By Joe Higgins
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced businesses across the globe to reassess how they operate. One area that has seen significant changes, is the way in which companies conduct interviews. In the past, most interviews took place in person, with both the interviewer and interviewee meeting in a shared space. However, with the rise of video conferencing platforms and remote working becoming a new norm, more and more businesses are opting for remote job interviews.
With more companies being open to recruiting the best candidates, even remotely, the trend of doing remote interviews, will continue. A candidate who has secured such an interview, need to prepare well and the purpose of this article, is to help you do that.
Trend for remote interviews
There are at least three good reasons for this trend.
- Remote interviews allow businesses to reach a wider pool of candidates, as candidates are no longer restricted by geography.
- Remote interviews can also save time and money, as there is no need to travel to meet with candidates.
- Finally, remote interviews allow businesses to get a good sense of a candidate’s personality and communication skills, as the interviewer can see how the candidate interacts with technology.
Challenges with remote interviews
Although remote interviews have become more commonplace as the world continues to adapt to the new normal, they can still be a bit daunting for job seekers. Since you’re not meeting face-to-face with your potential employer, it can be difficult to create a good impression.
However, here are three steps you can take to set yourself up for success. By following these recommendations, you can ace your remote interview and improve your chance to securing your dream job.
#1 Make sure you have a solid internet connection
It’s always important to make sure you have a strong internet connection before you start any kind of online meeting or interview. A weak connection can cause your audio to cut in and out, or your video to freeze, making it difficult for both you and the person you are speaking with to communicate effectively. In a remote interview situation, this can be even more damaging, as it can make you appear unprofessional or unprepared.
That’s why it’s essential to take a few minutes before your interview to test your connection and make sure everything is working properly. Once you’re confident that your audio and video are of good quality, you can proceed with your interview without worrying about technical issues getting in the way.
Also make sure you have a quiet, well-lit space to work in. You don’t want any distractions or background noise during the call, and you want to be sure the interviewer can see you clearly.
#2 Dress professionally
Dressing professionally for a remote interview is just as important as dressing professionally for an in-person interview. First impressions are everything, and you want to make sure that you give off the best possible impression when meeting with potential employers. Additionally, dressing professionally helps to create a sense of professionalism and respect. It shows that you are taking the interview seriously and that you are willing to put in the effort to present yourself in a positive light.
Dressing professionally can also help to boost your confidence levels, which is essential when meeting with employers. By dressing appropriately, you will be more successful, not only with having good interviews, but also during your ongoing career.
#3 Be prepared
There are many ways to prepare yourself adequately for remote interviews.
It is important to prepare answers to common interview questions. Stay calm and positive during the interview, even if things do not go as planned.
Remote interviews can be a bit more challenging than in-person interviews, but it’s still possible to make a good impression by being professional and prepared.
Make sure you have a quiet, uninterrupted space to conduct the interview, being aware of your body language and cues, and speaking clearly and concisely.
It’s also helpful to have a list of questions prepared in advance, in case there are any awkward pauses during the interview.
Overall, remember that the interviewer is just trying to get to know you better and assess whether you’re a good fit for the position, so stay calm and be your best self.
If you’re feeling nervous or flustered, try to take a few deep breaths and relax and be yourself. The more comfortable you are, the better able you will be to sell yourself and to land the job.
Author bio Joe Higgins is a career advisor who has been focusing his attention on the remote working trend. He has seen first-hand how this way of working can benefit both employees and employers, and he is passionate about helping people find the right career for them. Joe has also worked as a manager in several different industries, so he understands what it takes to be successful in the workplace.