How to prepare for a Skype Interview - Internship Programs in Australia and New Zealand - Internship placements in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch Internship Programs in Australia and New Zealand – Internship placements in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch

Remote interviews are becoming more common in today’s world of work. When we find a company that is interested in interviewing you, you might have to meet them online instead of having a face-to-face meeting because you may not be in the same location at the time. As the employers can’t see you in real life, you only have the chance to convince them virtually. Here are some tips on how to succeed at a Skype interview.

Research before the interview

Before the Interview it is important to review the company’s website in order to research what they do, their values and missions, what projects they have worked on and get familiar with the organisation you may be undertaking your internship with. It is also important to go over your resume and think about the skills you have which may benefit the company, how you can apply your technical knowledge to the work provided by the organisation. You know yourself best but how will you show your interviewer that you will provide value to the company and that you are excited about the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in the career/industry you have studied.

Preparation on the day of the interview

Choose the right background When it comes to remote interviews many people only focus on their appearance and forget about the allegedly unimportant background. However, this also contributes to your first impression to the company. Choose a neutral background. Your interviewer shouldn’t see any posters, unmade beds or other personal belongings. Instead, a neutral background is more favourable. Also, make sure that you have sufficient and good lighting!

Notify Roommates/Quiet Environment

If you are living with others such as family or roommates make sure you notify them that you will be having a Skype interview on the scheduled day and time. This is important as you don’t want to be distracted during the Skype interview and you shouldn’t have a noisy background. If you don’t think doing the Skype interview at home is suitable due to others or street noise etc. try to arrange a time to go to the library or university study room where you know it will be quiet.

The Dresscode

Better overdressed than underdressed. Even though you might only sit at home when having the interview, you have to wear the right clothes and this does not only refer to the part above belt! You want to look professional, so it is better to wear a suit or, depending on the company, casual but neat tops AND pants. If you have to get up from your chair during the interview and you are wearing pyjama pants, that would be very embarrassing.

Technical problems?

Make sure you have strong wireless connection. You might use headphones and a microphone to prevent feedback. Check your camera settings before the interview and if technical problems still occur, stay cool! If you cannot sort them out, suggest rearranging the call.

Practice, practice, practice!

Even if you feel weird about it, try to train your body language and speech in front of the camera. What about asking some friends or family members to conduct interviews with you? This way, you can get a feeling of how the real meeting could proceed.

Be on time

Being late destroys your first impression! Log in at least 10 minutes before the interview so that you can check the connection and other technical settings.

First point of contact

To show the company you are ready for the Skype interview, a couple minutes before the scheduled time send them a message through Skype text that you are ready to start. This also prevents confusion of whether you should call them or if they will call you.

Ace the interview!

Sit up straight, smile and keep eye contact! We usually tend to look on the monitor when having video meetings. Now, try to look into the camera instead. You can switch by looking into the camera when you talk and looking on the monitor when the company is asking you their questions. That way, you can keep eye contact without looking like you’re awkwardly staring at the other person. Another crucial tip is to speak clearly.

During the interview, in addition to answering the interviewers questions make sure you discuss details of the internship including: duration, days you are available to work, what tasks you will be undertaking, possible start date. Also find out when they will let you know of their decision.

At the end of the interview thank the interviewer for their time.

Once the interview has finished, call/email the internship coordinator from CareerDC that you have been in contact with in order to provide feedback on your interview.

If you have any further questions please contact your internship coordinator at CareerDC.

Good luck!