Recommended for out-of-town interviewing…use Skype to save money and for mutual convenience -  for both the company interviewer and you alike. Less pressure, less procedure.

Read on…

For a Skype job interview you will need to dress up, be professional (no noises in the room or neighbors outside mowing the lawn).  Although it may seem informal, try to take it just as seriously as a real interview.

Tip: you can be the one to recommend to have a  Skype job interview.   If you think they’re techy enough to go for it, it’s a win-win-win for you.  Why?

• You’re being proactive.
• You’re offering to save them money.
• You’re also showing that you’re tech savvy.

Another plus: if you are the first one who have offered to do a virtual interview for them – this will indicate your initiative.

So what is Skype you ask?

Skype is a software application that allows users to make voice calls over the Internet. Calls to other users of the service and, in some countries, to free-of-charge numbers, are free, while calls to other landlines and mobile phones can be made for a fee. Additional features include instant messaging, file transfer and video conferencing.

To get started, download and install Skype and create a free user account.  Your computer should have a fast broadband Internet connection, and you need a USB headset and mic (cost is from $25 to $30).  If you have laptop, the built-in mic will work, but a headset sounds sound better. If your computer has a Bluetooth chip, you may be able to use the Bluetooth headset you use for your cell phone.

Now you are all set to make Skype calls from your computer.  The software will allow you to test out your setup with a  prompt asking you to say something. Skype will then play back what you said—if you can hear yourself, your setup is working.)

Calling other Skype users is free so arrange for your interview call in advance with an employer who is willing to use Skype for the intervew.

Calling people who don’t use Skype: This can be done but it is not free.  Skype can connect to the phone system so you will need to give Skype your credit card number (or your PayPal account). Then type in the phone number and press Call.

Bottom Line: Since you are already paying for an Internet service connection, there really is no need to pay for phone service, too. The Internet is already your phone. Use it.

a) Select this link to watch a short  Time magazine video entitled  How to Ace a Job Interview on Skype:

Time Video – Using Skype

b) Select this link to read the original  Time article entitled How Skype Is Changing the Job Interview:

Time Magazine Article

Blurb from the article:

“Get ready for a closeup: your next job interview might be on webcam. Looking to save time and money, companies are turning to video-chat software as a cheap, low-hassle way to vet job candidates. That means a growing number of people looking for work are meeting their prospective new bosses not at the office but in the comfort of their own home.”