5 Tips to Make Remote Interviewing Easier

As working remotely becomes more popular, many companies are starting to shift the way they do business. One area that is seeing the most change is how businesses are hiring team members through remote interviewing.

For anyone looking for a new job, having a virtual interview over the phone or via video has become increasingly common. For recruiters, the benefits of remote interviews means they can hire globally.

On the whole, remote interviews aren’t that different from the typical, in-person process. However, if you are new to virtual meetings and the etiquette that comes with them, or haven’t worked with the latest video call technology, it can be a little daunting.

Here are our top five remote interview tips to help you prepare and ensure your conversation runs as smoothly as possible.

1. Test Your Technology

Technology isn’t perfect. A poor internet connection, audio issues, or sub-par camera quality can completely disrupt your video call. Check that everything is working well in advance so you can address any problems and give yourself peace of mind before the interview.

If you are using video call software like Zoom or Skype, hop on a trial video call with a friend. That way you can test the quality of your internet connection, camera, and in-device microphone. To find out your internet speed and whether you have a stable bandwidth of at least one megabit per second, use an Internet Speed Test.

2. Find an Appropriate Interview Location

You don’t want any distractions during your interview. Find a quiet, well-lit place with a good internet connection. Try not to use areas where you are likely to be interrupted by other people, pets, or background noises. Also, avoid places like coffee shops or busy communal/public areas.

Make sure your background is neutral and uncluttered. That pile of paperwork and unread magazines behind you can easily be tucked away out of the camera’s view.

3. Dress to Impress

It may seem trivial, but dressing for success can have a real, positive impact on your psyche—even for video interviews. So, dress the same as you would for an in-person interview.  What we mean by that is to look professional. Go for softer, muted tones. Remember, bright colors and statement jewelry can be incredibly distracting on camera.

If you conduct the interview from the comfort of your home, don’t wear your favorite pair of unicorn patterned pajama bottoms. Instead, professional-looking work pants or a smart skirt will do. Not only will you feel more professional, but if for some reason you need to stand up, you’ll save yourself ‚

4. Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

One of the biggest issues with remote interviews is that most people don’t feel comfortable in front of the screen. Preparation is what will enable you to present yourself confidently. When you feel confident, you will appear more enthusiastic on screen.

Both the interviewer and interviewee should take the time to get ready before the conversation. Both parties should jot down some commonly asked interview questions and practice their responses. By solidifying the answers in your head, you are less likely to have those awkward pauses.

5. Make Eye Contact

While this point may seem trivial, it’s actually incredibly important. Unlike in-person interviewing, you have an additional barrier between you, and some of the subconscious interactions you would have had become lost. Maintain appropriate eye contact throughout the interview by looking at or near the camera. Not only will it show that you are highly focused and engaged, but it also portrays confidence and increases the connection between you and the interviewer.

6. Get a Transcript of the Interview Afterwards

Transcripts provide a detailed text record of what was said in the interview, which will make it easier to search through and review later. This can also be valuable in other remote settings like remote Zoom meetings. In order to transcribe an interview, you will need to record it. Be sure to ask for permission before you record anyone you’re interviewing.

Video interviews can feel weird for both parties on either side of the screen. One thing to remember is that although the environment may be different, the principles of a usual interview remain the same.

By taking care of a few basics, your remote interview will be a success. Prepare yourself beforehand by ensuring your technology works well. Build your self-confidence by practicing typical interview questions and how you’ll respond to them. Make an effort to dress for your virtual meeting—the smarter you look, the more confident you’ll feel. And most important of all, relax and enjoy it.