Skype interview attire?

Question

Hi all, just a quick question about a video interview over skype.

What is the attire guidelines for men? Suit and tie or is a jacket not necessary? I mean at work very rarely do I wear a suit jacket while sitting down.

Any thoughts/experiences are appreciated. Thanks!

BabyBeagle · Answer

Navy jacket, macclesfield print on navy ground tie, 4 in hand, white shirt with spread collar. Hair should be short, parted, with pomade. No pants. Puma sweat socks.

cristinaaramayo · Answer

sorry, what is 4 in hand?

BabyBeagle · Answer

It is the only knot that is at once degage and competent. https://www.brooksbrothers.com/TieKnots/4inhand.tem

sanlitun · Answer

@BabyBeagle -- I had to google Macclesfield print, pomade and degage... and then I looked at your gmat score. ..V50 .. :clap:

Cookiesn · Answer

hilarious! I recently did a skype interview and the school specifically mentioned business formal in the interview email.

No pants is a must though. Preferably go out and buy a pair of polka dot boxers as well (extra large print).

cristinaaramayo · Answer

Do you look directly at the camera so you get eye contact or do you look at the person's image on your monitor (thereby having no eye contact)?

chinobaeza · Answer

maybe a combination of both? I think that you are "over-thinking" too much...

jordanhendrix · Answer

i had a skype interview....normal suit for sure but no pants needed!

SEOmatt · Answer

Just put your webcam and the Skype image together as close as possible. That way you shouldn't have to think about it and it will still be "eye contact".

BabyBeagle · Answer

lol. I think Macclesfield's are awesome because they are about as inoffensive as a tie can get. You can  never  go wrong with one.

I like what Sandy Kreisberg says in that P&Qs  cleavage article :

“I think the real advice about dress is, ‘Don’t make a statement.’ Just wear something that is comfortable and respects the situation, and does not draw attention to itself..."

https://www.samhober.com/images/detailed/2/scarf-silk-69.jpg

rhyme · Answer

While we are on the subject of cool words to utilize in daily conversation, I find that the use of de rigueur, is well, de rigueur.

Degage is a new one to me, I will place it in my next presentation.

Tipsy · Answer

haha. same with everyone else. Suit on top, basketball shorts on the bottom

MasterAdmissions · Answer

Hi guys,
Trying to be a good GMAT Club citizen and not spam my stuff, but I was doing a blog post on Skype interviews and found this thread (and thought it hit the nail on the head) so gave it a shout-out out here

https://masteradmissions.com/wp/2012/02/15/when-your-interview-is-on-skype/

MBA Podcaster also reposted it here

https://mbapodcaster.com/2012/02/16/skype/

Hope you all realize that the pic of the Jimmy-Wales-wannabe guy in the picture is *not* my recommendation for the MBA interview look.

Have fun with it!

Betsy Massar

jazzman · Answer

As Barney Stinson would say, "Suit Up!"

Prabhakar · Answer

I interviewed with a Shirt on top (no jacket or suit or tie), and shorts below

Interview went well and even got admitted :roll:

JeremyLin · Answer

The mullet rule applies here (business in the front, party in the back). https://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb240/eddiebuendia/mullet.jpg 
In this case, business on top, party on the bottom.

brainiac · Answer

I just want to add something - pay attention not only to your cloths, but also to what's behind you and can be seen on camera... your room, your wall...
It can say a lot about you and help make a good or bad first impression.

VeritasPrepEdison · Answer

As most have advised, attire on top should be what you would wear when you show up for an interview in person.

As you would in a live interview, make friendly eye-contact, and avoid fidgeting, such as rubbing your hands or fixing your hair (these are common mistakes).

Also, as mentioned above, pay attention to what the interviewer will se in his screen, clean up to avoid clothes hanging, or clutter behind you.

As a habit, do test calls before the call to check connections, camera angles, and call quality.

VeritasPrepMike · Answer

A recent blog post of mine that might help

How to Handle a Video Interview for Business School
Congratulations! You’ve made it to the interview stage for some of your top business school choices. Now it’s time to interview, that’s the good news. The bad news is for many students they might have difficulty in scheduling those interviews. Imagine you have been asked to interview at four or more schools, all in different corners of the world. Imagine how expensive it will be to get to all of those schools to interview in person. Most schools offer local alumni interviewers, but what if there are none in your area? Or, the alumni are unresponsive? 
Thankfully, many schools have made a positive step and made it easier for applicants to conduct their interview over video conferencing. I’m hearing from more and more business school applicants that the admissions committee is giving them this opportunity and they are wondering if it is a good idea.
Now it is obviously important to make a visit to campus at some point before enrolling. You’ll need to get a feel for the campus, meet classmates and check out places to live. But, if you can’t make it there, a video interview can be a nice alternative. Also, schools will not mark you down for choosing the video option. So now that you have decided on a video interview, what are some tips to make sure it goes well?
Confirm Which Video Service
Skype? Facetime? Hangouts? Go to Meeting? The amount of video chat interfaces have exploded in the last few years. You might be an Apple user who is used to Facetime, but your interviewer might be on Android. When receiving logistics, make sure the brand of software is clear. It should go without saying that you should use the service the school suggests.
Test, Test, Test
Especially if you are using a new service, make sure you are familiar with how to place and receive a call. That you know how to turn your video on and off. That you know how to mute yourself. Call a friend a few days prior to the interview and test everything out. Unsure how you will sound? Try speaking with and without a headset to ensure optimal voice quality.
Posture
Make sure you are sitting in a comfortable chair with the video camera slightly above eye level. If you are using a laptop you might want to prop it up on top of some books to make sure it is at the right level. Don’t sit on your couch or in your favorite lounge chair. Try using a dining room table chair to make sure you are sitting up straight. 
Grooming and Dress
Formal suit just like you would for a normal interview. At least from the waist up! Also, don’t be afraid of a little makeup to reduce possible shine.
In conclusion, make sure you treat a video interview the same as you would an in person interview. Get rid of all distractions, make eye contact and pretend the interviewer is right across the desk from you.

Skype interview attire?

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