We love talking about phone and Skype interviews! With technology growing at exponential rates, we can expect to see a lot more interviews like these in the future. Who knows, maybe 30 years from now the employer will be able to time-travel you to the interview room so that you can always meet in person; but for now, we are not there yet and we must settle for phone or Skype interviews.

A phone interview could be a quick 10 minute pre-screen or a full-length interview. Skype interviews are often full length and conducted because of significant distance between two people, ie. The interviewee is interviewing for a job in another province or state. For either of these types of interviews you want to ensure you take the interview seriously and conduct yourself as you would during a face-to-face interview.

In preparation, ensure you have printed out a copy of your resume and the job description or posting for reference during your interview. You could also put together a list of successes or stories that provide a detailed description of your achievements for reference during your interview. You will also want to ensure you will be able to attend the interview by means of a quiet space. If you have children, pets, or noisy landlords you may want to consider reserving a room at a library, going to a friend’s house, or going to a WorkBC Employment Services Centre like Fraser Works Co-op instead! Finally, ensure you are dressed appropriately. Even though you cannot see the interviewer during a phone interview, ensure you are dressed to impress. Dressing well will add to your professional delivery and presentation. You may not believe us, but when you are dressed well we can tell on the other end of the line. Furthermore, if you are dressing for a Skype interview, ensure you are not wearing logos; vibrant, dizzying patterns; or rude images. It is best to dress professionally in subtle designs and neutral colours. For Skype interviews, where the employer can see you, ensure your background is appropriate too. You wouldn’t want to notice after the fact your son’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle collection sat behind you the whole time…or that creepy Angelina Wrona painting! Like your attire, ensure you are sitting in front of a neutral background.  Also, remember to smile! Speaking with a smile will likely translate to the employer that you are a likeable personality and may work well with others. Whether you are on a phone or Skype interview, preparing for your interview, or just living life—smile—you may even attract the attention of an employer you hadn’t yet considered.

Here is a recap for you: