My business is Franchises. Ratings. Success stories. Ideas. Work and education
Site search

Skype interview for a job Yamalkommunenergo. How to successfully pass an interview with an employer on Skype: tips on how to behave and how to successfully qualify for a job remotely

Every year, advanced technologies enter our lives at a rapid pace. Today, they are used not only to search for information or entertainment, but are also widely used in business.

Large firms and corporations interested in developing their business are increasingly using new methods and forms in the selection of personnel. Among them is a Skype interview, through which you can organize voice, text or video communication over the Internet and successfully conduct an online interview with a potential employee.

The main advantages of Skype interview

Five years ago, job interviews were conducted exclusively at a personal meeting between the employer and the applicant. However, today, in the era of new technologies, many leaders are moving away from this principle and increasingly prefer online communication. And the more solid and larger the company, the higher the likelihood that you will be offered a Skype interview.

The high growth in popularity of using a computer program in recruitment is explained by the fact that online interviews using modern web technologies come with visual contact, in which, in good communication conditions, you can study and evaluate a potential employee as carefully as in a personal meeting. For both the employer and the applicant, a Skype interview has many advantages. In particular, it allows:

  • participate in interviews with candidates from different regions;
  • weed out unsuitable candidates before a face-to-face meeting;
  • save time and money on travel, accommodation and meals;
  • provide psychological comfort to the applicant, who during the conversation will not be in an unfamiliar office, but at home.

How to successfully answer questions online?

A Skype interview is the first step on the way to your dream job. Although it is not conducted live and excludes personal contact with the head or HR manager, in order to successfully pass such interviews, it is necessary to prepare for them in advance. Of course, there is no universal formula for a successful Skype interview, however, if you follow simple but very important tips, then your chances of success will be much higher than other candidates.

  • Tip #1: Create a Skype account

Skype is no longer a novelty in the world of computer technology. However, if it happens that you do not have an account in this program, do not tell your potential employer about it, as it is very quick and easy to register.

When creating a profile on Skype, try to choose the right name for yourself. Do not use a flashy nickname (such as "love", "koketka", etc.) so that you do not have to blush when asked for it.

  • Tip #2: Prepare Your Equipment

Video communication with a potential employer necessarily requires preliminary preparation and equipment setup, because, as they say, technology is capricious. Therefore, in order to avoid hitches and force majeure, check the Internet status in advance, turn on the program and make sure that you are “online” and that the microphone and camera are working without failures. When talking online, clear sound is very important and good picture, which will allow both you and your interlocutor to feel comfortable and not ask the same question several times.

  • Tip #3: Prepare a place to socialize

Do not think that during the conversation the interlocutor will look exclusively at you. On the other side of the screen, the background will also be visible, i.e. the environment you are in. Therefore, make sure that the place for communication looks neat in advance. There should be no clutter in the background, no personal belongings, indiscreet photographs, or any other odd objects.

  • Tip #4: Take care of your appearance

Despite the fact that many modern people they deny the folk wisdom that “they are greeted by clothes, but they are escorted by the mind”, it is worth taking care of your appearance.

Skype interview - this is a regular meeting, however, online. So forget about jeans and shorts and make your choice in favor of business style clothes. And do not think that it is enough to wear a blouse and sweatpants that will not be visible on the other side of the screen. During a Skype conversation, a situation can always arise when you have to get up (take a pen, notepad, documents, raise your camera, etc.), and then you will find yourself in an awkward position.

  • Tip #5: Speak right

  • Tip #6: Make sure you don't get distracted

To fully focus on the conversation, make sure that nothing distracts you from the interview. To do this, turn off the phone, ask loved ones not to disturb you and keep quiet, remove pets from the room. Remember, only you were invited to the interview, not your entire family.

  • Tip #7: Everything is at your fingertips

You may need to write something down during a Skype business conversation, so you should make sure you have a pen and paper handy. Also put your resume, portfolio, references and other documents on the table. This will allow you to quickly provide all the information.

  • Tip #8: Control Your Non-Verbal Behavior

The first step to a successful online interview is getting yourself in the right emotional and mental state, so try to control your non-verbal behavior. If in stressful situations you have a habit of tapping your fingers on the table or fiddling with your earlobe, try to occupy your hands with something else, such as a pencil or pen. Avoid strong gestures and try to act calmly, but at the same time, do not forget about facial expressions and emotions. Interviewers are people too, they understand that you are worried, and will feel more sympathy for you if you smile and respond kindly to the questions posed.

  • Tip #9: Map answers to common questions

Of course, there are no identical interviews. During the dialogue, the future boss has the right to ask the applicant any questions and create unforeseen situations in order to check the emotional state and professional skills of a potential employee. And yet, as practice shows, there are a number of questions, the answers to which every leader wants to hear. Therefore, be prepared that the recruiting manager will be interested in:

  • your virtues;
  • work experience;
  • reasons for leaving a previous job;
  • reasons for choosing this position;
  • your dream and purpose in life;
  • family status.

It is best to prepare the answers to such questions in advance, because the probability of hearing them during the interview is extremely high.

  • Tip #10: Be yourself

And the last advice - in any situation, try to behave with dignity and remain yourself, do not pay attention to the behavior of your interlocutor, answer honestly and truthfully, and then you will certainly succeed. In this case, it will not be difficult for you to pass the interview!

Recently, more and more recruiters offer candidates to participate in Skype interviews and telephone interviews. No one argues that this type of communication is worse than a personal meeting. However, in some situations this is the most acceptable communication option. Especially if the job seeker and the recruiter are miles apart...

Guided by the principles of expediency, recruiters, as a rule, "weed out" some of the candidates at the stage of communication by phone, inviting one or two finalists for an in-person interview. This is often done by representatives of companies with a developed branch network, as well as specialists from recruiting companies who are recruiting outside their region.

It often happens at the moment when the initial acquaintance of the applicant and the employer has already taken place - for example, the head of the local branch meets with the candidates in person, after which he sends the resumes of the best ones to the head office for consideration. In such a case, the purpose of the Skype conversation is usually to "approve" the candidates. The Skype meeting itself can be a formality. But whatever the purpose of such communication, you should not neglect important details. Remember, first of all, this is a method of communication for the purpose of evaluation. In order to successfully pass this stage, we suggest that you consider the components of a successful remote interview.

1. Planning

Coordinate with the HR manager the exact time of communication. It is very important to have a small margin to eliminate possible technical problems. If you communicate via Skype, then add contacts in advance, check the equipment, the availability of spare communication channels, so that it is possible to warn the interlocutor about the occurrence of unforeseen circumstances. Be prepared for the fact that the interview may take a little longer than you originally planned. Agree with the interlocutor the total time of communication. Before the virtual meeting, take another look at the company's website, prepare questions, and refresh your memory with the basic data - about the vacancy, requirements, company. Don't forget the name of the person who will conduct the interview.

“Speaking of scheduling interviews, I recall a case from practice. Despite the predetermined communication time, during one interview, he referred to urgent circumstances three times and asked to call him back in 5 minutes, each time voicing a new reason for the urgent matter. As a result, communication turned out to be “intermittent” and, of course, this affected the overall impression of the candidate.”

2. Equipment

Take care of the speed of the Internet, the presence of a video camera, headphones. Constant failures in the work of equipment will leave a negative imprint on the interview, in such conditions it will be difficult to produce on the interlocutor good impression. It is advisable not to use the laptop's built-in speakers, because sometimes in this case the connection deteriorates significantly. Agree that huge "gaming" headphones in style will not match a business suit. In any case, it looks very comical, and since our task is not to make the interlocutor smile, but to make a good impression solely with our business qualities, nothing should distract from the main thing, so choose something neutral.

Another important nuance is lighting. Perhaps subdued light will give your image a special mystery and charm, but think about whether the employer needs it?

3. Attention and focus

No distractions - perhaps this is one of the main rules of the interview by phone and Skype. Your task is to separate personal and work space. After all, it would not occur to you to bring a dog, a small child and a spouse with you to an interview. Try not to disturb anything during the conversation.

“Once, at the very beginning of a telephone interview with a candidate, I realized that communication was in danger of turning from two-way to three-way, when a child's voice squealed with joy and began to insistently demand to pass the phone to him. The candidate in this situation tried his best to demonstrate patience, methodically explaining to his daughter that "this is not a mother calling, but another aunt." For a child, such an argument was not convincing enough, and as a result, the demands turned into hysterical cries. I must say that this situation "knocked out" for a while business conversation from the rhythm.

A distraction can also be those running in the background. music Center, TV, various computer programs. The latter not only emit beeps, but also, in addition, sometimes do not allow the computer to fully function, and can degrade the quality of communication.

4. Appearance

Think it over! When we go to a business meeting, we choose a certain style. A Skype interview is also a meeting, so it should be appropriate. Feel free to give up a dressing gown with daisies in favor of a full-fledged business suit. And it doesn't matter what kind of view the camera gives. Anecdotal stories are circulating among recruiters about "half-dressed" candidates who flouted this rule. I don't think you would like to be that character. Imagine if during the interview you have to stand up - for example, you need some documents that are not within reach.

Posture and posture play an important role. Stay straight, do not prop your head with your hands, do not lie down on the table. It is useful to control your movements, periodically looking at the second part of the picture, to see yourself "from the outside."

5. Workplace

Pay sufficient attention to its preparation, as well as creating a working mood. If you participate in a Skype interview while at home, then it can be difficult to concentrate and be in a working tone. For some candidates it is psychologically more comfortable to conduct a dialogue, in parallel fixing important points. In this case, it is good to have a pen and a piece of paper with you. You can print your own, but it is important not to attach yourself to it, not to read the prepared text, as this prevents you from revealing yourself as a candidate, as an interlocutor. Well, if you have quick access Required documents, letters of recommendation, portfolio. If the interlocutor needs it, you will be able to quickly respond to the request, which will give you additional advantages.

“I remember one candidate applying for the position of head of development, who, when asked about sales results, cited several numerical indicators as an example, and concluded by suggesting a series of graphs and charts illustrating the change in sales levels compared to the previous year. These charts are in in electronic format the candidate sent me within seconds without interrupting the interview, and we were able to discuss his achievements online.”

6. Confidence

Remember: the voice is one of the most important instruments. It should sound at least cheerful, so that the interlocutor on the other end of the wire has a positive impression of communication. From time to time at interviews, we are faced with the opposite situation - for example, a candidate claims to be an active sales manager, but at the same time speaks with reduced intonation throughout the entire interview, sluggishly answers questions. There was also a candidate who yawned into the phone a couple of times. If at the same time he claims that he has the skills of negotiation, persuasion and self-presentation to perfection, then a contradiction arises. But for a person who is truly successful in negotiations, this type of interview gives a huge scope for demonstrating their skills.

7. Activity

During the interview, do not hesitate to admit that there are communication problems. Periodically ask if the other person can hear you well. Be active, ask questions, engage the interlocutor in a conversation. Remember, you have a common goal with him.

8. Work on the bugs

Sometimes for introspection it is useful to record a Skype interview in order to further correct your behavior. This work on the mistakes will allow you to increase the effectiveness of your participation in remote interviews. The main thing in this is not to overdo it, like one girl who, during a Skype interview, watched herself incessantly on a small screen. Probably, at some point she became a hostage of her desire for self-improvement, thought and, probably, forgetting about my virtual presence, she began to directly use the image as a mirror - she combed her hair, corrected her makeup ...

Today, the phone and Skype are used not only for talking with friends, but also as an effective business tool: for meetings, conferences, seminars and other events, including interviews. Therefore, it is important to learn how to use this opportunity wisely. And then the Skype interview will be another step towards successful employment and a springboard for future professional achievements.

According to the website HH.ru (HeadHunter): about one third Russian companies conduct online interviews.

For some companies, the online format is only one of the stages of hiring. For example, a company has a multi-level hiring system, the first stage of which is a skype interview.

There are companies that recruit employees in other cities, making an appointment at the office is simply impossible due to the territorial remoteness. For example, the personnel department and management are in Moscow, and an employee is required in Norilsk.

Some managers are looking for a freelancer, since a person is not needed in the office, and there is a lot of work that can be done remotely. If you do not hire a person to work in an office, then you do not need to buy a computer, a table, a chair for him, or allocate space. It's profitable.

About 4 months ago I had a job interview via Skype. A small company in Moscow, which was engaged in the production of large-knit coats and sweaters. The staff is about 5 people, so the manager herself conducted interviews with applicants. She admitted that she was looking for a person not from Moscow on purpose, since the average salary in Moscow is 2 times higher than in the regions, and the qualifications of specialists are the same.

Freelancers are interviewed via Skype by both small companies with up to 20 employees and large ones, such as Tinkoff Bank.

For interest, you can see the questionnaire that applicants fill out before the interview on the Tinkoff Bank website.

If you are looking for a remote job, you will need not only a flawless resume, but also the knowledge of how to conduct a Skype interview.

I have been a freelancer for 4 years already, some of my friends, having seen enough, also moved from the office to remote work. One of them worked for a long time as a supply manager in a well-known chain of restaurants. Accordingly, the resume is very strong, and there are skills in building a work system, building communications, organizing and building new business processes.

Often, she, and already at the interview, offers more than the functionality of the required specialist requires. So she gets special working conditions, a more prestigious position, high wages. But in this scenario, the director calls her on Skype at a convenient time for him, and not at the appointed time.

Recently, for example, she had an agreement for 14:00 our time (and in Moscow time it is 10:00), but the director called earlier, ours at 10 am, and theirs at 6. Naturally, she was not ready, video failed to enable. But the conversation went well anyway.

How to prepare for a Skype interview with an employer?

Preparing for an online interview has its own characteristics. It is important to remember not only about behavior and dress code, but also about technical issues.

  1. Technics. Check the operation of the laptop camera, headphones and microphone in advance. It will be ridiculous and stupid if the technique fails already during the connection;
  2. Background and lighting. Choose a neutral background - a wall or a window. The face should be well lit, and not look like a dark spot.

For a freelancer, nature can be the background, but care must be taken to ensure that the face is well lit. This photo is darkish and the image quality is poor.

  1. Don't look into your eyes, look into the camera. If you look into the camera, then the interlocutor will see that you are looking directly at him, and if you look into his eyes, he will see that you are looking down a little. It takes practice;

This is how you will look if you look not into the camera, but into the eyes. Don't do it.

  1. No people behind the scenes. If someone is walking in the background, then the employer may get the impression that you cannot even concentrate;
  2. Silence. During your online job interview, ask your children, husbands, wives, and other household members not to come in or make noise. Isolate pets;
  3. Business suit. No house clothes. An online interview is just as formal as an offline meeting. Even the fact that you can be seen from the waist does not give you the right to sit in sweatpants and a jacket;
  4. Self-confidence and a positive attitude. The likelihood of getting a job will depend on how much you like it, remember this.

I'm at a Skype interview with the head of a marketing agency.

Be prepared to be recorded. That is, if you are interviewing not with a director, but with an hh-specialist, then behave in the same way as you would behave with a director. No familiarity, even if you know that this person does not make final decisions. Recording interviews is a huge time-saver when hiring people, so it's a standard practice.

Force majeure in an online job interview that you can handle

  1. power outage- power supply and mobile Internet;
  2. Uninvited guests at the intercom- disable it;
  3. WiFi failures- a modem from a mobile operator or transferring the phone to modem mode.

Force majeure events are quite rare, but you must be prepared for anything if you need work.

Online job interviews are a format that is gaining popularity every year, with an increasing number of employers choosing it.

  1. Don't be late.

If Skype starts ringing and you don't get in touch, that's the worst. How can you be late for an interview if it is online, and you don’t need to go anywhere at all?

  1. Respect and subordination.

Address an employee or director only with “You” and by his first name and patronymic, until he himself offers to call him simply by his first name.

  1. Confidence.

If you're really worried, try to admit it. So you will worry less, win over the person and set the right tone for the conversation.

  1. Gesticulation and facial expressions.

No need to wave your arms, do “hands on your hips” and get overly emotional. Imagine how it will look in screenshots and high speed video scrolling.

  1. Don't interrupt.

Answer questions only when asked. And, just speak to the point. If you were asked about your life, you do not need to start from school, just tell where you worked and what positions you held. The answer should not be too long or too short.

  1. About myself.

You can prepare your self-presentation ahead of time, even with slides. By the way, this way you can stand out from competitors for the position.

A smile is always conducive. Smile. A little humor is appropriate even at a business meeting.

  1. Research the company beforehand.

When you are at an interview, you should know what the company does, what it sells, how it sells, from what year, what competitors are, how they work. All this information can be found on the Internet.

  1. Prepare answers to questions in advance.

American scientists conducted a study in the field of hh, the results of which showed that an average of 20 questions are asked in an interview, 15 of them are standard, and 5 are additional. By the way, read the article Distant work in the USA, and you will learn how to make money the American way without leaving home.

  1. Dress code.

Neutral or business attire, light makeup and neatly tied hair.

A number of typical questions in an online job interview

  1. Tell us a little about yourself, name your strengths and weaknesses.
  2. What is your experience, why did you leave your previous job?
  3. Why are you working online?
  4. What didn't suit you previous place job / reason for leaving / why did you get fired?
  5. How much do you want to earn in our company / What level of motivation do you expect?
  6. Why did you choose our company?
  7. What disagreements did you have with management at your previous job?
  8. How do you imagine your life in 5 years?

The content of an online job interview is almost the same as the offline format. The online format is more mobile. The company can conduct 2 times more interviews per day, the applicant also saves his time and can use it more efficiently.

How to do a skype interview?

Take into account all the standard interview tips and technical points, as this will also affect the impression of you.

If you have headphones and a microphone, this is undoubtedly a plus.

In addition to all of the above, you need to prepare and keep links at hand:

  1. Resume (document and link to Google Doc).
  2. Your photo.
  3. List of the most successful projects, for example, links to sites.
  4. Thanksgiving letters.

Be ready to broadcast your screen and show something, so remove obscene images from the splash screen. Even by the location of the icons on the desktop, you can draw some conclusions about a person.

If you want to pass an online interview successfully, you must be remembered and stand out from other applicants, but excessive creativity, as you understand, is not appropriate.

If you are a freelancer working on commissions or projects and are only getting a job for a few months, not long term, then at the first communication, when you go through a mini-interview, you need to remember about general rules that are described in this article.

If you are interviewing often, this does not mean that you can relax. Professionals can often put on a “crown”, not answer questions, not get dressed, chew gum. This is enough common mistake. So do not relax, even if you are a very good specialist.

I wish success to everyone who is looking for a job.

In our time, when technology is developing more and more rapidly, the popularity of Skype interviews is growing noticeably. If during a Skype interview you have technical problems and you look unconvincing, then you will not have a chance to meet with an HR employee face to face.

Nevertheless, despite the obvious importance of this format of interviews (most candidates are weeded out at this stage), many, oddly enough, do not prepare for them at all: it seems to them that it is enough to turn on the laptop and adjust the sound. In fact, in order to make a good impression and get a personal interview, you need to take preparation as seriously as possible and carefully plan everything. It must be borne in mind that a video interview is the closest option to a personal interview, the only difference is that the interlocutors are not in the same room.

The only way to avoid embarrassing mistakes during a video interview is to prepare well. In this article you will learn:

  • What is a skype interview?
  • How to complete your profile correctly?
  • How to prepare and how to behave during a Skype interview?
  • How should it be started and how should it be ended?
  • What techniques will help you successfully pass this interview format?

Skype is a free and accessible resource for all users and attracts more and more supporters of this form of interviewing. Successful skype interviews require specific skills and tactics that are different from those you learned about phone interviews.

A Complete Guide to Preparing for a Skype Interview

Proper account registration in Skype

Username. If you have never used Skype before, then you need to download the application from the Internet, install Skype on your desktop and register. To register, use your first and last name as your login. Don't come up with ridiculous nicknames like svetlanka.22, tanechka, etc. Remember that you can register multiple Skype accounts depending on your goals: business conversation or socializing with friends and family. The best option for a nickname would be your initials, for example, raisasorokina

A photo. In your profile on Skype, or another social network should be high quality photo that highlights your business qualities. Stop your choice for account skype on a photo from your resume.

Via professional photo and a serious username you demonstrate your skills to the HR manager business communication and make a good first impression even before meeting you via video call.

Keep up with the times: install latest versions all programs, use the Internet channel with the maximum bandwidth. Be sure to check everything before the interview. software. Your job is to properly equip your seat in front of the screen to avoid motion blur, audio lag, or improper framing that cuts off your ear or chin. Don't let outdated technology ruin your chance to get a job. To do this, it is necessary to provide a suitable environment and background, good lighting and high-quality sound.

  • Lighting. Install two lights behind the camera, one on the right at a 30º angle and one on the left at a 20º angle. Place another light source behind you. Light should not fall from above - this creates unwanted shadows.
  • Background selection. First of all, you need to choose the background on which you will “go on air”. by the most the best option for this there will be a wall with plain, dim wallpaper that is not striking and does not distract the recruiter's attention from you. You can also buy a roll of background paper in a neutral shade. The most acceptable colors are light brown, light gray or ivory. A snow-white background is undesirable, because the eyes get tired of it. The influence of colors should never be underestimated. Both the background color and the color of your clothes should create a sense of calm and harmony. Reinforce the background paper securely so that it does not fall during the interview (usually this happens at the most important moment).
  • Interior. Cabinet - the best place to conduct an interview. Sit at your desk, create a business environment.
  • Camera should be at eye level. Your head and shoulders should be in the frame - this is the best angle. Remove all foreign objects from the camera's field of view - they can serve as psychological barrier between you and your interlocutor. Only a pen, diary and resume can be left on the table.
  • Clean lens. A dust or smudge on the webcam lens will ruin all your careful preparations. Wipe down the camera just before the interview.
  • Blank screen. Close all extraneous programs, windows and tabs on the computer so that email notifications do not pop up on the monitor during the interview.
  • Tags. When performing any theatrical production, marks are placed on the floor of the stage indicating where the actors should stand. You also need to mark in advance, for example, the place where your chair should be during the interview. So you can achieve optimal lighting and angle.
  • Power supply. If you have a laptop, it is desirable that it be connected to the network. Battery power is not a reliable option; but if there is no other way, then make sure that the battery is fully charged before starting the interview. Make sure all cables are securely connected and the system is functioning. Don't let your interview get cut short by an unexpected hardware failure. Spare equipment should always be at hand.
  • Overlays and crashes. Be prepared for interference. During a Skype interview, there may be communication issues that may prevent you from hearing or understanding the question. In this case, ask the speaker to repeat his question.
  • Force Majeure. If something happened at the last moment: you suddenly fell ill, or your Internet connection was interrupted, cancel the interview, explain the reasons and offer to set a new date.
  1. Appearance

You should pay enough attention to your appearance. Since the screen size in skype is limited, the video close-up your head and shoulders will be visible, that is, the upper part and, therefore, it is on it that you need to focus. All you have to do to look respectable on Skype is to focus on your hair, make-up, blouse and jacket. Dress code tips can be found in the article:

2. "Quiet, filming in progress!"

It is such a note that should hang on the door of the room from where you are talking. Ask everyone not to be disturbed and to be as quiet as possible.

3. Teleprompter

Go to an office supply store and buy some presentation sheets. Write your main points on these sheets and stick them behind the camera; they will serve you as a teleprompter.

4. Don't miss your turn

Be ready for the interview even a few minutes before it starts: take a seat in front of the camera and wait for the interlocutor to connect. Look straight ahead, do not make sudden movements, demonstrate calmness and confidence.

5. Smile! You are live!

The very first thing you should do before you start talking is smile. Smiling removes the main barriers and threats that may come from a stranger. The human brain registers a smile instantly, and you will be able to establish contact with the interviewer from the first second of your meeting.
Your smile should be sincere, natural. If you don't smile during the interview, the interviewer will assume that you are unhappy, preoccupied, and not interested in getting the job. The smile on your face indicates that you are a friendly and welcoming person who will be a pleasure to work with on the same team.

6. Time zone

Say hello to the interlocutor based on what time zone he is in, and not you. For example, if it is now eight o'clock in the evening, and you have seven in the morning, then tell him: "Good evening!", Not "Good morning!".

The impression of you depends largely on how your voice sounds. In order to convince the interlocutor of anything, you need a deep pleasant voice, and he should not let you down. To soften your throat, eat a teaspoon of honey about an hour before your interview.

8. Control your body language

  • Don't forget that you are live. Throughout the interview, the employer's representative sees you on the screen of his computer. Therefore, avoid unnecessary movements - do not straighten clothes, do not smooth hair - these little things can damage your professional image.
  • When you start answering questions, help yourself with your hands. It is best to keep your hands open, and during the conversation, use them to explain key details.
  • Nod when listening to the other person. Everyone wants to feel that they are being listened to carefully and that what they say is appreciated. The interviewer is no exception. Nodding your head is a great way to show the other person that you are an active listener.
  • To feel natural and comfortable and at ease during the interview, rehearse - sit in a chair in front of the webcam, tell something.
  • I recommend that you record yourself on video several times in order to see yourself from the side and understand what you are doing wrong. Some gestures that are not conspicuous during personal communication may look inappropriate on video and distract the interlocutor's attention. Such gestures include: frequent hand movements, “playing” with hair, touching the face, etc. By observing your behavior on video, you will be able to further control your behavior during a skype interview.

9. Eye contact

Everyone knows how important it is to make eye contact with the interviewer during the interview. It is much more difficult to do this on a Skype interview. When you're talking to someone via video, your eyes naturally want to focus on the other person's face. Depending on where the person's face is on the computer monitor and where the webcam is located, your gaze can either be directed to the side or down. You can avoid this by resizing and moving the "window" with the person's image up, as close to your webcam as possible. These actions will allow you to get closer to real eye contact.

N!B! When you start answering questions, look not at the person on the screen, but at the camera at the top of your laptop. However, many do the opposite, and this is gross mistake made by applicants. In order to avoid such an oversight, it remains only to accustom yourself to look into the camera lens, and not at the laptop screen, and this will take practice.
I recommend practicing this with friends or family members.

10. Distribute attention correctly

If you are participating in a video interview with a whole group of representatives of the employing company, each of them should be in the center of your attention for some time. Find out which interviewers can help you the most and give them more time than others. Prepare ahead of time (if possible) a spreadsheet that lists all the participants in the online meeting and what each of them does and what influence they have in the firm.

11. Keep track of time

Don't forget the time, but never look at wrist watch. Put a clock behind your webcam and keep track of how well you spend your time.

12. Without installation

The video interview takes place online, and, alas, it will not work to cut out bad places. If you are asked an unusual question - do not rush to answer, an experienced interviewer understands that you need time to think about the question in order to give a good answer. Keep in mind that recruiters can nudge you with certain techniques. Listen carefully to the interviewer, and if you do not understand the question, then ask for clarification or clarification; if you said something wrong, don't panic and don't worry - just keep talking. If you come out of a difficult situation calmly and witty, your reservation may even work to your advantage.

13. Final chord

As with any type of interview, at the end of the interview, thank the interviewee for their time. Clarify again why you want to work in this particular company and what exactly you are ready to do for it.

Try to interest the manager so much that he is eager to meet with you in person. Let him be encouraged by the prospect of how the company will benefit if you are hired.

14. Rehearsal

A Hollywood thriller or a Broadway musical is the fruit of the efforts of a whole team of professionals. You, too, should have your “expert” who will ensure that everything goes well and you perform brilliantly. He can, for example, listen to the speech you have prepared, check the lighting, your appearance, picture and sound quality. Ask someone you trust to help you rehearse the interview and then give you an objective assessment of your performance. You need a sensitive but honest critic who will directly tell you what you are doing wrong.

Consider all the recommendations for preparing for a Skype interview and do everything possible to make your online meeting with the employer 100% successful. Remember the words of Coco Chanel: "You don't get a second chance to make a first impression"

If at home you have risks that something may not go according to plan, then you can use the rental of the most suitable premises for a skype interview. For example, use a loft, coworking spaces, meeting rooms, a quiet cafe with good internet. Of course, the main emphasis when checking a candidate is on knowledge and experience, but if the level of companies is high, then a business environment and thorough preparation will be an additional advantage.

The next two tabs change the content below.

Job search and career development coach. The only trainer-interviewer in Russia who prepares for all types of interviews. Resume writing expert. Author of the books: "I'm afraid of interviews!", "To strike on the spot #Resume", "To strike on the spot #Cover letter".

Good day to you, dear friend!

“No one can hear me on Skype, why?” - "97 percent of the problems are within half a meter of the computer" - "Yes? Perhaps the speakers are faulty? I guess you already understood that today's topic is Skype interview tips and tricks.

Top tip: tune in the same way as on. A Skype interview is essentially no different from a face-to-face meeting.

For some reason, many people think that Skype interviews are easier. Where did they get it from? Because you can sit in shorts? I do not advise, otherwise if you forget about it, and you will definitely forget about it, you can find yourself in a rather piquant situation. For example, when you get up to take some document.

Dress like you would dress for a real meeting. This will invigorate you and set you up for work.

Speaking of documents

Candidates often ask: Should I put in front of me? I don’t know what the frequency of this question is connected with ... then I realized: experts give different recommendations.

Someone thinks that the resume is distracting and does not allow the candidate to open up.

  • First, this is a rule of good form, I assure you as a recruiter with experience.
  • Secondly, during the conversation, questions may arise that need to be clarified, including wording. And in order not to blink your eyes and not wrinkle your forehead in an attempt to remember the right fad, it is much easier to just look in front of you.

Let's not forget that interviews are stressful, some more, some less. And a stupor can easily cover you when the feeling is that what you need right now has completely flown out of your head.


In addition to the above, you can put any other cheat sheet in front of you, for example, a printed story about yourself. If so, take a look. Just don't abuse it.

Nevertheless, even without my abstruse speeches, it is clear that there are differences between a Skype interview and a personal one.

Technical points

Prepare your computer in advance by paying attention to the following technical points

1. Account

Change your account in advance if it has an inappropriate name for the image of a reputable applicant. We talked about similar things with email in this . There should be no fish, bunnies and 1234.

2. Picture

Sit in front of the camera and look at yourself. Rate the image quality. Your face, even if it is such that the Gioconda is resting, should not fill the entire screen. Leave room for other parts of the body. I guess you guessed which ones :)

3. Sound

Sound special attention. These are not trifles. Check the microphone and everything else for sound. Test how you sound. Adjust the volume.

After starting a conversation, make sure you can hear the other person well. It is very important. Some candidates do not attach any importance to this or are embarrassed to say so. As a result, somehow out of place, you can lubricate the whole impression. You should also make sure that the interlocutor can hear you well.

4. Communication reliability

Try to ensure an uninterrupted internet connection. If you have a modem for mobile internet, - insert to quickly turn on in case of problems with the main one.


No one should distract

According to the law of meanness, at the most inopportune moment, someone from the household may need you. This is especially true for children and animals.

If your Barbos is in the room during the conversation, you can be sure that he will try to join the conversation in all ways available to him :). So put everyone out the door and close it tightly.

Background and lighting

Of course, the sight of my grandmother's carpet behind my back, even if handmade, is not the best frame for the face of an ideal applicant. What should be there? Decide for yourself, remembering that this is part of your image.


Lighting should be optimal - not too bright, but enough to clearly see your face. The face is almost everything that the interlocutor sees. Where else should he look? Treat this “tool” of your promotion with due attention.

Order on the table

As the unforgettable Professor Preobrazhensky said, devastation in the country gives rise to devastation in the minds. Following the logic of an authoritative luminary, we can also assume the opposite pattern: the mess on the table speaks of ... a mess in thoughts. This is not always the case, of course, but the recruiter may not know about it :)

Your obedient servant deliberately spoke in this article about things that are quite obvious. So much so that you can reproach me for it.

But the fact remains that many candidates forget about these simple commandments. Spicy attributes of clothes and dusty grandmother's carpets are not at all the fruit of my wild imagination.

One of my employees even had the good fortune to observe a battery of empty dishes from under the “capital” in the background. Perhaps the familiar environment is relaxing. The devil is in the details, be careful and fate will reward you for your patience and composure.

On this “optimistic” note, let me take my leave for today.


Thanks for your interest in the article. I would appreciate a comment (at the bottom of the page).

Subscribe to blog updates (the form under the social network buttons) and receive articles on topics of your choice to your mail.

Have a nice day and good mood!