[marybelle]

Hubby and I have had telephone interviews for jobs which went very well. Now they want us to have an interview with company directors via Skype.

What is Skype??

How does it work?

Does it cost anything?

Basically I know nothing about it and am in need of some sage advice.

Cheers

Marybelle

[Pedro]

Marybelle,

Skype is a way to make calls from your computer. You can talk to other skype users around the world for free.

Go to www.skype.com and download the software (is free).

[vixxann]

Skype allows you to talk to people with other computers. You can either "chat" live with text (like MSN messenger) or use a microphones and speakers (or special usb phones) to have a normal phone conversation -or - and most likely what they will want for an interview - you can link up a webcam to your PC and have live conversations through Skype with a live video link too. Skype is also free to call other computers. Hope this helps.

Take a look at the link given above and its pretty clear. You can sign up free you might just need to get yourself a webcam. :)

[Red Devil]

Yep, Skype's great... but be warned, the reception can be dodgy sometimes :roll ... guess I can't complain though considering it's free :)

[TrentBridge]

I think I read somewhere on the forum fairly recently that someone else was trying to set up a video conference type interview. Sorry, can't remember who it was :uhoh :D . Anyway, I think a really good bit of advice given was, that if you're like me and not very 'up' on the IT side of things, it might be a good idea to try a hotel who offer conference facilities to see if your interview can be conducted there. I think the hotel would then set up the IT side for you - obviously some cost involved, but would relieve the pressure a bit maybe :D

Good luck.

[renew]

hi
i had an interview via skype. It is worth having a telephone as backup and thrn just using Skype for the video. It worked well for me as I used the internet at work which is better than my home broadband by miles.
Only other point is to turn off screensavers and power saving or you will be randomly wagling the mouse around during the interview ( been there done that)
But best thing to do is play with skype you at home and hubby at work for example so you are familiar with it and know it works on the appropriate computers.
Also invest in a good webcam.

best wishes

Ian

[Alan]

If you have to use a landline have a look at http://www.18185.co.uk/index2.php

[Pebbles]

Ian,
Out of curiosity, how did you deal with the time difference? And with Skype is there a delay and/or echo like you have by regular phone?

[renew]

Did not find there was much of a problem. I found it easier than on the phone to be honest. Lots of me answering questions.
Some of my good experience is probably down to where I work which is on the internet backbone. I know the guys that interviewed me had trouble with a previous candidate and resorted the phone and skype for video.

best wishes

Ian

[marybelle]

Thanks everyone for your replies.
Looks like I am going to have to get a web cam.

Pebbles..
When we had the telephone interview we arranged it for 8.30am NZ time which was 9.30pm in UK. I found it a little more difficult than I thought. Until you have to be on the ball at 9.30pm you don't realise how tired you are at what is for most relatively early. My brain was buzzing but my body was shutting down for the evening.
If you find yourself having an evening interview the best bit of advice I would give is, Don't have you tea until afterwards, we ate at 7.30pm as normal and this added to the tiredness.

Marybelle