As the world of remote working is here to stay, it is important to become accustomed to working from any location. Picture this: you’ve sent out a smashing CV, written an excellent cover letter and now you’ve been invited to an interview! But… it’s over video call. Understandably, you’re going to face challenges that you wouldn’t normally face in a face-to-face interview. And you’ve never been interviewed on video before. Look no further, we have some great tips that will set you up for success!
- Test your technology in advance
To minimise appearing unprepared not only with your actual interview prep, but with the logistics of the call, make sure you test the video interview link (if applicable), or do a practice Zoom call with a friend or family member. Sit in a quiet room where you have good internet connection to ensure your call won’t cut out in the middle of the interview. Aside from testing your technology beforehand, it is also wise to join the video a few minutes before your interview is due to start. You wouldn’t want to be late for an interview IRL, so don’t be late to a video one either!
- Prepare as if it were face-to-face
It is important to remember that even though the interview is not in person, it is still very much an interview. The setting is slightly less formal, but this does not mean you should skip the prep. Make sure you research the company, have responses ready, and be able to evidence your answers with examples and anecdotes.
- Dress in business attire
Dressing smart even while you’re just sat at the dining room table shows the interviewer that you are serious about the role and creates a good first impression. It also allows you to get yourself into a professional mindset in the comfort of your own home.
- Set up a distraction-free area
Pick a space in your house that is quiet and free of any distractions and interruptions. Do your best to eliminate visual distractions like items on the floor that you could be prone to fiddle with and remove posters or pictures on the wall behind you that could cause a distraction.
- Be sure to enunciate and work on your body language
Before your interview, practice talking slowly and clearly to ensure that, if your call cuts out for a second or two at points, it will still be relatively easy for the hiring manager to understand you. In addition, your responses will come across much more articulately if you’re not rushing through them. Speaking clearly will also make you seem less nervous and more confident. With respect to body language, you need to avoid doing anything that will distract you from what you’re saying or make you appear nervous. How you look when you speak is just as important as what you’re saying.
If you follow our steps, you will be on your way to having a successful remote interview. Of course, practice makes perfect and with the world of work adopting a more flexible approach to life because of the pandemic, you’ll be sure to get more and more job opportunities.