Tips for doing your job interview over Skype

I have been interviewing a lot of people for various types of university positions over the years. Most often these interviews are conducted using a video-conferencing system. Here I provide some tips to help people prepare for a video-based job interview:

  • We (and many others) typically use Skype for interviews, not because it is the best system out there (of commercial platforms I prefer Zoom), but because it is the most widespread solution. The most important thing to do when preparing for an interview, is to check that you have the latest version of Skype (or whatever other program is required) installed. You don’t want to get an upgrade button when you are starting up for your interview.
  • Ensure that you have a reliable Internet connection. If you can, use a cabled connection. It will most certainly be more stable than wireless.
  • Only use your mobile phone in an interview if you do not have any other options, or if your computer fails in the last minute. Even though you may be used to talking to people from phone to phone, remember that your image will most likely be projected on a big TV/screen, and your sound will be played over a speaker system. Then the “phone quality” will certainly be visible/audible. Also: if you do use your phone, remember to put it in landscape mode. Otherwise, the image will look weird when it only covers a small part of the projection.
  • Sit in a suitable place where you will not be disturbed and where there is no noise. Avoid public spaces in which people may walk in on you.
  • To obtain the best possible video image, think about your placement with respect to lighting. Do not sit in front of a window, since a bright light in the background will make it difficult to see your face. It is better to sit in front of a plain wall with light in your face. If you don’t have a plain wall at hand, consider whether the background is suitable for an interview situation. I have seen all sorts of weird images, messy rooms, etc. This does not give a professional impression.
  • Do not sit with your computer in your lap. Then it will move all the time, making the committee seasick.
  • When positioning yourself in relation to the camera, remember that most likely you will be shown on a large TV or projected on the wall. It is better to sit so that your entire upper body can be seen. Otherwise, your face will be big!
  • Use a headset with a microphone located close to your mouth. This will pick up the sound better than most built-in computer microphones. Using a headset will also prevent feedback during the conversation, and it will not pick up sound if you are typing on the keyboard.

If you experience any issues with your setup, stay calm. Remember that the committee will be positive towards you, otherwise you would not have made it to the interview. Committees are used to all sorts of issues in video-based interviews. Sometimes the error is also on our side. Seeing how you tackle the stress of an unforeseen situation may convince the committee about your personal qualities.

Good luck!