The technological world is fast moving into every part of our lives including interviews. A Skype interview should be viewed with the same importance as a face to face interview. Here are 7 things to remember when preparing for your skype interview.

1. Make sure your Skype account is interview appropriate.

Most people have a Skype account and have done for many years sexy_legs is not an appropriate Skype name for an interview, neither is a picture of you in a bikini on your holidays. Make sure you amend everything to give a professional approach to your interview before you send out your contact request for your future employer.

   2.  Research, research, research

You are not going into the office which makes research even more crucial. Check the company website, facebook and twitter accounts. You are not only looking for information about the company and their daily activities but also the culture within the company. The culture will help you decide what to wear and give you an idea of what type of candidates the company will be looking for.

   3.  Prepare your surroundings

Make sure that where you have decided to conduct the interview is appropriate. Check the lighting and make sure there are no tatty posters on the walls or unmade bed in the background. You are aiming for a clean and professional. The good thing about Skype is you can have notes. Write important questions on post it notes and stick them to your screen. Make sure your parents/roommates know you are in an interview.

   4.  repare your technology

Make sure the sound is set up, the microphone is turned on and the camera is facing the right way. Close all other programs during the interview there is nothing more distracting than a Facebook message flashing up on your page. Make sure that the computer is set up so that you can look into the webcam and not the screen, this may need practice as it doesn’t tend to come natural.

   5.  Make sure you are ready for your scheduled time.

Don’t call first, you are expected to be on Skype on time but the interviewer will call you. If they haven’t called within 10 minutes write to them and ask if you have got the correct time.

   6.  During the interview

Smile, it is easy to forget when you are talking to a computer screen that you still need to smile. Hang a silly picture behind your computer if that helps. Sit up straight, you may be at home but you are still on show. Dress head to toe, you want to feel professional and if you have to get up to fix your computer or get an extra piece of paper you do not want that awkward moment when you can’t move. Wait for the interviewer to finish talking, do not interrupt. There can be time delays and they miss important things you have to say.

   7. After the interview

Make sure you thank the interviewer for taking the time to interview you.