15 Tips for Skype Interview Success

It is important to prepare thoroughly for your Skype interview. To help you with this process we have put together 15 tips to help you succeed.

1. Make sure you dress for success. Just because you are in the comfort of your own home does not mean you can wear your pyjamas. Wear suitable clothing, it will make you feel more confident and this will come across in the interview.
2. Begin by studying the job description and the candidate profile. This will enable you to identify the company's particular needs and demonstrate that you possess the skills required to meet them.
3. Find out all you can about the company's products, services, history, and culture. Make a special effort to identify any areas where your skills and experience may be of particular value.
4. Prepare a list matching your accomplishments to the company's stated requirements. Keep this list in front of you during the interview and refer to it at every opportunity.
5. Specify and quantify your accomplishments, e.g. 'increased sales by 35%' or 'reduced overheads by 27%'.
6. Interviewers are keen to hear about relevant challenges or problems you faced in the workplace, the specific actions you took, and the measurable results you achieved. They seek to identify key competencies such as communication skills, analytical skills, teamwork, drive and initiative. Be prepared to give examples of how and when you have demonstrated these key competencies.
7. To get the feel of being interviewed online, compile a list of probable questions and ask a friend to Skype you and help you prepare. Prepare your answers carefully, using key words and phrases from the job description and candidate profile. Do not attempt to write out your answers in full, or they will sound wooden and scripted.
8. Select a quiet place where you will not be disturbed during the interview. Keep your resume and cover letter, a copy of the job advertisement, and your notes in front of you.
9. If possible, it is a good idea to stand during a video interview as this makes you sound more confident, and helps project a positive and professional image.
10. Matching you’re speaking rate and pitch to that of the interviewer will help you to establish rapport.
11. Smiling creates a friendly and enthusiastic impression. So make an effort to smile appropriately during the call.
12. Since it is important to convey the impression that you are genuinely interested in the company and eager to make a contribution, refer to relevant information you discovered during the course of your research.
13. Listen attentively to the interviewer's questions and comments. Respond appropriately to verbal or tonal cues. If you don't understand a question, ask for clarification. Provide well-developed, balanced, and analytical answers. Avoid monosyllabic 'yes' and 'no' replies.
14. If asked to explain your reasons for leaving your previous job, make sure to have positive reasons prepared. Under no circumstances should you criticise your previous employers or colleagues. Having researched the company and analysed the job description as suggested, you should find it easy to prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer when afforded the opportunity.
15. At the end of the interview, emphasise your interest in the job and the company and reiterate your qualifications. Stress that you would welcome the opportunity of a face-to-face interview.