How to prepare for a successful Skype interview

As the European recruiter for the Executive Medical Devices team here at Zenopa, in order to fulfil our promise to some clients for face to face interviewing, I spend a lot of my time either on Skype or arranging Skype interviews.

Skype has completely revolutionised the recruitment industry and provides our clients with a cheap, easy and quick way of meeting our candidates. However, the down side to this comes when candidates (and some clients) are not trained in the best way to present themselves on screen, whilst selling themselves in the best way possible.

Therefore, in the interests of more satisfied clients and candidates (and because I have been faced with looking up the odd nose when webcams are not angled quite right!) I have decided to put together the following ‘check-list’ for a successful Skype interview:

1 – Set the scene. Make sure you are in a well-lit room, and are dressed for the occasion (or least what is on show!).

2 – Eye-contact. The web cam itself is the place to set your eyes when Skyping. This will also stop your eye wandering to the corner of the screen to see your own face.

3 – Be ready. For newbie’s to Skype it can be a challenging and nerve-wracking experience. Make sure you test your connection with a friend and be ready – at least 10 minutes in advance.

4 – Smile! You’re on camera! Remember that this is still a face to face interview, not telephone, so remember to engage with your audience, and enjoy the experience.

In the US more than six out of 10 HR managers now use video to interview job applicants and with the costs of air fare and accommodation increasing at such a rapid pace, it is an approach which will soon catch on more in the UK… Be Ready!

Beth is our European Executive Senior Account Manager/Team Leader for Medical Devices and Diagnostics encompassing all Medical Executive Jobs including Medical Devices Management, Medical Devices Sales and Medical Devices Marketing. Whether you’re looking to explore your career options or expand your team contact Beth now to discuss your recruitment aspirations.