Skype Interview Tips

More and more interviews are being conducted via Skype, and companies are finding they are a cost-effective approach for interviewing candidates from long distances. Here are some tips to help you improve your Skype interview:

1. Prepare for a Skype interview as you would a one-on-one interview (review your resume, research the company, review possible interview questions, write down some questions to ask them).
2. On the day of the interview, dress like you would for an in-person interview.
3. Be in a quiet room where there will be no interruptions (barking dog, small children, etc.). If you have a landline, you may want to unplug it during the interview.
4. Think of the background. You don't want it too busy so it distracts the interviewer.
5. Natural lighting is the best. Avoid overhead fluorescent lights.
6. Be sure your computer has a high-quality web cam.
7. Don't sit too close to the monitor. It's best to sit back a little -- you don't want just your face showing.
8. Be sure to look at the camera and not the computer screen.
9. Have somebody else conduct a mock interview with you via Skype. Ask for their feedback on ways to improve the quality of the interview.
10. Finally, because you are being interviewed via Skype, chances are the job for which you're interviewing will require you to relocate. If this is the case, be prepared to explain what is motivating you to want to make a move.

Good luck!