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[afm_man]

So I had my first ever Skype interview today and it was very awkward.  I am in a STEM field and all previous interviews were in person.

First, they committee called in quite late.  Then, I could never figure out if they were making eye contact nor if I were making eye contact.  Then about halfway through, I noticed my collar was messed up.  It was all over in about 20 minutes.  I was supposed to give a short presentation and even sent slides but the search committee did not want to see them.  All I can figure it was the end of the day and they were tired from all the interviews and/or really liked an earlier person.  Maybe my slides were so 'great' they answered all the committees questions without having to discus them (sarcasm....).

Anyhow, I really feel for all of you where Skype in now a normal part of the process.  I understand that it is a cost saving idea but I wonder how people show their personalities with Skype and whether these types of interviews are really a good reflection on the candidates 'fit' with a given department.

I am just venting because I really do not expect a followup interview.

[liberta]

Why do search comms even ask for Skype interviews?  Why not just use the phone?

[hikingprof]

Why do search comms even ask for Skype interviews?  Why not just use the phone?

Assuming we mean video Skype here, I would think that they believe it gives them a superior insight into their candidates, or otherwise improves the experience. I had a Skype interview this year and thought it was a far better experience that phone interviews in previous years. I could read the body language and faces of my interviewers, and it somehow felt far more natural. With phone conversations one cannot pick up those subtle cues that you have talked too long or are losing their attention. That's from the candidate's point of view. If I were running a search, I would prefer Skype (or other videoconferencing) to phone for the same reason though.

[drnobody]

The only interview I really feel like I bombed was a Skype interview. Obviously the pros are the visual aspects, if your video isn't delayed like a bad feed. But the cons are that you can't consult notes like you can in a phone interview. It's more them looking at you. I couldn't really tell body language or anything. It was a talking head mostly. Worst. Experience. Ever.

[lackademia]

Skype is the devil's telephone. 

[scampster]

My Skype interviews have been just fine. I do have to sit on my hands though, as I tend to gesture when I speak and those gestures look funny on Skype.

I have never had to give a presentation though - it has been almost exactly equivalent to a phone interview, just with video. And I just put my notes next to the computer to glance at. I have the notebook there to write down any useful info anyway. Just like in a face to face meeting.

[bash217]

Have an interview coming up--was hoping for phone, but it's gonna be Skype. This will be my 3rd international Skype interview: The first one was horrible with disconnections during my "video seminar", the 2nd resulted in an offer (where I am now...). Boo on Skype!

Pros:
You can take a breath, and they'll just think it was a delay.
They can see that I'm a real human, but I don't have to obsess over my appearance.

Cons:
The internet is not fail-proof!
Can't really do it while at my current job, so have to do it from home, which doesn't seem terribly professional.
Can't read from notes.

Really wish it was a phone call...sigh.

[lackademia]

I think there's an audience for an app that would allow a Skype user to make it appear as if there are delays or interruptions so she could take a swig of bourbon, glance at some notes, or run and put on some pants.  I'd buy it.

[jmargerum]

I think there's an audience for an app that would allow a Skype user to make it appear as if there are delays or interruptions so she could take a swig of bourbon, glance at some notes, or run and put on some pants.  I'd buy it.

If you're using a desktop computer, plug it into a power strip with the "Off" switch next to your foot. Turn the computer off while you're in the middle of a sentence and they'll think the internet connection went out.

A little tougher to do with a laptop, as it doesn't disconnect when the power goes out. To achieve the same effect, remove the battery and run it on the power adaptor only.

Jon

[leobloom]

Not sure if it was mentioned before, but I'll add my finding here: adjust computer screen glare well in advance of the interview. Experiment with some alternative lighting and see what looks best. If your webcam (either embedded in the laptop or otherwise) came with software, you could try some filters too, some will look more flattering than others.

I'm signing off now.