PREPARATION
1. TIDY YOUR SURROUNDINGS This is something many people forget when they have a video interview, but if your backdrop is one of torn Metallica posters, used underwear and an unmade bed, then the likelihood is you’re not going to get the job. And it won’t be because interviewers hate heavy metal, it’ll be because you look disorganised, lazy and unbothered about making a good impression. Opt for a neutral background for your video interview, and don’t feel that you need to show off any personal information – you will be judged on your competency, not because of your collection of the complete works of Dostoyevsky. Additionally, if you live with others, or your neighbours are obnoxiously noisy, then you should tell them in advance that you’re taking an important call. This should ensure your video interview won’t be disrupted by housemates calling your name or by blasts of loud music. 2. DRESS SMARTLY Although it’s tempting to just throw on a shirt over your ice cream-covered pyjama bottoms, you absolutely shouldn’t. If you have to stand up to get something during the interview, you’ll be instantly exposed as the slob you are. Instead, you should dress as you would for a face-to-face interview – head to toe – and present yourself as is appropriate for the job or position you’re applying for. Because you’re not there in person, appearance is all the more important in giving a good impression and, therefore, has a bigger role to play in getting you the job. So make the effort; have a shower, brush your teeth, do your hair and dress up rather than down.
3. FAMILIARISE YOURSELF If you’re new to Skype and video calling you’d be wise to play around with the program before your interview, to better understand how it works and how to fix things should they inexplicably stop working. It might also help to do a test call; the last thing you want is to rock up at your desk one minute before the interview to find that your speakers don’t work, or that your internet bandwidth is too low. So make sure you’ve tested your equipment as well as your video call program well ahead of your interview and once again on the day. 4. ANGLING YOUR WEBCAM The position of your camera can be very important to your video interview. Too close and interviewers will see just your face, too far and they won’t see anything at all. Test out your camera beforehand and position it so that it incorporates most of your top half. This will allow interviewers to see your hand gestures and make it easier for them to gauge your overall body language. Another key aspect is your lighting; make sure you’re lit by as much natural light as possible (although try not to sit directly in front of the light source as this will shadow your face). Natural light will make you and your surroundings look brighter and more inviting and will assure interviewers that you’re not entirely averse to daylight and the outside world.
SKYPE AND VIDEO INTERVIEWS HAVE BECOME VERY POPULAR. WHETHER YOU’RE A PROSPECTIVE STUDENT, A RECENT GRADUATE OR AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT LOOKING FOR A PLACEMENT ABROAD, THE CHANCES ARE, AT SOME POINT, YOU’LL BE ASKED TO DO A SKYPE INTERVIEW. LAURA TUCKER, INSIDE CAREERS Regardless of whether the person interviewing you is a university admissions officer, an employer or otherwise, it’s vital that you’re ready to impress your interviewer just as you would in a face-to-face meeting. To do this you’ll need to be prepared for all the ways in which Skype and video interview can let you down, in order to make sure to avoid them. You may be a touch-typing digital native with a love for coding, but video interviews are tougher than they look even for someone keyed up on the world of video communication. Read on for our top 7 Skype interview tips, plus a few extras.
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