Job interviews are scary enough. Now, you have to worry about the form the conversation might take. Remote interviews have become extremely common. If you haven’t been in the job market in a while, you might not be used to the video format.
Not surprisingly, the use of remote job interviews skyrocketed during the pandemic. One study conducted in 2020 found that 86% of firms had turned to videoconferencing for job interviews. This share has fallen a bit since the peak of the COVID restrictions, but nearly two-thirds of HR experts (63%) continue to use this option.
Given the prevalence of this practice, you need to know how best to handle the situation. In many ways, you can transfer your general interview skills to a new medium. However, there are some specific concerns to keep in mind.
Along those lines, here are three tips to land your dream job over video:
Prepare as Much as Possible
Video interviews can feel more casual than their in-person counterparts. After all, you’re still in the comfort of your home — no commute, no nerve-racking logistics, and no intimidating conference room to stir your anxiety.
Still, don’t lose your focus. Given the popularity of remote interviews, it’s important to think of them in the same category as the in-person variety. Don’t consider traditional interviews as the “real version” and video calls as a less-intensive form. Give these conversations the same weight you would if you took a trip to the employer’s office.
As part of this, prepare as much as possible for the conversation. This involves steps like:
- Researching the company
- Preparing for likely interview questions
- Practicing your top talking points
- Writing questions you would like to ask the interviewers
Double Check Your Tech
Whatever challenges come with in-person interviews, you are saved some worries. After all, you won’t start glitching out or suffer an embarrassing internet outage. A remote conversation adds a further level of technology onto the anxieties that already exist as part of the process. As such, double check your hardware and software ahead of time to minimize the chances that something will go wrong.
Here are some steps to take heading into your interview:
- Make sure you’ve downloaded and can operate the communications software the company plans to use (Zoom, Google Meet, etc.).
- Practice with the software at least once. This way, you won’t run into any confusions in the moment of truth.
- Connect your device/laptop to a power source or make sure it is sufficiently charged.
- Ensure you have a stable internet connection.
- “Arrive” at your interview early. Be ready to go 10-15 minutes ahead of time, giving you some leeway if you run into a snag.
Think About Your Presentation
Consider how interviewers will respond to you. Even though you aren’t meeting in person, you’ll still need to make a good impression. Here are a few basics to keep in mind:
Pick a Good Spot
Choose the right place for the interview. During your call, make sure you have the privacy you need to make a good impression. Find a place away from distractions like spouses, roommates, children, or pets.
Consider Your Background
An in-person interview takes place at the company offices. They set the stage. Meanwhile, a video interview grants the hiring execs access to your home. As such, be aware of what you let them see.
Consider the items that show up in the background and what it says about you. (For instance, a messy room might send a signal about your organizational skills). Either carefully stage what shows up on camera or select an appropriate digital background for the call.
Wear the Right Attire
Even though you’re speaking from your living room, don’t assume it’s a casual call. Instead, dress up for the interview. Use clues from the company to determine their preferred dress code. (Or simply ask in the lead-up to the interview.) In most cases, you’re better off overdressing than appearing too casual for the meeting.
Body Language
As the interview proceeds, think about how you present yourself. Consider your body language, both while you’re talking and while you are listening to the interviewers. Here are a few specifics to keep in mind:
- Lean In: Optimize the distance between you and your device. Situate yourself to present a calm, confident persona, while still remaining engaged in the conversation.
- Nod Your Head: Use active listening skills to show engagement when you’re not the one talking.
- Make “Eye Contact”: You can’t look directly into the other person’s eyes, as you would in an in-person interaction. However, simulate the experience as much as possible by trying to create a face-to-face discussion.
Interviews, whether remote or in-person, get easier when you know you’re a good fit for the role. A top recruiter, like PrideStaff, can steer you towards the best opportunities for this stage of your career.
Contact PrideStaff today to learn more.
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