The influx of recent technology advancements has led to the revamping of many ‘traditional’ ways of doing things. For example, if you want to get sushi or ice-cream, there’s probably an app for that and you don’t even need to leave your house or change out of your pajamas to get it delivered right to your doorstep. In a more salient example, technology has also been changing the way that employers are recruiting and selecting employees. Skype interviews are becoming more common and allow employers to interview prospective employees from around the world.
I recently had the opportunity to partake in a Skype interview and to be completely honest, it was terrifying. Interviews freak me out and I tend to overthink every single thing that comes out of my mouth. Add that with the fear of having my internet disconnect or other technical difficulties, and I was actually experiencing a minor breakdown the hour before my interview. Even though I did my research and had Googled ‘how to succeed in a Skype interview’ (tips below), I still felt underprepared and at a disadvantage from other interviewees who were able to personally attend the interview.
Now don’t get me wrong, I’m all for the idea that you could totally be wearing sweats below your dress shirt and blazer (not that you should do that), but I’m still more comfortable with traditional in-person interviews. I find Skype interviews to be a definite step up from phone interviews though, since you do sort of get the face-to-face experience. One aspect that employers tend to look for is your personality and how it fits with the overall company culture. I felt that I wouldn’t be able to let my true personality shine through the camera or that a laggy connection might make me seem awkward (which is definitely not helping my already awkward personality IRL without the lags). I also thought that I wouldn’t be able to catch those tiny little non-verbal cues, like shifting eyes or quick smiles, to show me how I was progressing.
As the interview progressed, I found myself relaxing and getting more comfortable with speaking to the camera. A Skype interview is just like an in-person interview, except what’s separating you from the interviewer isn’t a desk. I was still able to catch non-verbal cues from the interviewers and I was lucky enough to not have to experience any technical difficulties. By strategically placing the camera, I was able to subtly hide some of my nervous hand fidgeting and gestures that I tend to make when I’m nervous. Rather than put me at a disadvantage, I felt like the Skype interview actually helped me stand out from the other applicants who were able to personally attend the interview. I can say that my virtual interview has definitely been a learning experience, and one that I will keep in mind for the future.
It’s important to remember to conduct yourself professionally through Skype, like you would in person. Practice active listening by nodding or adding some listening sounds, like ‘mhmm’ or ‘yes’, as the interviewer speaks. I’m sure all websites with advice lists this as the number one key to acing the interview, but I think that it definitely is most important to just be yourself. Be enthusiastic and passionate about why you want the position because that’s what most employers are looking for. Make sure to do your research beforehand because interviewers may ask you technical questions about things beyond your resume. Treat Skype interviews just like an in-person interview and don’t be put out with having to speak to a camera.
Employers and companies aren’t the only ones taking advantage of this relatively new technology. Ivey has partnered with Kira Talent to introduce video interviewing for all university students applying to the HBA program. Ivey wants to incorporate video interviews into the admissions process in order to get a more candid perspective of the applicant. You are given 2 questions with 40 seconds to think of an answer and 40 seconds to respond. You want to be able to make a memorable impact with the 2 minutes that you’re given. Like all interviews, you must be able to think quickly on your feet and answer the questions with confidence. This is a wonderful way to show the Admissions Team who you truly are, and to not just rely on essays and references.
My Top 10 Tips:
1. Test out your camera and sound system an hour before with a friend to make sure that everything runs smoothly during the actual interview. Sign onto Skype before your actual interview, like how you should show up to an interview early.
2. If possible, connect your laptop or computer to the Ethernet port so that you won’t experience possible disconnections with the WiFi.
3. Make sure the lighting isn’t too bright or too dark, natural lighting is always the most flattering.
4. Keep your entire head and your shoulders in the frame of the camera.
5. Look into the camera and not at the image on the screen so it appears that you’re looking at the interviewer and not awkwardly in the space below their face.
6. Don’t tinker with your computer during the interview; the interviewer will definitely be able to hear keyboards clicking or notice when you’re not paying attention to the conversation.
7. Make sure you don’t have anything in the background that you wouldn’t want interviewers to see (I’m talking about that unmade bed or the trophy wall of beer cans). Try to avoid having distracting backgrounds too, like a window or abstract artwork that might distract the interviewers from focusing on you.
8. Speak slowly and loudly, there may be some technical difficulties so you want the interviewer to hear you clearly.
9. Let your friends and/or family know that you’re doing an interview so you won’t have them barging in on you while you’re answering questions about your strengths and weaknesses.
10. Treat this interview like a normal in person interview: turn off your phone and all other background programs on your computer. Don’t be like Bad Luck Brian in the meme below, dress professionally as you would for a normal interview. Also, don’t stress too much, just be yourself and be confident!
Cheers