You applied for the job with a perfect CV and cover letter, and now the employer is calling you for a remote interview. How should you prepare now? Interviews are nerve-wracking experiences, and remote ones are as challenging as in-person ones. You have to focus not only on your preparation but also on many other factors such as distractions, a quiet place, software usage, camera and microphone working, background checking, and much more.
With the rising COVID-19 cases, many organizations are shifting towards remote job options. A stat shows that almost 88% of the organizations made it mandatory to work remotely after the COVID-19 was declared a pandemic. And, this situation is not going to get better any soon. More than half of the people are preferring remote work now. It is because it is more productive and convenient.
Knowing your strengths and weaknesses to prepare for a job interview is crucial. If you are worried about your next virtual interview, here are some tips for acing it.
Choose Your Spot
Having a quiet and distraction-free spot is a must for a remote interview. You should choose a place that is far from any distractions, such as TV, doorbell, telephone, your pet, partner, or roommate. Request your family members not to disturb you during your interview. Silence all notifications on your phone before the interview.
Set the stage by checking the lights around you. You might be tempted to show off your big window in the background. However, it would increase shadows and cause backlit. Have the right amount of light so that your employer can see your face. Check what is in your background and take off anything that you think might be offensive to someone. Also, choose an optimal distance from the camera. Set your laptop at the right level and choose a chair that makes you sit straight.
Ensure A Fast Internet Connection
A bad internet connection leaves a bad impression. It is the most crucial thing you should consider. A poor internet connection will cause unclear audio calls, freezing videos, and other interruptions. Check the bandwidth of your internet connection beforehand and close any program that might be slowing down its speed.
Use Good Quality Equipment
Your camera and microphones are the main components of a virtual interview. Bad quality equipment can reduce your employment chances as your employer won’t be able to see or hear you properly. It leaves a poor impression as well. Get rid of any lousy equipment if you can. Your camera must be of high pixels. The mic and headphones should be working properly. Also, avoid joining video calls from phones as it might seem unprofessional. Wear headphones while on call so you can hear the other person.
Prepare Yourself For Some Common Questions
Apart from preparing yourself academically, prepare yourself for some behavioral questions as well. Preparing will help you calm your nerves and answer quickly if someone asks. Such type of questions might be like:
- Tell us about yourself.
- Do you enjoy any extracurricular activities?
- Why do you want to work with us?
- How do you take criticism?
- What are your soft skills?
- In what type of environment do you like to work?
These are behavioral questions and can be tough to answer right away. But if you prepare, you can answer them calmly at that time.
Stay Focused And Look Maintain Eye Contact
You should stay focused while giving an interview. It might be easy for you to get distracted, but it’s not good for virtual interviews. You must always look into the webcam. For a reminder, place a sticky note under the webcam for staying focused and not look at yourself on the screen.
Check Your Appearance
Your physical appearance in a virtual interview matters as much as in a traditional interview. It would be inappropriate for you if you show up in your T-shirt or pajamas. Always dress up in business casual attire for any job interview. Dressing up will freshen you up, and you will feel upbeat and positive. It will also show your enthusiasm and seriousness about the job.
Final Words
Nailing a remote interview can be hard, especially if this is your first time. However, few tips can help you look professional and leave a long-lasting impression on your employers. The above tips would be quite helpful if you follow them dedicatedly.
