In an era of technological advancements, many employers are using Skype interviews (or other internet call services) to save costs on candidate travels or to gain a clearer perspective of the interviewee as opposed to a phone interview. This new approach to interviewing comes along with a different preparation process for interviewees.

Having been on several search committees where Skype was used as the initial screening process, I’ve seen Skype interviewing at it’s best and at its worst. Here are 7 tips on how you can ace your next (or first) Skype interview.

1. Test your equipment- There’s nothing worse than interviewing a candidate who sounds like a robot! Of course I’m not referring to the person’s natural voice (I’m not that rude!) but  instead, a distortion with the internal mic. I’ve experienced this and it’s extremely distracting! Apparently glitches like this aren’t unusual (don’t believe me? Google it ;)) so to be on the safe side test your equipment with a friend a couple days before your interview. Ask for feedback on the lighting, the volume and overall sound of your voice and anything else that affects your professional image.

2. Pay attention to your physical background- Would you believe me if I told you that I interviewed a candidate who Skyped from his closet? (YES, a walk-in closet, I’m talkin’ clothes hanging on each side of him and shoes on the shoe rack behind him!!!) If possible,  Skype from your office, or better yet ask to borrow someone else’s office. A professional physical background adds to your image and professionalism. If you can’t reserve an office set yourself up in front of a plain wall free from distractions.

3. Professionalize your profile- If you use Skype leisurely, be sure to edit your profile before your interview (or even better, before your job search). Be sure that your profile is appropriate and your profile picture represents you and your professional image well.

4. Remember to look at the camera, not the picture- First off, if you have the mini video image of yourself in the corner during your interview disable it immediately. I’m warning you, it’s going to distract you! Also, be sure to look at the camera and not the image of the interviewer. If you look at the interviewer’s image you’ll appear to be looking slightly away from him.

5. Position yourself correctly- Don’t sit as close to the computer as you would if you were Skyping your friends. Instead, sit back a little further so that your head and shoulders are centered in the frame.

6. Be prepared- This is an interview. Be sure to have notes, your resume, the position description, a notepad and a pen handy. Before the  interview begins let the interviewer know that you’ll be taking brief notes as he conducts the interview, as you don’t want to distract or mislead him!

7. Dress professionally- Dress as you would for a face-to-face interview. And yes, that means from head to toe! Don’t be “that girl” with the cozy pajama pants and a blazer. You never know what could happen. You may have to stand up to adjust the lighting, answer the phone that you forgot to mute or address any other unforeseen nuisances.

Good luck with your Skype interview! Please share how your experience went below, I’d love to hear all about it.

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