How To Ace a Skype Interview

Skype is a growing new technology and it's important to understand how it works and become comfortable with it before your interview. In fact, a recent study showed that 42 percent of companies used video interviews to recruit candidates last year.


In order to help you get prepared, here are the best things to do to make your Skype interview successful:


Test your set up ahead of time - Don't wait until the interview to figure out if your microphone and webcam settings are right. Try making video calls to your friends and family so that you can get used to how the process works and become comfortable with the settings. Also, you will want to select a location where there isn't anything in the background that is distracting. Do a few test calls from the location you select and ask your friends to rate how professional you look. During the interview isn't the time to find out that the camera looks up your nose when you set your laptop on the counter.


Have a professional looking Skype user name - Many people first began using Skype to connect with family members, friends and even dates. If your Skype user name looks unprofessional or questionable, change it. It's best to use some variant of your first and last name so that the interviewer gets that name stuck in their memory because they were looking at it during the interview.


Have a great profile pic - This one is huge. During the Skype call, there may be times when the interviewer wants to just have an audio call or when technical difficulties make the video component impractical. When that happens, only your profile picture will be displayed, so make sure that yours is something you want to have an interviewer staring at.


Prepare your surroundings - A Skype interview is still an interview. Dress professionally and always, always wear pants. I know that it sounds stupid, but you would be amazed at the number of people who opt to not wear pants or wear sweatpants, during a video call. Imagine the horror in store if you have to get up from your desk. It might not seem likely, but you never know when someone could knock on the door or you have to excuse yourself for a moment. That flash of sweatpants (or worse) will make you look very unprofessional. Also, make sure that the area behind you is clean and free of distractions. The goal here is to give the interviewer the impression that you are at the office and ready to work.


Don't use Skype for your follow-up - Even though you interviewed through Skype, don't use it to follow-up. Instead, contact the interviewer through the traditional email or phone call.


Have you ever had a Skype interview? What other tips can you share? Please share your thoughts in the comments.