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  • So, you're going to be interviewed over Skype, and you want to look better than this.

  • Well, here are four easy keys you can apply to look good in Skype interviews.

  • Key 1: Sound

  • Having good sound is just as important as having good video.

  • An empty room like this might sound fine to you in normal conversation, but it creates an annoying echo for anyone listening on video, especially if the floor isn't carpeted.

  • Basically, the more stuff that's in the room to deflect the sound, the less echo.

  • And make sure there's no loud noises in the background.

  • Loud office conversations, construction, an air conditioner - these will make your interview painful to listen to.

  • Key 2: Location

  • Create a good background.

  • This one is not good: It makes me look like a total slob.

  • This one is too distracting. What's that guy doing back there?

  • And this one... just make sure you don't have anything embarrassing in the background.

  • Keep it neat and simple.

  • A white wall is usually too plain, so I set up a bookshelf like this.

  • You can also use a houseplant, a lampshade, a piece of art, etc.

  • If you're at the office, you can set up a clean desk with a computer in the background.

  • Now, you're probably using a laptop with a built-in camera or a webcam like this.

  • Notice how the camera is actually several inches below my eyes.

  • So, when you're looking through the camera, if you angle it at your face, it shows the ceiling.

  • So, you want to stack it up on a box like this.

  • Basically, you want the camera at eye-level, because this is the way people are used to seeing you.

  • And you want to be a little more than arm's length from the camera, so you're about this size in the frame.

  • And you want your eyes to be about two-thirds of the way to the top.

  • Key 3: Lighting

  • Good lighting makes a huge difference.

  • Professional lighting uses four light sources, but you really only need one.

  • If it's daytime, you can just use a window.

  • If it's too bright, pull the shades.

  • You need the window to be pretty much in front of you, not to the side or behind.

  • Wow, I think I've found the worst interview setup ever.

  • If it's nighttime or there's no window nearby, grab a lamp.

  • Don't use overhead lighting like this: It makes you look terrible.

  • And definitely don't light yourself from below, unless you're telling scary campfire stories.

  • What you want is a lamp in front of you, like this one, with the light slightly above the height of your eyes while you're sitting down.

  • Of course, this one is great because I can adjust the levels, but pretty much any lamp will do.

  • If it's too bright, try moving it back. If it's too dim, just move it a little closer.

  • Key 4: You

  • Now that everything else is set up, make sure you look good.

  • Dress appropriately, at least on top.

  • You might want to wear makeup - yeah, even some men do it.

  • And don't look down at the computer screen while being interviewed - look directly at the camera.

  • Now, this might feel a little weird to you at first, but to the people watching, it looks like you're looking directly at them, which is good.

  • And try not to move too much.

  • Even just a few inches back and forth can be really distracting.

  • So, to recap: Find a quiet place without distracting sounds.

  • Set up a good background.

  • Set your camera at eye level arm's length away.

  • Make sure you have good lighting.

  • And make sure you look good.

  • Now, I've put all this into a checklist for you, and you can find it in the link below the video.

  • That's it! Good night, and good luck.

  • By the way, I'd love to hear about your experience being interviewed by Skype, or what you think about this video.

  • So, please leave your comments down below.

So, you're going to be interviewed over Skype, and you want to look better than this.

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