be careful while using them and must refer to them as least as possible.
3. Select Appropriate Background
Selecting a proper space for taking up an interview on Skype is highly crucial. Some tips are there that you must consider when deciding where you will be giving the interview. Avoid taking interviews in any public space or noisy background. It can irritate your interviewers or distract you that will cause you to mess things up.
Choose a well-lit and bright room over a dark or dull background that can affect your overall interview. If you are giving the interview in your personal room, make sure that your background is clean, and there is nothing inappropriate in the camera’s range.
4. Rehearse Your Body Language
One of the significant things that people often ignore is your body language. According to the research, 55% of the communication is done by your body language and only 7% by words. This highlights how crucial it is to act like you are confident with your body language.
Additionally, virtual interviews are different from face-to-face interviews, and most of us are not habitual of appearing in front of a camera. It can make you nervous, feel fidgety, or appear all over the place. There are chances that you might not know what to do with your body. It is quite common than expected.
However, practicing and giving a few mocks can help you understand the dynamics of a Skype interview. This will make you confident and calm when appearing for the real thing. Some tips are there to help you with this aspect. Don’t cross your arms and keep them at rest.
Always sit forward, especially when sitting on a chair. It shows that you are attentive. Don’t fidget with things around you. Look in the camera and not on the screen to establish eye contact. Smile and show expressions where ever you can.
5. Pay Attention to Your Outfit
If you are not physically present, then the interviewer will not neglect your outfit. Many people think it is acceptable to wear just a shirt and a tie, but it is not. You need to wear a complete outfit as you would do in a physical interview.
It will not only make you ready for unforeseen circumstances, but it will also make you feel more confident. Additionally, it is noticed that black and white outfits don’t look so well on camera. So, try to wear colors, such as, blue, grey, etc.
6. Practice What and How to Give Answers by Doing Mocks
There are some generic questions and some technical questions. But whatever the questions, there is a very low probability that they will be beyond your knowledge. So, it would be best if you rehearsed your answers beforehand.
Giving practice interviews or mocks before the real interview to notice your shortcomings. You can work on the content, the delivery of the answer, the voice modulation, etc. But, for that, you need to know where your shortcomings lie.
Conclusion
If you are about to give your first Skype interview, it is understandable if you are nervous. It is like stepping into unknown territory. However, there is nothing to worry about as all the points mentioned above have got you covered.