With remote job interviews and virtual recruitment on the rise, it is more than likely your next job interview will be held online.
If you are a job seeker who is facing your first remote interview, the prospect of having to make a connection online may be daunting. However, it doesn’t need to be.
Use our video interview tips checklist to make sure your online interview is as successful as possible.
Remote Interview Checklist.
Test your tech.
- A few days before your interview, make sure you test your equipment and download any platforms or apps you’ll need.
- Whether you’re using Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or another solution, make sure your username is professional, just as you would your email address or social media ID.
- Do a trial run with friends or family to check your connection, the camera and microphone are all working. Make sure you do this a few days in advance to give you a chance to make any needed adjustments or replace anything that isn’t working.
- If you are going to be using screen sharing during the interview, make sure your settings are correct and your presentation ready to go.
Charge it up.
- If you are using a laptop or tablet, make sure your battery is fully charged or your device is plugged in.
- Avoid using your phone if possible and if you are using a tablet, make sure you have a stand or something to keep it steady.
Dress code.
- Dress as you would for a face-to-face interview, even if only your head and shoulders will be visible. This will make you feel more professional and confident.
- Avoid wearing anything too bright or highly patterned as this may not view well.
- Wear this outfit during the trial run so that your mock interviewer can feedback about how it looks on screen.
Create a distraction free space.
- Keep your interview space quiet and free from distractions. Keep pets, children, and family members away to allow you to concentrate.
- Create a professional looking space that is free from clutter and if you can, use natural light.
- Turn off all alerts including email, text notifications, and software update reminders. Close all your tabs so that you won’t be distracted.
- Make sure you attach a note to the door to restrict callers from ringing the doorbell.
Be well prepared and early to the appointment.
- Log on to the chat 5 – 10 minutes early so that you are calm for when the interview begins.
- If you choose to use prompt cards make sure you don’t rely on these and that you are still holding eye contact with your interviewer.
Non-verbal communication.
- Your eyes are more likely to wander if you aren’t in the same room as your interviewer. One tip for maintaining eye contact is to look directly at the camera instead of at their image or your own.
- Try to keep as still as possible.
- Good posture will help keep you focussed, alert and direct. Your feet should be on the ground, your back should be straight and your arms resting on the table in front of you or comfortably in your lap.
Project your voice and pause.
- Check your microphone volume levels and speak clearly so that it picks up your voice.
- You should leave pauses in between the questions and your response…remember that digital connections can often be delayed. This will make sure you don’t speak over your interviewer and that they have finished asking the question.
Remote interviews are here to stay. Within time, you’ll be an A-grade candidate. To help you on your way, use this checklist to make sure you have all bases covered.
If you want more help with acing your job interview, head over to our blog. Here are some quick links to help you find what you need.
“Why do you want to work here?” How to answer this critical interview question.
How to manage nerves in your interview.
How to talk about your weaknesses in a job interview.
How can I improve my presentation skills?
Can’t find what you need here? There is masses more advice over on the Employee Advice pages of our blog.
Are you a tech, digital, or data professional looking for your next job? Why not let Ignite steer you into your next career defining role?
Choosing the right recruitment partner is critical in a successful, long-lasting professional relationship. Our piece on why you should work with Ignite will answer your questions as to why Ignite is the best choice.
Reach out to us, drop us a line or submit your CV. We can’t wait to hear from you.
