For decades, recruiters have used the telephone to conduct initial screens with candidates.  This allows everyone to save time and money.  However, as technology has continued to progress over the years, we have seen interviewing progress as well; The Jetsons have come to interviewing through Skype and other audio/video communication tools.  And, if you haven’t participated in a video interview yet, just wait, I’m sure your day is coming.

So, how do I prepare for a Skype-type of interview?

Great question – here are a few tips:

1. Check your background.  If the room you plan to sit in for your interview is a mess, clean it up!  For some, nothing says more about how you operate than how you keep your home/office.  While we all know people who keep junky offices/homes but they know where everything is, sloppiness gives the impression of being out of control – this is not the impression you want to leave with an interviewer.
2. Isolate yourself.  This is especially important if you are conducting your video interview from home.  Make sure the pets are outside and the children are quiet.  We understand that “life” happens at home, but an interview is not the time to showcase yours.
3. Dress for the occasion.  While not recommended, you can conduct a phone interview in your pajamas and your interviewer will not know it.  This is certainly not the case for a video interview.  You want to dress as professionally as you would if you were walking in the interviewer’s office.  Remember, it’s still an interview.
4. Prepare, prepare, prepare.  Remember, some people view a video interview equally the same as a face-to-face interview.  Be sure to practice responses to questions and check your body language just like you would for a true face-to-face interview.

 Until next time….