Few Tips to Nail a Skype Interview

Hiring a wrong person can cost a business thousands of dollars. These days, most of the companies prefer to minimize recruiting costs by utilizing Skype as a screening tool. Following are some tips for a successful Skype interview. 

Your Skype Name-

Before a recruiting manager jumps on a Skype call with you, his initial attention will be on your Skype name. Thus, it is important to make sure that your profile picture and the user name has a professional look.  Avoid using screen names such as vodka_dude that might send a negative message. Also do not use any kind of abusive language while creating your profile name. Best is to create a mixture of your name with your job industry such as Peter_Accenture. Since creating Skype accounts are free, it is always better to create a separate account for handling work related issues.

Dress to Wear During the Interview-

Although the recruiter is more likely to see the top half of your body but it is important to follow a professional getup from head to toe. In case if you have to get up for whatever reason, the interviewer might see your sweat pants. Therefore, it is essential to consider this as a face to face interview and get groomed from top to bottom. It is advised to take a look at the company’s social media pages and websites to get an idea about how the employees in that particular organization dress up. If the web pages of the company do not have any such image, go for a business casual look. Avoid wearing busy patterns and choose darker shades instead as they will better define your face.

Build Your Stage- Always remember that the camera will not only focus your face but also show what’s behind you. Thus, it is essential to build your stage. A blank background with lamp sheds on either side of your system is a good stage to complement a Skype interview.

Before appearing for the interview tell your family members not to disturb you by interrupting in between an interview. Also make sure to turn off your mobile to avoid interrupting calls. Don’t forget to check your internet connectivity because uninterrupted Skype calls need a strong internet connection. It is always better to use USB headsets for this kind of interviews.

Body Language- 

When it comes to an interview, body language is always important to consider. Restrain yourself from unprofessional habits like chewing nails or yawning or constantly tapping the desk out of nervousness. It is advised to keep other programs on the computer closed. This will help you stay focused. Most importantly, do not forget to smile as it leaves a positive impression.

Your Wardrobe Reflects Your Style

How rightfully said by Stacy London, “Any item in your wardrobe should satisfy one of two criteria: Utility and Joy.” There is a cluster of population who goes through the perennial problem of deciding what to wear. You might shop every day and yet at the right moment you may have nothing to wear. What you need is a classic Wardrobe Management lesson. You will not only learn about how to accumulate the right range of attire but it will also help you to be perfectly organized and know what exactly you want to wear.

Keep it practical:

Wardrobe Management is a quite a pragmatic process with series of benefits. There are times when both men and women lose track of their buys and end up collecting the same and stereotype clothes. You have to be in tune with the changing waves and make yourself updated with the fashion. But on the other hand, you should never give up your style statement and always be YOU, no matter what you wear.

Shed off your long kept designer wear:

There are many times when I do Wardrobe Consulting, I find that there are clothes in the wardrobe which women don’t even wear. But they cannot give them up because either they are expensive or statement of a designer mark. It is time to sell or give these items up and buy new clothes in which you are comfortable and that make you look confident.

Make your wardrobe varied:

It often happens that there are more number of work clothes rather than casual ones. You should have variety in your wardrobe and make it even more vibrant. Occasions are too many for Indians and you should modify your fashion sense accordingly, yet keeping your style intact.

 
















Create a style to suits you:

You must know that you may be doing something right that the world is taking notice of you. It is advisable to keep it simple. Do not over do your closet but decorate it in a way so that it suits your persona, your skin type and your body shape, not to speak of the moment. Do not make your investment a total fiasco by buying exorbitant designer wear just because some fashion shows are showing it. Make it a wiser buy and give your style quotient a top score.

We, at The Image Shoppe, deal with the most crème clients while we are rummaging through their wardrobes to streamline their clothes in well-segmented patterns. We differentiate formals, casuals, traditional items and mix and match new options to make perfect combinations of ensemble for different occasions to get all the heads to turns.

 

Some Common Makeup Mistakes Everyone Should Avoid

There are usually a common set of makeup mistakes that are mostly made. Here are some common makeup mistakes everyone should avoid.

Over Application of Face Powder

This is a basic mistake which is most commonly committed by ladies. By doing this you actually dull your natural radiance. Over application of face powder makes your skin look dry, unnaturally white and cake-y.

Tip for proper application of face powder

For a perfect makeover use a primer or a moisturizer before applying a face compact. This makes the spread of the compact over your skin easy and gives your skin a less dry feel.

Improper way of wearing your under-eye concealer


An improper way of wearing under-eye concealer draws attention to the dark circles which you actually wanted to camouflage. Eye makeup is always important since eyes always catch the first attention of a face.

Tip for wearing your under-eye concealer the right way

Start dabbing the concealer gently under your eyes by using minimal quantities from outside to the inner corners. Make sure that the concealer is properly blended to match your skin tone. This gives you a natural look by hiding all your under eye flaws.

Too much application of blush-

Application of blush by using a heavy hand leaves you looking like a clown. The main purpose of applying blush is to give your cheeks a natural rose glow. Thus it is important to apply it the right way.

Tip for proper application of blush-

The most important thing to make sure before applying a blush is whether the brush is at its proper form or not. Never use a poor quality or cheap brush. Choose the right shade of blush for your cheeks depending on your skin tone. Apply the blush by blending it subtly and get that natural glow.

Clumpy mascara-

Often we are unable to decide the amount of mascara required to give our eye lashes a charismatic feel. Improper way of applying mascara can spoil the look of your eyes making it unnatural and messy.

Tip to use mascara for charismatic eyes-

Use an eyelash curler before applying mascara. Start curling gently from root to tip. Apply mascara on the base of your lash and wiggle the brush slowly back and forth. Move the brush from the inner corner of your eye to the outer lashes. This will give your eyes a fuller look.

To conclude makeup if worn in the right manner will accentuate your look and if done wrongly can make one pull down their features. Watch out for more inputs on makeup from me and meantime might I suggest reading my blog on wardrobe tips as well.

Be a Head Turner & Let Your Date be a Lingering Moment

“If you treat your first date like an interview, it will feel like one. Just be yourself and let your personality shine.”

True indeed! As you travel down the lane of nostalgia do you ever recall how you behaved on your first ever date? Considered to be one of the most special moments of your life, do you think you had cold feet, you fumbled and you had been stupid enough to crack up like anything? And you snagged the dream date. Well, that is ‘it is’, because you lost your track amidst nervousness and anxiety.

But don’t be disheartened as you can always learn how to present yourself in the attractive possible way than ever. You just need to learn the basic dating etiquettes which can make you elegant, confident and a smooth talker.

All You Need is a Positive Move-

Start to nurture and pamper yourself as much as you want so that the jitters inside you are completely gone. Take a hot bath, listen to soothing romantic music, get rid of your working clothes and wear that outfit in which you feel comfortable.

Regain Your Poise-

You might be having several complexes about yourself but you should always treat yourself with dignity and respect and letting all your positive traits overpower the moment. You need to work on the vocabulary that you choose. Don’t be a drab talker. The way you talk can create a massive impact on the person sitting before you, but, on the other side, don’t be a chatter box too. You should also know how to listen and express in a way so that you can relate to the person sitting in front of you.

Refrain Yourself from Getting Hammered-

Stay refrained from getting stoned or hammered as you might turn out to be an issue of laughter and an issue of embarrassment for you. If you are drinking, do it in the most elegant manner.

Be Honest About Yourself-

Honesty is a must when you are going for a date. There is no point in lying about yourself if you think that the date is going to have some future. Be honest about yourself but don’t drag your problems much so that it becomes monotonous.

The Old School Rule is No More Followed-

Well, there was an old school rule that a man should volunteer and initiate a date. But time is changing and girls are equally confident today to ask someone out, although when it comes to payment, the guys should do the needful. On the other hand, girls should also insist in paying the half or at least buy a drink to the man; this does give an impressive effect.

Well, there can be millions of tips that can be shared and followed. But the most important factor that will make your date a real success is to be yourself and to feel confident from inside. You are what you are and there is no necessity to imitate anyone or pretend someone else. Believe it or not, “It is a risk to love. What if it doesn’t work out? Ah! What if it does?”

Learn the Art of Raising a Cheerful Toast

"Here's to us that are here, to you that are there, and the rest of us everywhere." - Rudyard Kipling

Toasting to love, friendship, health, wealth, and happiness has been practiced by almost every culture from the beginning of recorded history. Mastering the art of offering a toast can turn an event into a memorable one. Thus, it is extremely important to know the right etiquettes for raising a cheerful toast. Here’re the guidelines on the art of raising a toast.

Who Toasts and When

Always take time to prepare and write down your toast. Make it fun, brief, and simple. When describing an honoree, speak from the heart sharing a fun and amusing story in your own words, for no longer than one minute. Conclude by inviting everyone to raise their glass and join you in a toast to the honouree.

The 'guidelines' for toasting would depend on the occasion and the 'formality' of the environment. Traditionally, it’s the host or hostess who usually offers the first toast. However, these rules can be bent if the environment is informal. At times, when one is with friends on a dinner table, even a guest can propose a toast first. It may be to thank the host for inviting everyone or it could for a special occasion such as an anniversary celebration of the host and hostess or either one's birthday.

The main guideline is to ensure that all glasses are filled before toasting with some liquid, which may be alcoholic or non-alcoholic. Usually, toasting is done with champagne or wine or any alcoholic beverage. But in case anyone is not comfortable with alcohol, it is perfectly fine for them to toast with water or any non-alcoholic juice or drink.

The "host toasts first" rule does still apply at formal occasions e.g. receptions and other large functions

Getting the Crowd's Attention

Never use a piece of flatware and a glass as your way of getting people's attention. Rather alert key people in the room ahead of time to help you get their table and area quiet when the time arrives. Say, in a loud projecting voice, "May I have your attention please." Repeat if needed, continuing to look around the room to get everyone's attention.

Sit or Stand

When it comes to sitting or standing, do what comes naturally. If toasts are made over pre-dinner drinks in the living room, the toaster may want to stand. At the dinner table, the toaster may remain seated if the group is fairly small. A table of a dozen or more usually requires the toaster to stand so that people will be able to hear. Raise your glass to your shoulder level and maintain eye contact with the honorary and everyone else in the room.

Although the host often stands as he delivers his toast, everyone else-including the person or persons being toasted-remains seated. The exception is when the toaster asks everyone assembled to "rise and drink to the happy couple" or "stand and raise your glasses to our esteemed leader." The guests respond by taking a sip of their drinks, not by draining the glass; the idea is to save enough of the beverage for any toasts that follow. On ceremonial occasions, a toastmaster or the chairman of the committee often takes charge, sandwiching the necessary toasts between the end of the meal and before any speeches. Toasters are usually expected to stand on such formal occasions.

When to Toast

In the olden days, toasting was essentially a man's job and only the men drank the toast while the women nodded and smiled. But now it’s completely appropriate and acceptable for anyone to make or respond to a toast, regardless of any gender.

If a toast is to be offered at a meal, the first usually comes at the very beginning. Traditionally, the first toast is offered by the host as a welcome to guests. Toasts offered by others start during the dessert course.

Toasting isn't confined to a meal or special event. Spontaneous toasts are in order whenever they seem appropriate, as when someone raises his glass and offers good wishes or congratulations to his companions.

Replying to a Toast

TOAST-RECEIVER: As the honoree...

Always remain seated through the entire toast being proposed to you.
Never raise your glass along with the others when you are being toasted and honored. Otherwise, it appears you are toasting yourself.

Remember you should return a toast of thanks immediately following the one you has been given. Whether the toast-giver stood during his/her remarks or remained seated, you must do the same. Do thank the host for hosting the event in your honor; do say a few words about the event for no more than one minute; then conclude by inviting one and all to join you in another round of toasting, by saying, "and thank you one and all for being here."



The same procedure is followed by a group of people who have just been toasted.
Always stand up and respond to the toast, even if it is only to thank the host for the generous gesture. Never, ever, should anyone toast the guest of honor before the host. In fact, no toasts should be made until after the host has had the opportunity. If half way through the dessert it becomes apparent that the host has no intention of offering any toasts, a guest may quietly request the host's indulgence to offer a toast.

Bonus Tip: The clinking of glasses is a popular and fun activity. Nevertheless, when toasting an honoree it is not performed. Simply raise your glass to shoulder height in front of you, make good eye contact with the honoree and others, and gently gesture toward the honoree.


Spur of the Moment Toasts

Joining in a group toast is blessedly easy, with glasses raised and shouts of "Cheers!" "To your health!" or "To Karan" ringing out. Similarly, a spontaneous toast is relatively effortless in that it can be both brief and generic.

Should you draw a blank when you're suddenly asked to offer a toast, just remind yourself that a few sincere and complimentary words are all you need: "To Karan, a terrific guy and a friend to us all!" It's easier still when you can tie the toast to the occasion (what a good toaster should do in any event), whether you're at a dinner party or barbecue, an office party or a gathering of your high school classmates.

Tuxedo Jackets

As far as fashion is concerned, the tuxedo jacket is a bastion of timeless style forming the chic wears every individual should include in their wardrobe.

When it comes to formal occasions, the black tie tuxedo takes the stronghold. However such traditional customs have undergone significant changes. Fashion has broken the barriers of the traditional concepts and gave birth to versatile tuxedo attires which are really impressive. Such versatile pieces have the power to delve in a casual setting as well as in a classy ambience. These versatile and comfortable jackets can be paired with sleek trousers or well-fitting denims, anyone you prefer. This blog showcases the wide range of styles that tuxedos have to offer.

A typical tux jacket will be single breasted and button in the middle (as opposed to double breasted, which wraps across your chest.)

There is really no major difference between a tuxedo jacket and a suit jacket, with the exception of the face of the lapel, which is made of satin, and gives it a distinct satin-y sheen. There would be no difference between the size of your suit jacket and a tuxedo jacket.

A man will have options to choose between long and short jackets, with two to five buttons. If you are on the shorter side, proceed with caution. Long jackets may make you look shorter. Tuxedos with five buttons belong on tall people. If you are between 5'8 and 6', you can handle four buttons. Deviate from these guidelines at your own peril.

Lapel styles

Frankly, lapel styles are a personal choice. As you can tell from the image on the screen, the differences are minute. Of the three styles, a peak lapel remains the most popular.

Peak lapel

The peak lapel is the most common lapel style. It forms a "V".

Notch lapel

A notch lapel is just as the name suggests - a notch is "cut out" of the lapel.

Shawl lapel

The shawl lapel is a rounded, smooth lapel running from the collar down the front of the lapel.

How many buttons to leave open?

Never button all the buttons on your jacket. As a rule, button one less than you have, and always leave the bottom button open.

Bonus Tip: It is important to keep a balance between smart and casual while wearing tux jackets. For this, pair up your jacket with well-fitted denim and a sleek shirt.