Skype interview, couch or office?

JKUR-08

JKUR-08

New member
Hey everyone, so I got a email from a neuroscience lab in Stanford about a job posting and they want to do a skype interview. The thing is, I have never done anything like this and I have also never used skype. So, I figured I would consult all my favorite people here, and ask if anyone has done one of these before? Like, should I have the cam in my living room or my office? My office though has American/USMC/POW flags on the walls. Would that seem unprofessional to do the call in my office? How would the couch look though, taking a skype call in my living room. I mean it is a nice couch, but it is still a couch. And lastly, do I go pants or no pants? That last one is a joke, mostly.
 
Office, maybe set up in front of a different wall if you're concerned with the backdrop.

No pants is always the right answer.
 
Office for sure. I'd even make sure that you dress like you were interviewing in person with exception of pants. I've done several conference calls for work from home and its always been no pants...haha. Hope this helps.
 
I would say the office would be more professional that on the couch. Have you thought about doing the interview at the kitchen table?

To the second question, no pants for sure. But nice shoes is a must, you have to dress for success.
 
Office for sure - always best to err on the side of professionalism (pants still optional of course).

On that note, funny thing about my first ever video conferenced interview - I was located in Michigan and interviewing for a spot in our Sacramento office. Day to day I typically teeter well towards the casual side of business casual... but of course went all out that day. As I'm sitting in the conference room, suit and tie, waiting patiently, I see this guy with a white tee, faded jeans, and sneakers, come in, kick back in the chair, and put their legs up on the table. Kicked back and casual as can be. I thought it was their IT guy coming in ahead of time to confirm everything was setup, and started having a casual conversation that ranged from beer, to mountain bikes, to California in general... well, needless to say, he was in fact the department VP I was to interview with LOL. Turned out to be the best interviews I'd ever had, despite the fact that I was way over dressed, and ended up not taking the position in the end.
 
Office gets my vote as well. Do some videos first to decide on both background and a camera angle that is not looking up at your face...can lead to some unwanted views.....pants/shorts are seasonal options .....be comfortable! And best of luck!
 
A few suggestions.

1) Wear a shirt and tie. And pants.
2) Do it in your office, in a space you can guarantee you won't be interrupted
3) Practice joining a Skype call before the interview. Set one up yourself with a friend. Work out all the tech problems then, rather than during the interview
4) There's not much offensive about your flags and they may help make a personal connection with the interviewer. Don't advertise, but don't hide who you are and what you're about
4) Be sure to have a good mic on your computer. Don't be afraid to use headphones with a mic on them. Speak clearly
5) Take other devices off your WiFi if possible or plug in so you know you have a strong connection
6) It'll seem awkward to you but more natural to them if you look into the camera when talking rather than looking at their faces on the screen.

Good luck!
 
Couch, playing a video game, in your underwear, while drinking a beer.

Just kidding. Office. Leave the flags up.
 
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Being that I use Skype a lot to contact home I'd say you're definitely going to want to do it somewhere with a comfortable height adjusting chair and a desk for the computer to sit on. I usually end up holding mine and it gets uncomfortable fast and moving around constantly isn't going to be something you want to do. Good luck!
 
Thanks to all of you for the input and the good luck wishes. Office it is with pants, sadly, just in case I have to stand up to grab something. And thank you Granite for the checklist, I didn't think to do that before hand. You're all rockstars.
 
Quick update for you fine folk, I have done 3 interviews so far. One with the lab neuroscientist, analyst and a group interview with Sr. Clinical Research Psychologist and one primary investigator who is a Neuropsychologist. Everything seems solid and on the go, just waiting for them to clear through my references and make their decision.
 
Show up late, beer in hand with no pants. If you give no fucks at home they will think you give a couple at work. Works 60% of the time every time.
 
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