Interviews are a classic part of the job application process. But remote interviews can throw applicants a curveball – after all, there are different factors to consider when having a conversation over the phone or video call rather than in-person.
But that doesn’t mean you have to be nervous if you’re invited to interview remotely! You just might need to prepare a few things – here are our top three tips to ensure you’re ready to go.
- Secure the Right Environment
When you’re interviewing in-person, it can be easy to maintain focus. You’re usually going into an office or place of business, and often distractions are naturally eliminated. In a remote interview, that might not be the case, so your goal should be to set yourself up for success in the environment you’re in.
That can look like a few different things: It can mean getting out of your house and taking a call at a coffee shop or a quiet public corner, away from the distractions of home. It can mean using noise-cancelling headphones and adjusting your Zoom settings so that your audio picks up on less background noise. It can even mean taking a phone call from your car – whatever is going to help you stay focused. - Look the Part
Regardless of if you’re interviewing in-person or remotely, you’ll want to dress for success for your interview. If you have a video call, ensure you’re wearing a clean, professional top, and consider adding a background to your video display – this can add some personality, and it can also eliminate distractions for your interviewer if there’s movement behind you. If you’re taking a phone call, you might also consider dressing up for a boost of confidence and to get yourself in the right mindset. - Keep Your Notes On Hand
A helpful aspect of remote interviews is the interviewer can’t usually tell what’s on your computer screen, or on your desk if you’re taking a phone call. That’s not to say you want to be reading directly off your resume – a good interviewer will be able to tell if you’re just regurgitating information rather than thoughtfully responding to questions. However, a major perk of remote interviews is that you can usually have your notes on the side to reference if your mind suddenly goes blank.
A bonus fourth tip is practice, practice, practice! No matter how you’re interviewing, speaking about yourself gets easier with repetition. If you have specific questions about the role that you’d like answers to before the interview, reach out to the recruiter you’re working with – they can often help with behind-the-scenes info and tips!
Not working with a recruiter yet, but want to start? Email us at info@kingbishop.com.