Remote Job Interviews
Many businesses are embracing remote work and with that, comes remote job interviews. Unlike the traditional in-person interview, a remote job interview can seem less stressful for some, but we all know that technology can make things complicated.
Preparing for your remote job interview will require a few additional steps.
1. Tech Check
One of the biggest parts of your remote job interview prep is to check all of your technology. This may seem obvious, but haven’t we all experienced a situation where suddenly out of nowhere our computer camera has stopped working?
No one wants that to happen – especially when you are trying to impress the person on the other end of the screen. On video calls, maintaining that fluidity is key for rapport-building!
Here are a few tips when checking your tech:
- Test your camera and your mic. Make sure that both are working and that you can be heard and seen clearly. One way to do this is to simply do a test with a friend or relative who doesn’t live with you.
- Have your video link ready. Do not wait until one minute before your interview to find your link. Sometimes meeting links can be buried in emails – so have that link at the ready and easily accessible.
- Charge all of your devices. This goes without saying – make sure your computer or phone, whichever you are using during the interview is fully charged. You don’t want to add extra stress in an already stressful situation. Or, worse yet, having to stop the interview to plug in your charger. Think ahead and charge everything you will need.
- Check your internet connection in the space that you are planning to have the interview. Different rooms of your house can have better or worse connectivity. Set yourself up in the best spot because this is a high-stakes situation.
The tech check will relieve any last-minute stress related to the tech part of your remote interview.
2. Dress For Success
What you wear to a remote job interview still matters! Yes, you may be able to have a casual bottom half, but your top half should look exactly like what you would wear in an in-person interview.
Part of dressing for success is to research the company. Some industries are looking for business casual such as a button-up shirt or a nice blouse. Others are looking for very formal such as a suit, tie, and jacket. You will want to make sure that you don’t overdress or underdress.
Confidence in your appearance will translate on video.
When you are doing your tech check, you will also want to see what the camera sees. If the camera picks up your pants, then be sure to wear fully appropriate work attire. Otherwise, adjust your camera.
It’s important to wear clothing that won’t be distracting. You want the focus to be on you and your skills, not a busy clothing pattern.
3. All The Details
Remember, when you are preparing for a remote job interview, showing your potential boss/employer that you are organized and prepared can greatly influence whether or not you are offered the job. So make sure all these details are prepped for.
The details can include:
- Time Zone – what time is the interview taking place? Double-check!
- Time of Day – if the interview is during a time when there is street sweeping or garbage pick up, will it be picked up by your mic? Try as much as you can to minimize any outside distractions that there may be.
- Background – when you are doing your tech check be sure to see how much of your space the camera picks up. If possible, have a tidy background. Remember – first impressions are everything! What you show (intentionally or not) is sending a message about yourself.
- Distractions – log out of any websites that may ping notifications at you. You will also want to put your phone on silent, and take off your smartwatch or turn it to silent as well. The more focused and engaged you can be, the more you will seem serious about the interview.
You landed the interview and now is the time to shine! Remember, the key to a great remote job interview is preparation. The more you prepare the less nervous you will be.
__
Whenever you’re ready, there are 3 ways we can help you:
- Discover your communications style so you know where to start. Over 4,000 people have found theirs here.
- Attend our monthly communication workshop to build communications confidence (new topics: public speaking, advocating for yourself, building credibility, etc) here.
- Get your brand in front of 43k+ people by sponsoring our newsletter or Soulcast Media | LIVE LinkedIn events [contact: hello@soulcastmedia.com]
