Skype Screener Interview Forum

[Anonymous User]

So, I have a Skype screener with 2 firms from my hometown. I'd really enjoy working at either of these firms because they are the "big names" of my area + cheap COL + friends, etc.

I go to a T-14 and most of the previous summers go to the State schools, so I'm thinking I have a pretty good chance given ties + grades + school. However, I am a bit worried about the Skype interview thing... I've never used Skype before. Whenever I am on webcam, I feel like my face is too big and it also seems mad awkward in the sense that I cannot say things like "nice to meet you" or to shake their hand, or for us to see each others body language ... i know that may sound weird, but it just seems really weird in general to me. (Also, does anyone else think its weird to dress up in a suit in your apartment to have a webcam conversation??? nonetheless, I'm doing it anyway)

I really want to have callbacks to these 2 firms, but am nervous about the webcam thing. If anyone can give me some advice on how to approach the Skype interview, or perhaps some anecdotes, I'd appreciate it.

[Anonymous User]

I literally just had a skype interview and it was pretty weird. I guess the best you can do is try to act normal and look at the lens instead of the screen to make "eye contact"

[Anonymous User]

I literally just had a skype interview and it was pretty weird. I guess the best you can do is try to act normal and look at the lens instead of the screen to make "eye contact"

holy shit, i have to look at the lens? This makes things a bit more awkward now imo

[Anonymous User]

I wouldn't worry too much about it. Presumably they've done this before and will understand that it may not be conducive to generating great interviews. Certainly put a suit on, I would also maybe suggest sitting back from the camera enough to basically get your whole torso in the shot. They shouldn't just see your big dumb face on their screen. This may require placing your laptop on a surface - probably at seated eye level - and setting up a chair 3-4 feet away for you to sit in. Just be sure that they can still hear you fine.

If you go into it realizing that it won't be exactly like an in-person interview - and realizing that the employer most certainly understands this as well - and then just do whatever you can to try and normalize it, I think you should be fine.

But ya, remember to look at the camera and not the screen.

[smallfirmassociate]

holy shit, i have to look at the lens? This makes things a bit more awkward now imo

Yes, there is something odd about Skype interviews. It's rather difficult to define. Perhaps I'm just projecting my own concern about it. I know I've never completely freed myself from the suspicion that there are some extremely odd things about being on webcam. I'm sure you agree there's some truth in what I say.

[FSK]

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