That's great information! I definitely agree that the most important thing is to look right into the camera. It feels like eye contact.
I had a Skype interview for a research internship this summer. It was a bit awkward, just because there were two people interviewing me trying to fit onto the screen together, and it felt a little artificial. However, if you expect it to feel artificial and just accept that it will never be quite the same as interviewing in person, then you should be fine. If you don't skype with friends often, I recommend practicing skyping with people you know a few times first, so that you are used to seeing other people (and yourself!) in that situation. I don't think I executed the interview perfectly, and there are a lot of things I would like to do differently, if given the opportunity for a Fulbright interview, but I did get the internship position. I guess I did something right!
Other suggestions:
Always pause briefly before answering a question! Sometimes there is a slight lag between sides, and you do not want to end up speaking over the person interviewing you. Even if there is not a lag, it gives you a moment to collect your thoughts instead of rushing into an answer.
Keep one, small list of bullet points near you to jog your memory. You don't want to be shuffling papers or looking down very often, but if you forget one of your points, it may be helpful. (I'm curious to hear other people's opinions on this method, though!) I had a whole notebook in front of me in my last interview and when I got nervous, I started frantically looking through things. Please don't do this! I know I looked SO unprofessional.
If you are worried about confidence, set yourself up so that you can stand during the interview instead of sitting. This may sound absurd, but there is something about standing that makes you feel you are owning what you are saying. That being said, I can only stand during phone interviews-- I move too much to stand still while someone is watching me!
Practice telling your friends (via skype!) about your project, about the country you want to do it in, and about yourself. Have a friend ask you a question or two you are not expecting. Practice collecting your thoughts and answering calmly.
I think this is the most important: Be Sincere. Don't lie, don't tell them what you think they want to hear. They will be able to tell, and it won't look good for you! If they ask what you like to do in your free time, and it's going out for a drink with your friends, don't tell them you spend your time reading encyclopedias or creating plans for world peace! Find a way to explain who you actually are with diplomacy. Think about how your actual identity fits the bill for a Fulbrighter and practice describing yourself that way.
Dress like you were going to an interview in person! Except.... My trick is that if I already know they can't see my legs, I wear sweatpants with my blazer and sweater. That's my own personal comfort zone. Find something that works for you!
Good luck everyone! This community has helped me so much... I wish there were Fulbrights for all of us
