Your next job interview could very likely happen over Skype. But just because you’re doing it in your own space doesn’t mean you can slack off. The experts tell Davelle Lee how to avoid making a major Skype faux pas.
Your next job interview could very likely happen over Skype. But just because you’re doing it in your own space doesn’t mean you can slack off. The experts tell Davelle Lee how to avoid making a major Skype faux pas.
USE AN ACTUAL COMPUTER
Yes, we know the latest iPhone models have great front-facing cameras. No, it is not okay to use one for your interview. That’s because your face will occupy most of the frame since there’s only so far your arm can stretch, which means you’re already dealing with unflattering angles – and who wants that at a job interview? Plus, it’ll limit your ability to gesture and use body language, which reduces the quality of your non-verbal communication. This can affect how the interviewer rates your performance.
We get that not everyone has a laptop, but it’s no excuse. Rebecca Chiu, CEO of Mywork Global, an on-demand job platform, says: “You’ve worked hard to secure this interview, [so] don’t sell yourself short. If you have to, borrow a laptop."
GET A MICROPHONE AND A PAIR OF EARPHONES
It’s a small step that goes a long way, because both you and your interviewer will be able to hear each other better, says Bang Lin, creative partner at film and production company Grain. And don’t put the interviewer on speaker. It muffles the audio and risks you mishearing the questions, or having to ask the interviewer to repeat himself, which just isn’t professional.
FORGET WI-FI, USE A CABLE
A bad connection equals pixelated images, time-lags and constant freeze frames. “Most hiring managers will readily cut short a disruptive interview,” warns Bang Lin. So get off the Wi-Fi and plug your laptop directly into your wireless router using an Ethernet cable. Get one at tech stores like Challenger. Or just order it off Amazon.
CLOSE ALL OTHER WINDOWS
As with any job interview, give the interviewer your full attention. Shut off and mute your notifications, and close all tabs on your browser so you won’t be easily distracted. This also ensures that your laptop processing speed doesn’t get slowed down.
DO IT AT HOME
Your favourite hipster cafe and open-air areas are a big no, says Bang Lin, as ambient noise and people can be distracting for both you and your interviewer. Instead, choose a quiet, confined space where all the conditions are under your control. Make sure the room you’re in is well-lit. Skip the yellow ambient lighting, and face the window so that sunlight doesn’t illuminate you from behind – both will cast you in shadow on screen.
KEEP PEOPLE OUT
We all laughed when Professor Robert Kelly’s children barged in during that now-infamous BBC Skype interview. But when that happens during your own job interview? Not so funny. Don’t risk anyone walking into the frame. Lock the door. If you have a child, or even a dog, make sure they’re not in the room for the duration of the interview. You don’t want unnecessary distractions.
SIT IN FRONT OF A BLANK WALL
Rebecca says a plain background is preferable to one that is cluttered and distracting, like a bookshelf. If you don’t have a plain wall in your room, she suggests hanging a neutral-coloured shower curtain over the bookshelf to create that illusion. If your room is messy, clean it up. Nobody needs to see your dirty laundry.
MAKEUP AND CLOTHES MATTER
Video cameras can be unforgiving. Contour for face definition, says Rebecca of Mywork Global. Add colour to your cheeks and lips so you don’t look washed out. Position the camera slightly above eye level, and tilt the screen downwards for the best angle. Also, make sure you dress the part – that means no shorts, or worse, pyjama bottoms. You never know when you might need to stand up.
DON’T FEEL OBLIGED TO LOOK INTO THE CAMERA
You might feel pressured to maintain eye contact with the interviewer. But that could make you feel uncomfortable and awkward, and affect how you perform in the interview. Bang Lin says to skip the conventional wisdom, and just look at your interviewer on the screen, so you appear more natural. Also, don’t read notes off a prepared document on your desktop – the movement of your eyes will give you away.
WARM UP WITH A FRIEND
When you’re all set up, do a Skype video call with a friend. Not only will that help you test the clarity of the video and audio, that friend can also flag potentially embarrassing things you hadn’t noticed – like the One Direction poster on your wall. Also, practise. Record a mock interview and review it, so you can see which areas need work. Nobody automatically looks good on camera. Keep at it, and you’ll see improvement.
