7 Sinful Mistakes That Affecting Skype Interviews

Skype short story:

Skype became one of the best replacements for mobile calling since its entry. Skype has become viral and has infected communications to the core. For sharing, calling, and texting Skype has become the peoples’ favorite. With more than 30 million users around the globe as of Jan 2012, Skype sure has found a new religion to follow. The reach was monstrous that gave rise to a new verb ‘Skyping’ followed by the earlier used googling, photoshopping, xeroxing. The trend has changed when it comes to job interviews. Skype is changing the face of recruitment. HR industry is now officially using Skype for F2F interviews online. The result is that it has saved the HR industry, thousands of dollars for interviewing candidates across the states and continents. Aberdeen group completed a market research and declared that 42% of the recruitment is done using video interviews. However, video interviews cannot replace the good old F2F interviews. Below are the sinful 7 that new job seekers should avoid during skype interviews.

  Avoid technical land mines:

“Do you hear me now?” is the most annoying thing to hear repeatedly during a video interview. This may not be your fault but it would not apply to your employer. As a job seeker you cannot blame your employer that their connections are bad. Remember, unless a company is technically sound they would not opt for an online video interview. Prepare a check list on the technical aspects.

Internet connection: you may be a wired, wireless, broadband, data card, dial-up, and mobile or laptop user. Make sure that you have a stable internet connection that does not let you down.

Get help from your friend and connect with him/her in Skype and check your audio, video and response time. Use head phones or speakers if necessary. Avoid using built-in microphones. Every recruiter needs to view your CV/ portfolio either online or offline. Have it ready to be produced when asked.

2. Avoid fancy usernames (jack_hot4u):

The first impression is the best impression. Apart from your CV, the first thing the recruiter looks for is your Skype username to contact you. Do not make them embarrassed to connect with you. You may have a cute name for your friends but do have a professional one for interview purposes. Have photograph taken well groomed for profile picture, this is sure to create a better impression. This is because if the HR changes the video interview to an audio interview your profile picture is the one that will replace your video throughout the session.

3. Do not neglect the environment and dress code:

Even though Skype video interviews are done when you are at home, no interviewer will be interested to see you in your sweat pants and XXL T-Shirt. This approach may have negative impacts. Follow the Monday morning 9:00 am dress code. Do not distract the interviewer as nobody will be interested in interviewing a candidate with a messy room and a dog throwing a tantrum in the background. A bad surrounding or an unclean room will reflect your cleanliness and depict you as a lazy individual. Put yourself on the shoes of the director. Make your room bright and well lit. Do not have a bright lighting at the back of your head as this will darken your face and the interviewer would not wish to hire a candidate without a face.

4. Know the company:

Do your home work on the company you are going to work for. Avoid Wikipedia as most of the companies have exaggerated write-ups. If the company is in your reach limit, pay a visit there- observe the employee standard. If you must speak to them get to know their work standards. Impress the interviewer with your knowledge on the company he/she will appreciate your interest on their company. Be knowledgeable about their products, core values, and culture.

5. Keep the interview lively:

Do not be monotonous throughout the session. Keeping them engaged with relevant answers will make the interview less hard for you and the interviewer. Learn to assess the mood of your interviewer red eyes may indicate that he/she might have had a late night flight and the interview would have been a target to achieve. Pay proper attention to even the tiniest bit of detail from your interviewer. Do not allow yourself to be diverted with unwanted notifications in your desktop as your diverted attention may be considered as you are less interested and distracted. Take up the responsibility to keep them engaged.

6. Do not be a greedy:

The interview is all about finding the right individual for the right job. The interviewer expects the interviewee to offer his or her services. Talk more about “what you can do for your company?” instead of asking”what the company will offer you?” Asking more about the perks can picturize you as selfish and self-centered. Nobody wishes to hire a greedy cat.

7. Do not be a stalker:

Polite follow ups of the interviews are often rewarded. To follow up through Skype is totally unprofessional. This is because Skype does not provide enough options like FB, G+ circles to filter out official and personal contacts. A polite old school thank you emails may do wonders for you. Do not stalk them or annoy them whenever they are online.