Technology is amazing. It has not only allowed so many of us to work from the comfort of our couch, but it also allows us infinite possibilities of where we can interview from too. It's a great cost savings to be able to conduct a Skype interview for a job, but there are also drawbacks to interviewing over Skype too.

For those that have seen the movie "Up In The Air" with George Clooney you may remember that firing someone over a video conference is not so easy to do. The same is true for interviewing. There are some awkward things about conducting a Skype interview. I would know, I've been on both the interviewer and interviewee side. 

As an interviewee, rhe one thing I thought most about was my environment. I made sure to be in my office on a break, with my door closed complete with a sign that said, "On a conference call. Do not disturb." I also made sure that the background of my office showed my organized bookshelves, not the disorganized piles of crazy that was the rest of my office. After all, first impressions can mean a lot. 

After successfully getting the job I currently hold that started with a Skype interview, I learned of the other people that interviewed via Skype, and needless to say it wasn't pretty. 

The Library

Now, I get that someone might go to the library to ensure that they had the best Internet, especially if they didn't have reliable Internet at home. However, in case anyone was confused a library is supposed to be quiet. Trying to interview from the library on headphones, where everyone around you is trying to read or study is a bad idea. Especially when you want your voice to be heard.

Verdict: Make sure you're in a place where the interviewer can hear you, not where you have to whisper.

The Park

I would say any outdoor venue is probably a bad idea. There could be cars driving by, people talking, dogs barking, or children playing. If I'm interviewing you and you're at the park, surely I'll be looking at the cute dog walking behind you and not paying attention to what you're saying, because well... puppies! Just think about the distractions around you regardless of where you decide to interview from. 

Verdict: Make sure there is no chance of distractions that could detract from what you're trying to say. 

The Bathroom

Okay, now this one took my by surprise. Someone literally interviewed while sitting on their toilet! I can't make this up. Now of course, they weren't using the bathroom, but did explain that they have a crazy dog at home that doesn't stop barking and the bathroom was the only place where the dog wouldn't come in. Now I do appreciate being on a team that is close and supportive of one another, but this is a little too close for a team, let alone someone that wants to join that team. I do not need to see your bathroom while you're telling me about your qualifications. Just saying. 

Verdict: It's okay to be personable, but not too personal. 

Weigh in! Where have you had people interview from over Skype? I'd love to hear your stories!