Skype interview
Interviewing via Skype, Zoom, Google Meet and other video calling programs is popular regardless of whether you are in the employer’s country or abroad. Like a telephone interview, initial Skype communication helps companies reduce costs when selecting candidates.
What is important to consider:
Skype or Google account. Ideally, your ID should consist of a first and last name, without unnecessary information in the form of numbers and inappropriate words. For example, we turn masha_cat_1996 into a professional version of Mary.Smezhinska.
Research a few years ago showed that 76% of resumes were rejected by companies because of unprofessional email addresses or nicknames of candidates. Even an outdated email service can make an employer look at your profile in surprise.
In a letter to the HR manager, it is better to immediately specify the email address to which your account is linked. This way it will be easier to find you in the Skype search engine or invite you via Google calendar.
Body language. A common mistake of job seekers during a call is to constantly look at themselves on the screen. Such candidates do not talk to the interlocutor, but to themselves. At the same time, many also preen themselves, constantly moving the screen and straightening their hair. In order to create eye contact with the employer, it is important to look into the camera when communicating via Skype.
Your behavior at the interview should be natural, and your movements should be professional and relaxed, as in a face–to-face meeting. Listen carefully to the interlocutor. A nod of the head is a great option to show your interest.
The color of the clothes. Dark blue, light blue, white, black colors and calm monochrome shades look best in the video. Avoid overly bright clothes.
If you are going to have an interview via Skype, Zoom or Google Meet, get dressed from the top of your head to your heels. Quite seriously, Google HR managers may ask you to sit up, and your favorite teddy bear sweatpants will become fatal. Recruiters conclude: “Yeah, the candidate doesn’t finish the job or doesn’t take the interview seriously enough.”
Background. Choose the right location and try to create a professional atmosphere. It can be a meeting room of your company or a room in an apartment, if it has a suitable background with a minimum number of things in the background. We do not recommend conducting an interview in a cafe — it can suddenly become noisy and there are problems with communication. Don’t forget to check the sound and video quality before making a call.
