Learning how to succeed in a remote interview can improve your phone or video conferencing performance. Candidates, employees, and HR staff have adapted to remote interviews as working from home has grown increasingly popular.
Virtual interviews are similar to face-to-face interviews, but technological and other considerations must be made for seamless interviews.
How to prepare for a remote interview
Remote interviews are common for job seekers. Many employer meetings are held remotely after you’re hired, making it an impressive talent. If a potential employer invites you to a remote interview, consider these eight tips:
1. Test your technology beforehand :
Remote interviews require a computer webcam and microphone or a smartphone selfie camera and speaker. Join remote interviews on a laptop if possible, even if cellphones have good selfie cameras. Many companies offer free or low-cost video and audio team conferencing. The day before your remote interview, call a friend or family member to test your technology on your smartphone.
Take notes on the app and verify Internet connectivity. Download any necessary applications before the call. Make sure your video backdrop and lighting let the interviewer see you. Plain backdrops reduce distractions for professionalism.
2. Prepare in advance
Preparation is essential for virtual and in-person interviews. Even in your home, you shouldn’t skimp on preparation. Prepare for any interview by researching the company, job, and potential questions. Some businesses may send you interview questions or a case study to review.
Write bullet points to prepare for a natural interaction with interviewers. Reading from a script or scripted answers can sound robotic. Be proactive in thinking logically about comments or questions you haven’t answered.
Click here
Read Also: The Top 5 Highest Salary Remote Jobs
3. Limit distractions for the remote interview
You should minimise distractions during your remote interview. Choose a room with a robust Internet connection and a desk for your device. Make the backdrop and lights professional. Make sure no one will enter during the interview.
Put a ‘do not disturb’ sign on the door to remind roommates not to bother you. Place mobile phones away from your workstation to avoid distractions during the interview.
4. Formulate some questions to ask the interviewer
Interviews are not simply about the candidate being asked questions, it’s also useful for candidates to ask their own questions. Asking questions at the end of the interview shows interest in the company and role. In case of brain fog, keep a notepad with pre-written questions.
5. Practise using professional body language
Don’t let phone or video interviews limit your body language. Even virtually, facial expressions matter. Professionally using clear body language helps you appear poised and ready to the interviewer. If the call has connectivity or technical challenges, stay calm and professional. It can be difficult, but the interviewer wants to observe how you handle pressure.
6. Give eye contact
Some remote interviews on laptops with cameras require adjusting the screen so you don’t gaze down at the subject. Adjust your laptop screen tilt to face the interviewer. Maintaining eye contact prevents it from appearing like you’re looking away or at something else on your screen. Eye contact is best for remote interview rapport.
Place a book or other substantial object under your laptop to align your camera with your head height. To focus on the interviewer and your questions, avoid focusing on your appearance if your video conferencing set-up shows a tiny version of yourself on the screen.
7. Be authentic
It’s easy to act differently when interviewing remotely to compensate for the lack of physical interaction. When interviewing, allow yourself the opportunity to speak in a relaxed tone and relish in the familiar environment you’re interviewing from.
Recruiters want to see how you express yourself during the interview, so how you act should come across as authentically yourself to build trust.
This enables the interviewer to see how you would behave when working remotely and representing the company. To become more comfortable, acting your authentic self is helpful to have less formal video calls with friends and family who know the authentic you and who can give you useful feedback.
8. Follow up
Write a timely follow-up email within 24 hours of the remote interview. This follow-up email may thank the interviewer for their time and consideration. It’s also helpful to offer to answer enquiries. If you need the interviewer’s email, contact the HR or hiring manager.
Remote interview etiquette
Stay pleasant and lighthearted during the interview’s introduction and talk to avoid awkward silences. Start a conversation about the weather or the industry you want to join. This is an excellent conversation opener and leads naturally to the formal interview.
What to wear for a remote interview?
In a remote interview, dress like you would in person, but pay more attention to lighting. Formal attire conveys preparedness, professionalism, and seriousness about the interview. Smart clothing might also boost your interview confidence. An example is a button-down white shirt and sophisticated pants or skirt.
Click here
