Best Tips for Video / Skype Interview in 2024

It is important to make sure that you do your homework, print off and bring along many clean copies of your CV, plan out your interview attire, practice answering interview questions, and always bring along a pack of breath mints when attending a traditional job interview. 

But in the post covid world, the traditional interview is being supplanted by Skype interviews in today's computerized environment. The entire interview is conducted in a video format on your computer via Skype or similar applications. As technology advances, an increasing number of interviewers are using Skype and video interviews to engage with possible candidates. It's not only a terrific way to interview people who would otherwise have to fly, but it also gives interviewers a chance to get a greater sense of who you are, which a regular phone discussion might not provide. 

For job searchers, a video interview may be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, the interview can be conducted from the convenience of your own home. That means you have all the time in the world to prepare for the interview, without having to worry about things like travel time and traffic, or getting lost in a strange place. Make no mistake, though, this is a job interview...and failing to approach it the same professionally as any other interview is the quickest way to ruin your chances with a potential employer. 

Some of the mistakes you should avoid making during a video interview are: 

1. Being excessively laid-back 

You don't get to stay comfortable just because you're interviewing for the luxury of your own home. Treat this interview as if it were any other, including making sure you're dressed professionally from head to toe. 

2. Failure to conduct a practice interview before the actual interview 

Nothing is more frustrating than turning on your laptop for a video interview only to discover that your audio isn't working, your camera isn't working, or your machine requires a driver update before the software will run. Always do a test run at least 24 hours ahead of time to ensure you have time to address any difficulties that may occur. This entails ensuring that the person on the other end of the line can hear and see you. 

3. Failing to adjust your camera's viewing angle 

When it comes to how the interviewer sees you, make sure it's from a flattering angle. Raise your camera so you're gazing directly at it rather than down at it. This can help you achieve a more natural appearance while also preventing the dreaded "booger" shot. 

4. Ignoring the background 

Your hiring manager will be focused on the screen in front of them because this is a video interview. You would want the attention to be on you... not on the mound of filthy laundry stacked on your kitchen table, or the overflowing garbage bags from a recent get-together that you failed to dispose of. Make sure you're not only presenting yourself as a professional but that you're also doing so in a professional environment. 

Set up your device in a place with plenty of light and a beautiful backdrop. A plain or white background, as well as any backgrounds with busy patterns, should be avoided. 

5. Lack of concentration 

Because you're conducting your video interview from home, there's a chance you won't be alone when filming it. If at all feasible, do your interview in a room where you can close the door and block out outside noises such as children and televisions. Avoid doing your interview in a crowded area, such as a coffee shop or a café. Most importantly, be certain you're paying attention. 

An interviewer will be able to tell the difference between a possible hire who is completely focused on the talk and one who is simultaneously surfing the internet or playing a game on their system. 

Now that you know what you shouldn't do, let's focus on what you should do to ace your Skype interview. 

1. Know what you're doing in terms of technology.

Figure out which video conferencing platform will be used for the interview in advance. These days, there are numerous options, including Skype, FaceTime, and Google Hangouts, to mention a few. 

Make sure you have the correct software installed and that everything is working properly at least 24 hours ahead of time. You should also find out who will be phoning and when the interview will take place. The last thing you want to do is wait for a call only to discover an hour later than you were supposed to be doing something else. 

2. Put on your best outfit. 

As mentioned above, make sure you're dressed properly for your interview, but we're going to take it a step further with this suggestion. Because this is a video interview, make sure you've dressed appropriately for the occasion. 

Avoid stripes, especially those that are small and close together. They can generate a confusing zigzag pattern on camera. The same can be said for extremely brilliant hues. Make an effort to choose neutral or pale colors. On camera, bright reds, oranges, and whites can 'blow out.' 

3. Maintaining Natural Eye Contact  

Maintain as much eye contact with the camera as possible. While it may be tempting to glance at what your interviewer is doing (if it's a two-way video conference) or even yourself in the monitor instead, the interviewer will just see you staring off to the side. 

It provides the impression that you are creating eye contact with the interviewer by gazing straight at the camera. This isn't to say that you should stare at it without blinking! Maintain genuine eye contact...and don't forget to blink! 

4. Don’t forget to smile! 

Maintain a pleasant and engaged expression in addition to natural eye contact. Not only can it give your interviewer a sense of confidence, but smiling has also been scientifically proven to help lower stress. 

5. Instead of using your mobile, use your desktop or laptop computer. 

If at all possible, avoid conducting the video interview on your cell phone. In comparison to cell phones, desktops and laptop computers often offer better audio and camera capabilities. If you have to use your phone (it can be unavoidable sometimes), make sure it's on a sturdy, steady surface. Avoid hand holding your device AT ALL COSTS! 

You'll be ready to ace your Skype or video interview if you follow our helpful checklist of what not to do and, more importantly, what to do. Always remember to be professional, prepared, and the ideal applicant. 

Best of luck! 

We at Docthub, aim to bridge the gap in the field of healthcare, between individuals seeking employment and those seeking to hire. We bring job seekers, employers, recruiters together on a single platform by providing information that enlightens minds and empowers people. Check out jobs.docthub.com for more info!