Newswise — These days, many employers are foregoing traditional face-to-face or telephone interviews in favor of Skype conversations.
Unlike phone interviews, Skype allows employers to have a face-to-face conversation without worrying about travel time, housing arrangements or meals for the interviewee. So say Kathryn Sue Young and Howard Travis in their new book, Business and Professional Communication: A Practical Guide to Workplace Effectiveness.
Young is professor and chair of the Department of Communication at Mansfield University in Mansfield, Pa. Travis is professor emeritus of communication at Mansfield. The book is published by Waveland Press.
Skype interviews can be conducted anytime, anywhere, so employers can get through the interview process and quickly come to a hiring decision.
“The visual interview via computer may seem awkward to individuals over the age of 50, but to the social-networking generation of Americans, it is a natural progression,” Young says.
Still, this method of interviewing is fairly new, and those who are talking with an employer via video chat for the first time should take certain elements into consideration.
It’s important to pay attention to body language while video chatting, Young and Travis say. Things that would be normal in a face-to-face conversation, such as leaning slightly forward to show interest, can be awkward onscreen.
It can be hard to gauge how relaxed your body language is when sitting in front of a computer. Young advises swiveling your chair toward the center of the computer screen and then turning your head back toward the camera. Sit tall, but not at a distance so that the first three buttons on your shirt are visible. Doing a test run with a friend can be helpful, so you can check color, sound and your expressions.
And don’t walk in front of the camera.
“I did a group Skype interview a few days ago and one of my colleagues walked in front of the computer screen unthinkingly giving me an unnecessary view of anatomy,” comments Young. “Definitely something to be aware of.”
Don’t forget about the background either, Young advises. Dogs barking or other household noises can be distracting to the interviewer. Sitting in a clean room is important, too—tiny college dorm rooms tend to get messy, so straightening up first is a must. Otherwise, a potential employer may perceive you as unorganized and unprofessional.
Lighting should also be considered. Sitting in front of a bright light will make your face dark, so sit in a well-lit room, Travis and Young advise. Candidates should also pay attention to their clothes. Patterns often look strange onscreen, so solid colors work best when video chatting.
While all of these things should be considered when preparing for a Skype interview, it’s best to constantly be prepared should an interviewer come calling.
“Be aware that with the Skype application available on cell phones, you could be expected to interview at anytime and anywhere,” Travis says. “Think about the implications for looking your best at all times.”
This is the third text co-authored by Young and Travis. It covers many professional communication topics such as common writing errors, resume strategies, a self-assessment exercise for communication skills, interviewing skills, basic skills for the first week on the job, writing skills, teamwork issues and opportunities, presentational speaking, problem-solving skills, and potentially threatening or uncomfortable communication.
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