Have you received a Skype interview invite? Congratulations for landing your first video interview! You would have guessed already that this interview process will happen over a video chat via your phone or computer. Treat your first Skype interview or any other video interview (say a Google hangout interview) as a blessing in disguise. You can attend this interview from the comfort of your own home and also have a lot of time to prepare, minus the hassle of travel.
In the speedy technological age today, newer ways of interviewing candidates are emerging daily. Companies are now turning to their computers instead of their offices to conduct interviews. No wonder video interviews and telephonic interviews have emerged as popular channels to connect with potential hires. These interview forms save interview candidates from travelling to far off interview locations as well as offer the interviewer with a good sense of what the candidate is originally like face-to-face.
Tips for Skype and Video Interview 2020
So, its time for you now to nail your upcoming Skype interview like a pro with some amazing tips that we have listed below. Get noticed instantly by applying our exclusive Skype interview tips recommended both HR managers and job interview candidates. These interview tips have been specially designed for freshers who are about to face Skype interviews in 2020. Since all the tips listed in this blog are universal, even professionals can apply these Skype interview tips.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What to do before a Skype interview? Follow these interview tips
Download Skype!
At least a few days in advance, download the app – Skype. It is a suite to ‘talk, chat and collaborate’ owned by Microsoft. It is generally free to conduct a video chat with other Skype users, however there are paid versions available as well. This app is available for Windows, Mac OS X and Linux users and is a boon to make affordable international calls. Skype can be used on computers, tablets, mobile devices, the Xbox One console, and smartwatches that have an internet connectivity. Create a professional username and lo behold! You are all set to go.
Note: Skype is not a replacement for a telephone and cannot be depended upon for emergency calling.
Practice well in advance
To be perfect, ensure you speak aloud all your answers correctly while you practice a mock video interview. Involve your family or a friend to do a dry run beforehand so that your Skype call does not feel awkward. Speaking into the camera should not be a pain but a smooth experience. Try and make all your adjustments and practices in advance so that you can shine during the Skype interview and not get distracted.
How to nail your next telephonic interview? Learn here!
Choose a tidy location for your interview
Prepare your surroundings such that the area is quiet and has a sober backdrop. Sit down and adjust your laptop or phone camera so that you are positioned at the focal point of your screen. Get rid of distractions and tidy up the area, for a neutral experience. If you choose a window as your background, ensure that it is closed shut and the curtains/blinds are pulled before the interview.
Tip: Unsure about the background? Simply turn on background blur!
Set your camera’s viewing angle
Please set up the angle of your camera / webcam / laptop such that the interviewer is seeing you directly. Raise the device up to a level where you’re looking straight at it, and not down at it or from an angle. This will render a natural look to your image as well as avoid a bad shot.
PC: Workable
Dress to impress
Ensure to dress appropriately for your Skype interview. You need to be dressed in a friendly way. Avoid narrow and close together stripes or checks. These can appear distorted on camera, creating a distracting zigzag pattern for the interviewer. Also avoid bright colors. Choose calm shades that are pale or neutral. Bright reds, oranges and whites can ‘burn up’ on camera.
PC: Bird In Flight Photography
What to do during a Skype interview? Follow these interview tips
Be mentally present
Ever heard of active listening? Especially during a Skype or phone interview, it is important to give the other caller periodic clues that you’re still there. Its only a way of signalling that you are attentive and are taking mental notes of all the points s/he is making.
Make eye contact
Look into the camera lens and not into your screen while speaking. This will help you maintain eye contact with the interviewer. It is tempting to watch your interviewer’s face or yourself on the monitor, but doing so will make the interviewer see nothing but you looking off to the side! 🙂
Look straight into the camera to give an illusion that you are making eye contact. Do not stare unblinkingly and keep it as natural as possible. Please blink as well!
Note: Sometimes, interviewers choose to keep it a one-sided video interview. Here, your camera is on but their camera is off. Do not panic as they can see you just fine. Also, talk naturally even if you are looking into a blank screen.
What to do after a Skype interview? Follow these interview tips
Jot down important points
Keep noting down all the key points and worthy mentions during your Skype interview. Ensure that your points have a reference to the interview question asked.
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Send a ‘Thank You’ note
Send out your note of gratitude within the next 24 hours of your Skype interview call, as your application is still fresh in the HR spoc’s mind. Take advantage and hit the iron when it’s red hot! Here’s a sample to help you get going after your Skype interview is done.
#Subject Line: Thank You <Name of interviewer>!
#Header: Hi <Name of interviewer>,
#Opening Paragraph: Thank you so much for taking the time out and talking to me about the position of the <Job Role> with <Company Name>. yesterday. It was a pleasure to learn more about <job description in brief>.
#Body of mail: Our conversation made me all the more eager to join <Company name>. What interested me in particular was how sharply your efforts are focused on the actual stakeholder experience, not just dry technicalities. I’m sure my skills and experiences can translate into a success story as your new <Job Title>.
#Closing paragraph: If you need any additional information from me at this point, please feel free to contact me on my phone number <phone> or revert on this email id <email address>. Looking forward to hearing back from you. Thanks again for your time!
Sincerely,
<Your Name>
<Your address in short>
Follow up if you don’t hear back
How to follow up after sending out a Thank You email is an art. Here’s how you can go about it.
- Wait at least a week after the interview to contact the prospective employer.
- Call or e-mail the hiring manager to learn about the decision-making process. Please do not pester them.
- Keep your call or e-mail short and express your eagerness about joining.
- Reason with yourself why you should contact or e-mail the hiring manager once a week after your initial follow-up contact. Remind them subtly that they need to make a decision.
- After you are done with the thank you note and you have already contacted the hiring manager by e-mail or on call, invite them to join your social networking business group on sites such as LinkedIn. Stay away from their personal handles on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
- Even if you do not get the job, this is your chance to craft a new professional relationship that can be leveraged in the future.
Quick Tip: Proofread your email 3 times. Use apps like Grammarly or Language Tool to avoid spelling bloopers, typos and bad syntax.
Learn to draft a smart job application letter.
Skype interview dos and don’ts
- Do not be too casual while speaking to your interviewer.
- Do a trial run before the actual Skype interview day with friends / family.
- Be well aware of your background: Have a clean, simple backdrop to make the surroundings look professional. This makes sure that the interviewer focuses on you and nothing else. Have soft, natural lighting around you.
- Do not get confused. In case you are, avoid excessive physical movements to let the interviewer know about your confusion or nervousness.
- Be technically prepared: Use high-quality sound equipment and a name brand HD web camera. If possible, borrow from friends for the interview. Upgrade your mic so that every word you say is heard loud and clear.
- Don’t forget body language: Your body language should express that you are engaged. Lean forward as you communicate. Show interest, concern and engage your audience. Also, convey eagerness and willingness. Avoid excessive physical movements to avoid distractions.
Common Skype interview questions
I hail from Delhi and I passed out from XYZ college this year. My father is a Police Inspector and he was transferred here 2 years ago. My mom is a homemaker. I am still getting settled in the city as it is relatively still new to me. I have a small group of friends, and being an ambivert, I actually chose them carefully. I am ready to start working and I am open to learn any new skill or technology. I’m looking for a company that offers growth opportunities.
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- How Did You Hear About This Position?
I was actively looking for jobs related to my skills and internship experiences. This seemed like the best fit and hence I applied. I also have some seniors in your firm whom I consulted personally and they asked me to go ahead with it as according to them, I am a good fit for the position.
I have certain career goals in this industry and this job position fits into my plan. I am sincerely interested in the job and am eager to perform well and put in a 100% if I get hired. I also did some research about your industry standings and revenue. I have only started to interpret balance sheets and tried to go through one of your’s.
When I saw the position, I was definitely interested mainly because you build all your products in-house. Also, from what I understand, your team is small. I am sure you need a fresh perspective and a few helpful hands immediately. Also, you run a variety of long- and short-term strategies across geographies and that attracted me to this job.
I am focused on putting in my best efforts into any project that I lay my hands on. I can instantly address the most imminent issue as I am forward-thinking, an active team player, and ready to hit the ground running. That is why you should hire me.
My background in development will certainly help me succeed in this job. I rewrote complete code blocks from scratch and also appended to existing modules to optimize an application during my internship. In my college project, I submitted a two player game app. Hence, coding is my greatest strength.
I don’t have a substantial experience in machine learning languages like R or Python, but I am very interested in learning more about how they work. I have hence enrolled into courses and am trying to master them. My goal is to get it done and over with in the next 15 days.
I did some research and found out online that the baseline salary requirement for this position is Rs XXXXXX. I feel that I can truly add value and expertise and justify a pay like that. Is this in line with your thoughts? I would like to understand your budget for the role as well.
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- When is the earliest you can start?
Unfortunately, I cannot start immediately as I have to travel to my hometown for some urgent errands. Besides, I am yet to appear for my final semester exams. Hence, I can join you in July. Will that work?
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- What attracted you to the job?
Other forms of this question are: Why are you interested in this role? or What made you interested in applying for this position? or Describe why you are interested in this position.
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- Why did you decide to apply?
Tips: Avoid a general answer. Do not provide an uninformed response. Avoid appearing unenthusiastic. Do not mention the company being in a convenient location.
Say that you read a press release in the newspaper about the company’s growth on the day you applied. The news piece actually intrigues a sense of eagerness in you as you wanted to be a part of such a well performing and game changing organization.
CSR is simply Corporate Social Responsibility. It is a highly evolving and widely practiced business ideation that incorporates sustainable development into the core business model of a company.
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- What constitutes a healthy work environment?
A healthy working environment does not house harmful conditions that may lead to mental, emotional and physical injury or illness to its employees. It rather follows standard occupational health & safety guidelines.
Give a positive response. If a negative experience led to the interview, paint it white! Throw in encouraging words and show eagerness and enthusiasm. You should portray that this interview is a highly constructive decision of your life.
How to show enthusiasm over a Skype interview?
- Boost your energy level
- Ask a lot of questions
- When something sounds interesting, say so
- Compliment the interviewer
- Perfect your posture and display an attentive body language
- Finish strong!
The idea is to show interest and enthusiasm in all your interviews. It is the key to land relevant job offers. Abide by the Skype interview tips shared above. Also remember to turn up more enthusiastic than ever in all your telephonic, online and face to face interviews. As you tell the interviewer about yourself and your skills, portray a smart body language as well. Guess the end result! You would for sure make a better impression than your peers and eventually land not just this job offer, but anyone that you desire.
Secrets to rock an upcoming Skype interview
So what if you are a fresher? You can rock a video Skype interview like a professional any day! All you have to do is dress professionally (take cues from above) and master the digital handshake!
- The first 5 seconds will make or break your Skype interview
- Land a digital chemistry with your HR Manager in the first few seconds
- Keep them engaged in this digital conversation
- Start with a digital handshake or a slow, confident, professional, and firm nod
- Display that you are excited to be there and ready to get down to business
- Focus on keeping your eyes on the camera
Remember to practice the Skype interview tips before your next online/telephonic/Skype interview.
The tips we have shared above actually call for steady practice so that habits can be formed. Do hold a perfect posture, remember to make eye contact, and keep modulating your tone of voice and volume while speaking. Practice some Q&As daily and converse in English with friends and family to ace it like a pro. That is the simplest way to build confidence, boost articulation and ace an interview on Skype or even the ones face to face. All the best.
Care to share suggestions on Skype interview tips? Have a Skype interview experience to share as well? Feel free to write it down here. Thanks for reading!