By Laura Backes

It is becoming common for companies to conduct job interviews via Skype. Skype interviews are fast, easy and very inexpensive. Because you are online using your computer and a camera it can be a tad uncomfortable the first time. Here are 5 tips to help you excel at your Skype interview:

1. Background: Believe it or not the background of your Skype interview is more important than you think. The idea is to face your computer toward a simple but not boring background. Try framing a bookshelf or desk behind you. You want to give yourself a little depth in the image. Avoid stark white walls or brightly colored and too busy backgrounds. Computers distort colors and can make it difficultly for the interviewer to focus.

2. Lighting: Having the correct lighting will help your interviewer see you at your best and make it easy on their eyes. Overhead lights that are very bright or florescent tend to wash your face out or even darken your face. The best lighting is natural sunlight from a nearby window. Look toward the natural sunlight and/or a table lamp so that it illuminates your face.

3. What to Wear: Just because you are having an interview in a less conventional way doesn’t mean the same business interview attire does not apply. Wear what you normally would for an interview. A nice blouse with a jacket for women or a nice shirt with a suit jacket and tie for men is appropriate. A tip for women: Log onto Skype beforehand to determine how much makeup you may need. Sometimes computer cameras can create the appearance of being tired.

4. Where to look: Your natural reaction is to look directly at the screen as the interviewer speaks, try to look up into the computer camera. You and the interviewer should make the interview as close as an in person interview as possible. Looking into the camera will give the effect that you are speaking eye to eye.

5. Practice: Practice with a friend or family member on Skype. Practice speaking up and looking right into the camera. Test out your interview outfit and background. Make sure your posture is strong and that you keep it throughout the interview. Practice makes perfect!

Remember these tips for your next Skype interview and you will succeed! A Skype interview is just like an in person interview but in the comfort of your own home. Have fun and remember to speak up and smile, good luck!

Laura Backes enjoys writing about all kinds of subjects. She primarily writes for http://www.dslserviceproviders.org.  

By Melissa Crossman

Often, a phone interview stands between you and the person in the position to offer you a job. Ace the phone interview, and you win that golden ticket to the next round of interviews. Make a phone interview faux pas and you're off the list, often in less than five minutes. Stay smart when prepping for that phone interview by keeping foremost in your mind what employers have on theirs, and giving concise and targeted information.

Questions to Expect

Be prepared to answer these five questions and you're more than halfway there. The classic opener, "tell me about yourself," wants practical information, not a life story. Craft a 60 or 90 second elevator pitch that covers your employment history, career aspirations and reason for applying to the position in question. Strengths and weaknesses are another favorite weed 'em out question, so think about how you could answer this honestly (and please, don't say you're too detail oriented as your weakness). Don't talk about money. If the interviewer asks you, give a general salary range that meshes with the job you are applying for and the baseline salary in your location.

How to Convince Them

Once you schedule a phone interview, you've got a limited amount of time to bone up on the employer, the position and your interviewing skills. Use it wisely. Research the position on the company website, through word-of-mouth reputation, and by comparing the job description and salary with similar positions at other companies. Prepare a list of thoughtful and intelligent questions you have about the position, employer or supervisor with whom you'll be working.

Right Before Your Call

Give yourself at least 15 minutes prep time before you expect that phone call. If you happen to be at home during the interview time, don't wait for it in bed in your PJ's. Put on a professional shirt, at the very least. Sit upright in a comfortable chair or stand up; this helps your voice project. Have a glass of water on hand, in case you get parched. If you have pets, lock them out of the room so you won’t be disturbed; if you have roommates, put them on notice to not come into the room.

Print out or have on a computer all of the relevant application materials for the position, so you can refer to them if you need to. Being able to discuss your skills, qualifications and experience in the same language as the employer uses in the job description sends the message that you are authoritative and knowledgeable. You may also want to have a cheat sheet of talking points for questions that you're expecting. These visual cues may help you answer questions without awkward fumbling.

After your phone interview, take the time that same day to say thank you in an email. If you feel the job is a match, indicate your interest in an in-person interview. Every now and then, you realize during a phone interview that a position is not a good match for you. If this happens, thank the interviewer for her time nonetheless. After a phone interview, treat yourself to a work break, favorite snack, movie or other reward. Interviewing is difficult work, but know that your practice will pay off.

Melissa Crossman is an avid reader and writer who loves dispensing practical advice, ranging from how to interact with others during a teleconference to dressing for your final interview. 

By Annie Favreau 

Networking in the summertime can get a bad rap. With many people out of the office, the slower pace of business, and fewer professional development events on the calendar, it’s easy to skip out on networking efforts altogether. But don’t be tempted. The sunny season can be an ideal time to build up your contacts. Why? The long days of summer often equal more free time. Plus, sun-induced relaxation can put you in the perfect frame of mind to focus on what low-stress networking is truly about: making friendly and genuine connections.

Here are four easy tips to get the most out of your summertime networking.

1) Get Outdoors

There’s no rulebook that says networking has to take place indoors or at a formal business event. Developing contacts can be as simple as striking up a conversation with your tennis partner or meeting someone new at the neighborhood barbeque. Many of the best work connections are forged outside the office.

2) Be Prepared

Compiling lists of people to contact, reading up about a company’s culture, or planning in-depth interview questions are year-round activities. As such, summer’s a perfect moment to catch up on any research or preparation you’ve been putting off. That way, when you meet an important connection, you’ll have already done the legwork to make a great impression.

3) Take Care of Your Current Network

Just because you’re linking up with new people, don’t forget to take care of the friends, contacts, or co-workers you already have. You don’t want to get labeled as a “connect and dash” networker! So nurture your relationships by socializing, sharing useful information, and helping connect other people. By taking part in an active community, you can boost your reputation as a relevant, informed, and valuable contact.

4) Donate Your Time

Joining a committee or volunteering for an organization you love is a great way to branch out of your normal social setting and gain new experience. By coming together with people who share your interests, it will be easier to make genuine connections.

What’s your favorite way to network in the summer?

Annie Favreau works for InsideJobs.com, a site designed to help you discover the right career choices and build a strong, successful future.