Tell me about Skype Interviews

[Anonymous]

[guardian] I've been SAHM for 3 years and will have my first Skype Interview tomorrow. It's for an Executive Director position and I'm thrilled to be considered. I'm well prepared (I've probably interviewed 150 people over the years) but have never done anything like a Skype interview. Any warnings, tips are much appreciated.

[Anonymous]

Be prepared for tech failure. I'd say over 50% of my interviews on Skype have a connection problem. Keep your cell phone handy (or have access to a phone) so they can call you and resume the interview. If the connection is bad from the start, propose calling them on cell phone but keep Skype video screen up so you can see each other. (But mute the Skype audio!!)

[Anonymous]

Just had one the other day. No tech issues, but good advice above. Take a look at what is in the background. Person interviewing me had a bunch of crap, including some pants hanging on the back of her door. I made sure to position myself so I had good light and a clean setting behind me.

[Anonymous]

Look into your web camera, not the eyes on your screen.

Wear a solid color top, not too bright.

Definitely scrub the background of anything distracting.

Sit against a wall, not a window or mirror or anything that might cast/reflect light into the camera.

Don't take notes or fidget while people are talking -- the microphone will pick up the tiniest sounds.

Lock up pets and kids.

Acknowledge everyone on screen, even if one does most of the talking.

[Anonymous]

Sit your computer slightly higher than you are seated so you are looking forward, or slightly up, into the computer. Not down, with the computer looking up into your chin(s) (obviously have no idea what you look like, just making a general comment that that angle can be VERY unattractive).

[Anonymous]

Great feedback, OP! Sorry, it's so late. If you check this before your interview, there are my additional tips:

Take a look at yourself on camera for a bit before connecting with them. Is any of the picture personally distracting or jarring to you? If so, it will be to them.

Make sure you're framed okay. There should be a smidge of room above your head and equal-ish distance on both sides of you. You don't want too much space anywhere in the frame.

Cell phone are worse than computers for Skype. Make sure you're on your wifi if you're on the cell phone. Data is often mucky. I would avoid the cell phone skype if you can.

While agree with PP that you don't want it too busy, my favorite backgrounds have included bookshelves in part of the frame.

[Anonymous]

Hi OP,
I just wanted to let you know that I got a job after being a SAHM for 8 years! First interview as phone; second was Skype.

Hope it went well!

[Anonymous]

Dress professionally as you would for an in person interview.
Be aware of what's behind you.
Make sure your phone or laptop is charged!!!

[Anonymous]

How did it go, OP? I wanna know!

[Anonymous]

I realize this is an old thread, but I have a Skype interview tomorrow. I just logged into Skype to test and realized that because I typically use it for personal use, I have a profile picture of me with my kids. I have uploaded a new profile photo that is my professional headshot.

This will be a first interview for me, so I need to make a great impression. Are there updated experiences and tips people wanted to add? I'd love to hear.

TIA

[Anonymous]

Original OP here. The above advice was fantastic. I was immediately offered a 2nd interview in person, which I immediately turned down. A few months later, I stumbled upon a RFP for the client managed by the original company. I ended up responding to the RFP and won out over the original company. I now have my own company with a guaranteed 3 year contract. Best interview ever

[Anonymous]

Wear pants. I once did a Skype interview wearing jacket and tie up top, boxers down below. During the interview I wanted to get a calendar on the other side of my home office but couldn't very well get up. Got the job.