10 Tips that will help you succeed at your Skype interview

These days, virtual interviews are becoming a regular occurrence, and you need to be prepared for them. While the content of the interviews might be the same as in-person meetings, there are a few tricks and tips you'll need to know to ensure that your Skype interview goes off without a hitch. From technical aspects to what to wear, we look at the tools and knowledge you need to nail a Skype interview.

In this article, we’ll discuss:

• What is a Skype interview?

• What questions are asked in a Skype interview?

• 10 tips to help you succeed in your Skype interview

• Skype interview FAQs

What is a Skype interview?

Like Zoom and Google Meet, Skype is a video conferencing platform. Companies like using platforms like Skype because it saves them both time and costs. They can still interact with the candidate—observing body language and tone— while getting through more candidates in less time. They also allow companies to widen their applicant pool, both in numbers and location.

What questions are asked in a Skype interview?

A Skype interview is still an interview, so you’ll be asked a range of behavioral and situational interview questions to gauge your skills, background, and experience. That said, there are common interview questions that you’ll encounter in all interview formats, and preparation is key to make sure you nail a Skype interview (as well as an in-person interview). Some questions you might be asked are: 

• Talk me through your resume

• How do you handle stressful situations?

• What accomplishments are you most proud of?

Just like any interview, you’ll want to take the time to prepare some answers ahead of time, and also have some questions to ask the interviewer. This will show you to be a candidate who is enthusiastic, professional, and serious about the position.

10 Tips to help you succeed in your Skype interview

Like any interview situation, you’ll need to be prepared. The great thing about a Skype interview is that there isn’t any travel involved, but you still need to approach it with all seriousness and get organized in advance. Here are 10 tips to help you nail a Skype interview.

1. Download and install Skype on your desired device in advance!

You can’t have a Skype interview if you don’t have Skype on your phone, laptop, or tablet! Technology doesn’t always cooperate, so don’t wait until the day of the interview to install the app. With Skype, you can register for a meeting as a “Guest,” and Skype will provide you with the prompts you’ll need to do this. Again, do this ahead of time, as you don’t want the interviewer waiting on you.

2. Check your audio

It’s embarrassing to have technical mishaps during an interview. While it’s not necessarily a deal breaker (stuff happens!), you’ll want to show your professionalism and do everything you can to avoid it. Remember, the interviewer probably has a pretty tight schedule so you don’t want to waste any valuable interview time trying to get yourself unmuted.

Fortunately, Skype has a virtual assistant tool called, “Echo,” which can help you with your audio. When you open Skype, click on the “contacts” table, and choose the “Echo/Test Sound Service.” You can record a voice sample, which Echo will play back to you so that you can hear how the interview will hear you.

3. Make sure your surroundings are interview-ready

The interviewer is most likely assuming that you’ll be interviewing from home, but you’ll still want to make an effort to ensure your background looks professional. Set yourself up in a room with a neutral background, and make sure there are no “unprofessional" posters, photos, or artwork behind you. Also, be aware of the sound level where you are. If you live with others, ask them to be mindful of their noise level during your interview, and while everyone loves pets, their barks or squawks can be distracting. Consider asking a friend to pet sit for an hour or so. 

If you can’t redecorate your interview location, Skype has a function that allows you to blur or customize your background. To do this Windows, Mac, Linux, and the Web:

1. When the call starts, select the arrow next to the “Video” button or select the “More” menu.

2. Select “Choose background” or “Blur my background.”

3. You can blur the room, choose a preselected image, or add an image.

4. Find your light

Remember, for Skype interviews, you’re not seeing a whole person, just a “picture frame.” This makes it very important that the interviewer can see you, so make sure you’re well-lit. Make sure your light source is illuminating you from the front. For example, if your room has a window (and it's daytime), set yourself up so that the sunlight is hitting your face. If you don't have a window, or the sun has set, place a couple of lamps in front of you, like spotlights, to ensure the interviewer can see you clearly.

5. Dress to impress

Don't think that just because this is a Skype interview you can be more casual. Dress just like you would for an in-person interview, although you'll want to keep the shiny jewelry to a minimum (it catches the light and can be distracting or hard to look at). And most importantly, wear pants. Even though you’ll only be seen from the waist up, you never know what could happen and you don’t want to be caught wearing pajama pants or running shorts.

6. Practice interacting with Skype audio and video

Skype interviews have their own quirks, and it’s important to know how to engage with your interviewer appropriately. While we might use words to show our engagement during an interview, such as saying things like, "Yes," "I see," or "Mm hmm," that's not workable in a Skype interview. Skype (and most video calling apps) have a function where only one person can speak at a time, so if one person makes a sound, it cuts off the other person’s microphone. Choose to nod your head or smile to show agreement. This way you won’t interrupt your interview or miss anything they’ve said.

7. Frame yourself well

To look your best, sit away from the camera a bit to avoid looking like just a “big face.” Position yourself so that the screen shows you from a few inches over your head to about mid-chest. Also, adjust the angle to be more flattering. This means the camera should film you straight on or just a little bit from above. If you're using a phone, your arm will get tired of holding it up, so consider investing in a tripod so you can maintain that flattering angle.

8. Give your interviewer your full attention

The interviewer will be able to tell if they don’t have your full attention. Remember, they’re mostly seeing your face, and that includes your eyes, and if you’re looking around you, they’ll see that, and it will look like you’re uninterested. To avoid this, turn off all electronics except for the one you’re using for the interview. Try to avoid interviewing in a public space or where friends or family can interrupt you. Also, close any tabs on your computer that you don’t need to avoid temptation. And turn off your phone during your interview—whatever you do, don’t take a call or read a text!

9. Don’t forget to prepare

Skype interviews have a few extra steps to deal with due to the technical elements but don't forget to prepare for the interview itself. Remember to research the company and the position, prepare answers to common interview questions, and have a list of questions to ask the interviewer. Even though it's virtual, a Skype interview still comes with all the expectations and requirements of an in-person interview.

10. Record your interview

Do you know how to get better at interviewing? Practice. A helpful aspect of Skype interviews is the ability to record them so that you can review them later and critique how you did. To do this, when you start the Skype meeting, click on the “More Options” button, and then choose the “Start Recording” function. When you review it, you’ll be able to figure out your weak points and make improvements for next time.

Bonus tips: FAQs on how to nail your Skype interview

How long does a Skype interview last?

There’s no hard-and-fast cutoff, but in general, expect a Skype interview to last 30-60 minutes. Make sure the interviewer has asked all the questions they have for you, and that you’ve had the opportunity to ask a few of your own before it winds down.

How early should you join a Skype interview?

You should be all set up and ready to go about 20 minutes before the interview time. This includes having your environment ready, everything installed, and your lighting turned on. Also, you should be fully dressed in your interview attire, and have a glass of water on hand (but out of the camera’s view). Be at your computer no less than five minutes before the start time. Log into the meeting, and wait in the virtual waiting room until about one minute before the scheduled time, or wait for the interviewer to let you in.

Can you wear headphones during the interview?

Yes, this isn’t a problem. In fact, this shows that you’re tech-savvy and have prepared by testing your audio to ensure the best sound experience. Even if you don’t think you need them, have a pair nearby just in case.

Do you have to pay for Skype?

In general, no. You can register for a free Skype account, and access your meeting without charge. You’ll have to register as a Guest, but that's not difficult to do. However, you'll face extra costs for "premium" features such as voicemail, texts, or calls to a landline or cell phone; however, you're unlikely to encounter these during an interview.

How do you start a conversation in a Skype interview?

Assuming you’ve already downloaded the app, and tested your microphone and camera, begin with a normal greeting, such as, "Hello, Ms. Smith. It's nice to meet you."  (Don't say, "Hey," or "What's up?" as it's too informal for an interview.) After that, you should proceed as if it's an in-person interview. To nail a Skype interview, you should ease into it as you would any conversation. Start with some small talk, try to find some common ground, or share something you've recently learned about the company (assuming it's a good thing!). When in doubt, ask a question—people love to talk about themselves. Not only does this give you a few moments to compose yourself, but it also shows that you're an authentic person with a true interest in the company and those around you.

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Key takeaways

1. Companies like using video calling platforms like Skype because it saves them (and the candidate) both time and money.

2. Skype interviews include the same type of questions you’d be asked in an in-person interview.

3. Make sure you’ve installed Skype before an interview and tested the microphone and camera.

4. Before a Skype interview, check your background and lighting, make sure your environment is free from distractions, dress appropriately, and speak clearly.