The perfect home background to nail that Skype interview

Chloe Hines Chloe Hines
Alsemberg, ZR-architects ZR-architects Living room
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As the world becomes a global playground for both young and old professionals, interviewing via Skype is commonplace.  It's an interesting concept—as you feel less pressure because you're in a space which you feel comfortable and can have everything you need (resource-wise) at your fingertips, it can also cause more stress wondering what the key elements are to a truly successful Skype session.

If you have a study or office where most of your business is conducted, this might seem like the perfect place, however, there are plenty of things to consider before turning that webcam on!  From the background and lighting to hair and makeup, we will make sure that you're putting your best foot forward to nail that Skype interview!

Rid the area of personal items

When thinking of places to Skype, we suggest ridding the area of any and all personal items.  This includes, but is not limited to, family and personal portraits and photographs, clothing, and personal trinkets and heirlooms.  You want your employer to see you with fresh eyes without any preconceived ideas—ridding items of your past can help this situation!

Not only are personal items typically not meant for a business atmosphere, but they can also be distracting for both you, and your potential employer. Think they might be a good conversation starter? Think again. You want the sole focus to be on you, and you only.

Find the right wall

Since tables and chairs are easy to move around (depending on their size), let finding the right wall and background be your first step in a successful Skype environment. Generic art and graphic prints are fine, but we suggest placing your desk or table against a solid background that provides full attention to the interview at hand and YOU.

The right wall will absolutely not include—dirty, exposed piping elements, any imperfections (such as torn wallpaper or scratches in the paint) or weird lighting shadows! Here, is an example of the type of wall you should not include when considering a Skype interview—it's a fabulous room with a great array of wall art—just not for an interview session.

A cluttered back ground may distract your audience

As mentioned before, personal items, art and creative wallpapers (no matter how cool) should be put aside for Skype time.  This example is a great, divided space of a living room and kitchen, with a barrier shelf running horizontally along the couch.  This shelf includes photographic art and flower vases, but it also has a direct line of view into the kitchen and lots of reflective materials that will certainly distract your potential employers.

Make sure you're not only removing wall decor and accessories, but also pillows, cushions and throws that might be on your seat or couch (depending on where you choose to sit.) This is another example of a space you might want to avoid for a Skype interview!

Be careful with the webcam

When we say, 'be careful with the webcam'—what we're referring to is your choice of seating and the webcam's line of vision. We chose this example because it's an open-concept home where the rooms tend to transition into one another seamlessly.  Depending on where you sit, the camera could show parts of the living room, dining room, or kitchen—these are all areas you want to avoid as background fixtures while Skyping.

Unless you're home and decor is magazine-worthy and not a single item is out of place, avoid this scenario.  Imagine doing a Skype interview and in the background is your kitchen with dishes and leftover food laying around!  Horrific!

Use plenty of light

Lighting is your new best friend, but perhaps you already knew that. Typically, a Skype interview will be done during normal business hours, so you should have natural light to work with, if you decide to sit in an area which has some.  If you have a lack of windows in your home, or it's a bad weather type of day—that's ok! Use all the natural light you can, and then strategically place lamps and lighting fixtures in a position that will both make you look better and not infiltrate the webcam with bright lights.

Here is a great example of how using only natural light can make for a great atmosphere if your interview is in the daytime hours!

Find the right table

The right table is more for your benefit, than theirs.  The right table would be one that's at an appropriate height, preferably right at chest-level or below, one that allows for a comfortable seating position and most importantly—one that can hold all the documents and tools you will need to flip through papers and take notes.

You want to have everything from sticky notes and notebooks, to a clock and plenty of pens (in case one decides not to work, and this always tends to happen in these situations!)  Make sure you have everything sat on your table ready to go—and for emergency cases, put a glass of water and tissues there as well in case you get dry-mouth or have to sneeze! Showing you're well-prepared, even with small instances like these, can show your employer that you've put a lot of thought into this interview and set-up.

Pay attention to to hair and makeup

Lastly—make sure you're tending to hair and makeup prior to your interview. Plenty of employers find it annoying and frustrating if you're constantly touching your  hair, face and mouth while interviewing.  If you start fixating on a hair that's out of place—trust us, it will draw attention to this for them as well. 

If it helps, place a small vanity mirror near your computer so you can check every now and then how everything looks.  However, it's always better to have these things taken care of prior to receiving the call.

Have you interviewed at home before? Tell us what your experience was like by commenting below!

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