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Expert HR Managers Explain How To Knock Your Next Skype Interview Out Of The Park

April 6, 2016 / 12:17 PM CDT / CBS Chicago

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The traditional prim and proper in-person job interview is increasingly making way for the remote interview via your computer. Not all that long ago, colleagues conferred with long meetings and traveled each day to their cubical for work. Today, however, many have abandoned the brick-and-mortar office space for the "virtual office." HR professionals agree and have advice about remote interviewing.

Claudia Parulo has been Regional Director of Human Resources for Denihan Hospitality Group and The James Chicago since opening in 2006. With over 18 years of HR experience, Claudia recruits for all levels of employment for a variety of hotel properties in the Denihan Hospitality portfolio. Kristin Byrnes, Human Resources Manager for The James Chicago, specializes in recruiting for all roles at The James Chicago.

What To Consider Before The Remote Interview?

Parulo: "Treat the Skype interview the same as a professional interview that you would go to in person! Make sure that you are dressed and groomed appropriately. Choose a location that is free from clutter and be aware of your background. Make sure you are in a brightly lit space so the interviewer can see you clearly. Choose a chair that allows you to sit up straight with a straight-forward view to the screen and camera. Again, prepare yourself the same way as for an in-person interview. It is ok to have questions or information written on a pad nearby. Also, make sure to definitely test the audio and video prior to the call. Skype somebody you know to test how you and your voice comes across. Avoid jerky movements and speaking too fast, as sometimes the connection delays and makes it look awkward."

Lock Up The Cat

Burns: "If at all possible, avoid being in a distracting area — it is more difficult to establish a rapport via webcam than in person, so you want to make sure that you are fully able to focus and not be distracted by your surroundings. Choose a quiet area and put away any projects, cell phones or anything else that may divert your attention, even pets! If you do experience small technical glitches, don't allow that to throw you from your train of thought. With any business, having the ability to adjust accordingly when something goes awry is an asset, so you can demonstrate that quality versus panicking if that scenario were to happen."

How To Avoid That Unfocused Gaze

Parulo: "Again, posture is important so that you can look straight into the camera. Think of it as keeping eye contact with the person in front of you. Don't focus too much on your own image on your screen, but have a natural conversation with the interviewer. Smile, look friendly, nod, wait for the other person to finish speaking. Have a small pause before answering, so that your full answer can be heard clearly. If possible, avoid headphones, as it looks unprofessional, unless a noisy environment dictates having to use them."

Seeing Is Believing

Burns: "Much like eye contact in person, looking at the interviewer when they ask a question shows engagement. When answering questions, some of us have a natural predisposition to glance around as we consider what we would like to say, but to get a point across, make sure to make eye contact for at least a few seconds, (4-5 is usually best). This will show you are more confident in what you have to say and shows the interviewer you prepared."

Remember, while your personal connection is important as an interviewee, your internet connection is even more vital. Reliable wi-fi is a must for your successful remote interview.

Jacky Runice has been a columnist with the Daily Herald Chicago since grunge music and flannel was the new black. Her fingers and gray matter have been busy as travel editor of Reunions Magazine; penning a column that was syndicated around the nation via Tribune Media Services. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.