10 Tips for Skype Interviews

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By Lindsey Plewa-Schottland, Associate Director, Career Advising

I was conducting my fifth Skype interview this week with prospective MBA students, and instead of listening to the words of this one candidate, I was distracted by the puffy, pink throw pillows she had in the background. As video interviews become more popular with employers looking for ease and efficiency, job seekers and MBA hopefuls should consider the following tips when interviewing over Skype or another video platform. 

Dress the same as you would for an in-person interview. If you’re applying for admission to an MBA program, a suit jacket is expected – including a tie for men.

Consider your location. The simpler, the better. Besides you, what else can the interviewer see? Are you sure you want them to see that?   

Look at the camera when you’re speaking. Though it’s tempting to look at the interviewer on your screen, they want to see your eyes, not your eyelids. 

Don’t sit too close to the camera so they only see your face. The shot should show you from the waist up.

Don’t use emojis when messaging the interviewer. Not before. Not after.  

Upload a professional looking photo as your Skype profile picture. Your photo should resemble your LinkedIn profile photo, not your Instagram profile photo.

Be on time. If you’re late, acknowledge it, apologize and move on.

Send a thank-you email to the interviewer within 24 hours. 

Test out your Skype connection ahead of time with a friend to ensure it is reliable.   

 The same rules apply to video interviews as in-person interviews. Being aware of subtle details can really make a difference in landing a second interview or offer.
  

Lindsey Plewa-Schottland
Associate Director, Career Advising
For the last 10 years, Lindsey Plewa-Schottland has coached hundreds of students on how to successfully navigate a job search. She currently works as the Associate Director of Career Advising at the Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College where she ensures that MBA and MS students' needs are met through effective coaching sessions and innovative programs.  Prior to working at Baruch College, she ran a professional development program for working professionals pursuing their MBA at the Leonard N. Stern School of Business at New York University.  She holds a MA and two professional certificates, one in Adult Career Planning and one in Leadership Skills, from NYU.
 

Comments

Unknown said…
These Skype tips are really amazing. Thanks for sharing.
November 4, 2016 at 7:48 AM
StaffMerge said…
Valuable information. If you want to conduct an interview then StaffMerge Interview platform is the best to go with. It provide option like Create a video resume, search for jobs and online video interview through mobile phones and a pc.
July 17, 2020 at 5:34 AM
Katleen Garcia said…
Interviewers often judge the candidate’s body language as a nonverbal cue on how interested they are about the job. For example, slouching throughout the job video interview shows a lack of self-confidence. Hand and arm gestures that happen subconsciously would help the interviewer ascertain your enthusiasm and interest for the job.

July 27, 2020 at 3:07 AM
StaffMerge said…
It is an Interesting post, StaffMerge Video Interview Platform is specially created for Conducting online interview for hiring Employers.
January 17, 2021 at 9:07 AM
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