The ease of using Skype as a communication tool in business has opened up many new opportunities in the health, education, and business sectors. In the recruitment industry, it’s now being used as a means to interview prospective job candidates.

Skype has changed the way organizations hire new employees, making it possible for them to conduct video interviews, thereby saving travel costs. Statistics show that 42% of companies use Skype for the first round of prospective employee interviews.  The Aberdeen Group, a market research firm, found 10% of companies used video as part of the hiring process in 2010 but saw that number jump to 42% for senior executives, management, and entry level job functions, in its 2011 talent acquisition survey.

Although a Skype job interview cannot replace a face-to-face meeting, it allows companies to get a very good first impression of job applicants.

6 Great Tips For Skype and Zoom Job Interviews

If you’re a job seeker wondering how to succeed on Skype job interviews, here are six tips to help you shine!

1) Check Your Equipment

Make sure your Internet connection is working properly. A dropped call will distract from the interview and reflect poorly on your ability to plan ahead.

Purchase a dedicated microphone, don’t rely on the built-in one, and make sure it’s working. Before the interview, have your resume or link to your portfolio standing by, as your interviewer may want to view it.

2) Dress to Impress

Even though your interview is being held on video, it’s still vitally important to dress in a business-like manner – for men that means a tie and jacket and for women a smart top, and for goodness sake lose the nose studs! Your Skype username and profile (with picture) should also be professional – cut the cute name and make sure you look neat in your profile photo.

[Related Post: CHECKLIST: 10 Easy Tips to Rock Your Next Job Interview]

3) Lights, Camera, Action

This is your time to shine. Treat your Skype interview as your big television debut. You’re the director and the leading lady or man. Check the background and lighting and make sure the room is tidy. Ensure that you’re in focus when seated in your chair and during your interview smile a lot. A smile tells your interviewer you’re an upbeat, confident person with a positive attitude.

4) Research, Research, Research

Spend some time browsing the company’s website and if possible talk to people who work there. Make some notes about their products and services as well as the culture and values and try to memorize some of these. During your interview, you will impress your interviewer by mentioning some of these values or products.

5) Be Interesting

Don’t be a bore. Listen carefully to your interviewer and respond quickly and positively to any questions he or she asks. If you don’t know the answer to a question, don’t make one up – rather say ‘I don’t know.’ By all means, ask questions, but make sure they’re relevant. It’s a good idea to prepare a few questions in advance.

6) Don’t Appear Greedy

During an job interview, employers are trying to assess whether you’re the right person for the job and the company and this means you shouldn’t be asking, ‘What’s in it for me?’ Rather, concentrate on what you can contribute to the company.

Final Word on Skype Job Interviews

Once you’ve had your interview, it’s not a good idea to follow up on Skype chat as this is most intrusive. If you feel the need to follow-up, a more professional approach is to send a thank-you via email.