Skype interviews are now a standard part of many companies’ interview processes, especially within the startup world. While commonly used for initial and second interviews, it’s no longer unusual to hire someone solely based on how well they perform on Skype. 

Here are a few tips for maximizing your chances of at your next video chat interview.

1. Dress like you would for a face-to-face job interview

One might think that this would be obvious because the interviewer could actually see the applicant, but many HR professionals report that they often see applicants wear ultracasual attire or even house clothes on Skype interviews. This can look unprofessional and cause interviewers to see you as unprepared. Be sure to wear interview-appropriate tops as well as bottoms, in case you need to stand up to get something.

2. Make sure your surroundings are not distracting

Try to take the call in a quiet room at home. Secure any noisy or extra-affectionate pets and make sure that family members or housemates won’t be a problem. Try to make sure that there is nothing behind you that can reflect negatively on you in the interview.

3. Try to look at the camera, not the screen

Skype isn’t always as intimate as face-to-face conversations for a few reasons. One reason is most people stare at the screen, which removes eye contact. Usually, everyone tends to look like they’re looking at something behind their conversation partner, rather than at them — even if they are actually doing that from their perspective. Looking directly at the camera will help give the illusion of eye-contact with the interviewer and help humanize you, which can give you an edge in the interview.

4. Prepare a cheat sheet

Based on your prior research, you’ll want to have a list of questions you think will be asked as well what you feel will be the best responses. You may also want to list down a few questions of your own. While this could be on your computer, you may want to have it all on a separate notebook for easier access.

5. Close all distracting apps

Interviewers will sometimes be able to notice if you are browsing Facebook or playing games during the interview. Let’s just say you don’t want most of them finding out if you are. Make sure that you are committed to the interview by closing down all distracting and unimportant applications. 

6. Use a good pair of headphones, if possible

Headphones will allow you to listen to the interviewer more closely and help give you a little bit more privacy during the interview as well. A microphone would also be handy if you already have one lying around.

7. Use a professional username and profile picture

Your Skype profile pic and username are the first things the interviewer will notice about you. If you have a potentially embarrassing username or profile pic, try to update this before you even start sending out job applications.

8. Send a thank-you email

Stand out from all the other applicants by sending a short email thanking the interviewer for the opportunity. It only takes a few minutes to write but it can go a long way into helping your application be a lot more memorable.

Conclusion

While they certainly are more convenient, we shouldn’t necessarily think of video chat interviews as being less formal or important than their traditional face-to-face equivalents. Make sure to do your homework and follow out tips to get the best possible chance at landing that position you’re gunning for.

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Established fifty years ago in 1969 by Italian student-turned-entrepreneur Paolo Vitelli, Azimut began as a humble sailing boat charter service before evolving into one of the world’s most renowned boat builders. In 1984, Vitelli acquired the illustrious Benetti brand, which was originally founded in 1873. Thus Azimut-Benetti, as it is known today, was born.

The Azimut-Benetti group strives to do one thing: to build beautiful, reliable, and innovative boats. Powerboat Philippines distributor Europa Yachts, the exclusive dealer of Azimut yachts in the country, believes it is high time for Filipino boaters to get to know this brand better.

To that end, here are four reasons that account for Azimut-Benetti’s supremacy in the yachting world, and why it is worth paying attention to its mega-sized ambitions.

They are a multi-awarded boat builder whose reputation continues to grow internationally

Azimut-Benetti possesses many plum distinctions in the yachting world; one need only to drop the company’s name, and it is likely to elicit approbation from yachtsmen who are in the know. One such distinction is Azimut-Benetti’s top ranking as a mega yacht builder in Boat International magazine’s Global Order Book—a position they have held for almost two decades.

At the recently concluded Cannes Yachting Festival of 2019, Azimut-Benetti also clinched the following awards: “Best Interior Design” for the Atlantis 45 (in the category of boats measuring between 45 and 64 feet); “Best Evolution Product” for the Azimut S8; and the enviable “Yacht of the Year” award for a 107-meter giga yacht, the Benetti FB277.

They are the yachting world’s specialists with regard to mega-sized yachts

To Azimut-Benetti, size matters—after all, size gives way to optimum passenger comfort, room to move around, stability at sea, and a sense of luxury that’s akin to staying in a holiday villa or driving one’s own supercar.

In December of 2018, Azimut-Benetti declared their involvement on 97 mega yacht projects, totaling 3,536 meters (or the length of thirty football fields combined). The company’s headquarters alone measures 100,000 square meters in size and can fit as many as 300 68-foot boats.

Like other Italian brands that are known for their craftsmanship, they invest in their art

Italy is a country already famous for its world-renowned companies that produce sought-after sports cars and fashionable clothing. That same brand of Italian artistry can be seen in the design and construction of Azimut-Benetti’s yachts. The company’s men and women place a high value on quality, attention to detail, and commitment to specialization—knowing that all of these are key ingredients in creating vessels of exceptionally high caliber.

They are the yachting industry’s chief innovators for specialty materials like carbon fiber

Lastly, one of Azimut-Benetti’s greatest strengths is its ability to capitalize on new boatbuilding technologies faster than everyone else. The company is now very much ahead of its competitors in working with carbon fiber, a lightweight but valuable material that’s improved the speed, weight distribution, and stability on their large powerboats.

Azimut-Benetti outdoes other boat builders in leveraging carbon fiber for spacious deck design, speedy boat travel, and above all, pleasurable riding. In fact, ten of Azimut-Benetti’s yachts measuring between 66 feet and 114 feet now incorporate honeycomb-patterned carbon fiber in their flybridges, hardtops, transoms, and other parts.

After earning numerous distinctions and earning worldwide revenues of upwards of USD 700 million, Azimut-Benetti is far from slowing down. Boating enthusiasts everywhere can expect the company to keep making waves on the world stage and to deliver that same award-winning experience to any new powerboat owner!

In the market for a car and looking to get the most value out of your hard-earned money? Most people tend to think that buying new is the best option, but you can save a good amount of cash by looking at pre-owned cars. If you do the research diligently and aren’t afraid of asking the seller some tough questions, you could get a relatively good deal on something perfectly respectable. Another way of saving on a car purchase is by looking at bank-repossessed cars—these are vehicles that have been taken back by banks because their owners can no longer afford the monthly payments, or cars that have been used as collateral for a different loan that a debtor is no longer able to repay. In any case, buying a repossessed car can be one of the smartest financial choices you’ll ever make. Let’s break down the reasons why:

Repossessed Cars Are Cheaper

Banks typically aren’t looking to turn a profit when they sell cars that have been repossessed. They still have to pay for storage and maintenance costs, and cars sitting idle in a lot are not only useless to them, they also tend to cost the bank extra for keeping them around. As a result of this, you can get a car in like-new or even practically brand-new condition at a discount of 20 to 40%: that can be up to 200,000 pesos or more in savings. The down payment for repossessed units is also much lower than when buying new; a car’s value begins to depreciate almost as soon as it leaves the dealership and will only go lower over time. You’ll still have to pay a down payment of 20 to 30%, but since the car is already cheaper, you won’t have to shell out as much.

Hassle-Free Payment Options

One of the most frustrating things about buying a new car is the sheer amount of paperwork involved before you can drive away with it. Banks know that they lose more money the longer it takes for a repossessed unit to sell, so they cut through the complications and typically offer you the choice of paying for one with cash up front, or enrolling it into an auto loan program. Going with cash means that you won’t have to pay interest over time, but it can be a huge chunk of money to put down all in one go. Auto loans take the pressure off by allowing you to make incremental monthly payments on the car instead, which can be easier on you. Whichever option fits your budget best, it’s nice to be able to take the vehicle home without having to read through too many documents. 

Safe and Secure Transactions

When buying a repossessed unit from a bank, you can rest easy knowing that the vehicle was not acquired illegally, and all of its papers and certifications are in good order. You’ll never have to worry about being defrauded, and you can be assured that your payments will always be safe.

Used but Not Abused

When a car seller puts his vehicle on the market, it’s usually because he’s already gotten himself a new one. Most vehicle owners tend to hold off on replacing their cars if they can continue to put up with its issues; the bottom line is that you never really know what condition the car is actually in until you’ve driven it for a while and discovered its problems, and by then it’s usually too late. On the other hand, repossessed cars go to the banks because their previous owners are no longer able to keep them, which means that most of them haven’t been ridden to death or neglected for too long. Of course, you should be a conscientious buyer and check for signs of flooding, accidental damage, or anything that might give you cause to believe that the vehicle is in poorer shape than advertised. Banks typically auction out newer models and have proof of the car’s mileage though, so you could get a car that’s in excellent shape and was released fairly recently for a fraction of the cost of buying from a dealer.

Summary

Buying a repossessed car isn’t without its risks, but if you know what to look for and are willing to put in the legwork, you could drive home with one that you can be proud of. Keep an open mind but arm yourself with as much information as possible, and don’t be afraid to ask questions before reaching for your wallet. Before long, you’ll be driving the car of your dreams.