Interview: Sykpe or in Person?

bolgbui41

I was offered an interview yesterday for Thursday 8th. It's in another country and, given the short notice, they've offered me the choice of a Skype interview in case I can't travel. I think in theory I would be able to get to the interview in person (assuming my boss would give me the day off, which I think is quite probable). It would, however, be quite a bit of travel - at least eight hours each way total.


I've never done a skype interview before. Is there much difference? Would people here recommend that I attend in person if at all possible, or is Skype sound ok if they've suggested it? It's a 20 minute panel interview inclusive of a five minute presentation (no handouts or powerpoints) if it makes any difference. Thanks!

biko

Depends, for a first interview Skype is grand.
It's one of the tools I use at work often and have no sound/camera problems on a good line although I prefer Zoom myself.

As it's just talk and no demo it's even easier.
Also, you don't have to do any of the pre and post small talk

Batgurl

For a 20 minute interview, do Skype.

I can’t see a company hiring after 1 x 20-minute interview so I imagine there will be more rounds.

Wait for the bigger one(s) for face-to-face.

bolgbui41

Thank you both. It's actually a second interview for a position within an academic institution - I had a fifteen minute phone interview on Friday. That's why I'm so unsure. Because it's a second round interview, I would have presumed face-to-face was more usual (and that the interview should be far longer); but on the other hand, they themselves have said that the Skype would be fine if I can't make it. I think I'll probably go ahead and Skype.

Batgurl

Do you know how many rounds of interviews there is likely to be?

I once had an interview process that comprised of:

- a phone call
- a Skype session
- another phone call
- a 1 hour interview (offered over Skype or in person; I chose in person)
- a 2 hour interview in person
- another phone call
- another Skype session
- an offer

If you really want it and they offer Skype, then it’s safe to assume you won’t be unduly marked down for it.

biko

If they themselves say Skype is fine for the second interview I'd go with that.
Make sure to install Skype well in advance (if you don't have it before) and if this is a video call - pay attention to how the lighting in the room will be and what's behind you.

You can test your Skype beforehand like so https://support.skype.com/en/faq/FA265/how-do-i-test-my-sound-is-working-in-skype-make-an-echo-test-call

Also have water at hand in case you need to take a sip.

Stheno

The last interviews I did were all over skype

Jim2007

bolgbui41 wrote: »

It would, however, be quite a bit of travel - at least eight hours each way total.

You are going to travel for 8 hours and then do an important interview and presentation.... you'll be recked and as a result may perform poorly.

Better take the Skype option

bolgbui41

It's definitely a final round interview. That's why I found it odd that it's so short, but also why I wanted to do it in person if at all possible (and yes, they offered to pay for all expenses). But I think Jim2007 is right in that I'd be exhausted with all the traveling, and that's the main reason I'm going to go ahead and do the Skype interview.


Thanks for all the tips. I'm going to use my dad's friend's office to do the Skype because my internet is fairly dodgy. The practice is a good idea, so I'm going to organise to do one from his office tomorrow with a friend.