Hints from the suits re Skype interview?

[motion]

I am unretiring. Long story, but the brief summary is that I need a new challenge in my life. I have a Skype interview tomorrow morning for my dream job with Uber. I will make sure camera angle is flattering and the background is pleasant. I'm planning on wearing business casual dress.

I've never done this before. Any direction from those of you with experience?

Much appreciated

[sc_rufctr]

No experience with a Skype interview but do you know someone who has Skype?
Setup a mock interview and just practice.

Also... Checks Lighting levels, sound and mic levels etc. (I don't mean to tell you how to suck eggs)

Good luck!

[911boost]

I've done them, however on the side doing the interview, I don't particularly care for them.

Like mentioned, test it out first...

Good luck!!

[astrochex]

I did it once. Dressed with a shirt and tie like an in-person interview.

The video/audio quality was OK. Biggest issue I had was not remembering to talk to the screen (i.e., the interviewers). I did get the job, however.

Good luck.

[stomachmonkey]

Make sure the landscapers don't show up and that the rooster is in the hen house and not outside the window.

[aigel]

The obvious is to have a neutral room, best is an empty wall behind you, that is quiet, nobody flushing the john in the background etc. You have that covered. Business casual is good too, definitely a shirt or polo, not a tie, not a t-shirt.

I would make sure you can see your image and be sure to smile / look friendly. This may be the big advantage of a skype interview vs. in person! You can see yourself and make sure you don't look grumpy, i.e. when asked a hard question that makes you think.

Dry runs with 1-2 friends is good input by others. You have to have the tech / software down 100%. Nothing is worse than a candidate fumbling with the computer / software.

Anything you can do to ensure your network is 100%, do it. Have a backup if possible, such as a phone's personal hot spot. Also test your backup with a friend.

Good Luck!

G

[URY914]

Let the dog out.

[Eric Coffey]

Originally Posted by aigel

Anything you can do to ensure your network is 100%, do it. Have a backup if possible, such as a phone's personal hot spot. Also test your backup with a friend.

I'd second that.

Maybe plug in directly to your router/modem for the interview (no Wi-Fi).

[aigel]

One more: Bottle of water handy, in case you need to clear your throat. Don't drink / have it in the picture unless needed.

G

[Scott Douglas]

I've used Skype to talk to my sister in Australia, though she doesn't have a camera so it's only audio on my end.
We're using Facetime a lot to talk to our daughter in Japan now. In fact my wife is on the iPad now talking to her.
I'd recommend you try it to get the camera set up etc so you aren't fiddling with it right before the interview.

[sammyg2]

Go with the rainbow wig, you don't want to seem too uptight.

[motion]

Originally Posted by aigel

The obvious is to have a neutral room, best is an empty wall behind you, that is quiet, nobody flushing the john in the background etc. You have that covered. Business casual is good too, definitely a shirt or polo, not a tie, not a t-shirt.

I would make sure you can see your image and be sure to smile / look friendly. This may be the big advantage of a skype interview vs. in person! You can see yourself and make sure you don't look grumpy, i.e. when asked a hard question that makes you think.

Dry runs with 1-2 friends is good input by others. You have to have the tech / software down 100%. Nothing is worse than a candidate fumbling with the computer / software.

Anything you can do to ensure your network is 100%, do it. Have a backup if possible, such as a phone's personal hot spot. Also test your backup with a friend.

Good Luck!

G

Awesome! Thanks, that's perfect.

[motion]

Originally Posted by sammyg2

Go with the rainbow wig, you don't want to seem too uptight.

Which wig to wear... now I'm all spun out.

[Scott Douglas]

What camera will you be using?
Have you used it before?
Some with really wide angle lenses will make you look funny if not set up right.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by motion

Which wig to wear... now I'm all spun out.

But you are going with the white sunglasses... correct?

[rusnak]

Be sure to split screen with PPOT, so we can give you the answers via Google, like Cicero.

[motion]

Using the iSight camera in my Cinema Display. This is my setup, although I'll be wearing a light blue shirt with the jacket. Will be lighter, too.

[Scott R]

Just no barking dogs. I did one that a dog barked through for a 1/2 hour. Very annoying.

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by aigel

One more: Bottle of water handy, in case you need to clear your throat. Don't drink / have it in the picture unless needed.

G

Make sure your wife does not walk into your office and hand you a goblet of wine on camera.

[pete3799]

You're going to drive a cab?
Ditch the wig and go for a turban.