Remote hiring and working have become popular, and so have remote interviews. Apart from using remote interviews to screen candidates for remote jobs, it has become quite popular that it is used for on-site job interviews. A remote interview is preferable if the interview is to be scheduled on short notice. It can also be used to conduct the first stage of a tiered interview.
A remote interview occurs when the interviewer and the interviewee are in different locations. It usually involves the use of a computer or phone. It also necessitates having a great internet and a serene background. Remote interviews are usually conducted over video conferences.
A remote interview can be beneficial to both the employer and the employee. It helps save time and money. It also makes it flexible to schedule an interview. Furthermore, a remote interview can allow you to share the interview with a bigger pool of people. You can also easily record the interview when it is done remotely.
Despite the benefits of remote interviews, it requires much effort. You must be prepared and put the necessary things in place to have a good interview remotely. To enlighten you more, we have teamed up with expert recruiters from job aggregator Jooble to learn how to attend a remote interview properly and pass it. This article will discuss the intricacies of getting a remote interview done.
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Remote interviews have some things in common with on-site interviews. They both feature answering questions and getting assessed for a job position. However, there are differences between both methods of interview.
Below are some differences in the factors surrounding the two types of interviews.
Remote interviews are time-efficient compared to regular interviews. It takes lesser time to schedule the interview, and it also takes lesser time to set it up. You can also save the time that you would have spent if you were moving down to the interview venue.
An on-site interview involves the interviewer and the interviewee being in the same place, while remote interviews do not. You can have a remote interview from the comfort of your room, while on-site interviews are conducted in the office.
It is easier to assess the body language of each other in an on-site interview compared to a remote interview. You can also easily make an impression on the employer as opposed to doing that remotely. For instance, your dress, your stance as you walk in, and the firm handshake you give the interviewer can tell them a lot about your confidence. However, this is not possible in remote interviews.
Your hiring process in an on-site interview is based solely on your performance. However, this can be different in a remote interview. Other things like the network and background serenity can determine whether you will be hired.
Remote interviews are more cost-effective than on-site interviews. You can save money for logistics, refreshments, and others in a remote interview.
Preparing well for your remote interview is important. This will help you be in the right frame of mind for the interview. It will also help you succeed more easily.
Here are some ways to prepare for a remote interview:
Knowing the company you want to work with is essential, whether the interview is remote or on-site. Knowing the company will let you know what to expect during the interview. This will, in turn, allow you to prepare more effectively.
Also, you should research the company that will interview you to know the likely interview questions. You may also have a hint about your possible interviewer through adequate research. Furthermore, thorough research will help you know the questions to ask the interviewer.
There have been situations where people go to remote interviews in a dress shirt, a tie, and a suit, only to pair those with underpants. While you may likely get away with this since the interviewer will most likely see only your upper body, it is not advisable. There have been situations where interviewers ask the interviewee to stand up for a moment. Also, situations may force you to stand up, exposing your lower body.
Therefore, you must plan your ensemble, even for a remote interview. While dress shoes might be a bit far, wearing them will give you confidence even if you have to show your whole self at any point during the interview.
Remote interviews can be taken on different platforms. These platforms include Zoom, Google Meet, Discord, etc. Try the platform out before the real meeting. If it is the first time you are using the platform, you can go as far as simulating the interview with a friend or family member.
Gadgets play important roles in a remote interview. You will need a good laptop with a strong battery for your interview. It is also advisable to get an excellent webcam and microphone.
When you already have these things, prepare them in advance. Charge your laptop’s battery and prepare a backup for it. Also, check your network connection before the interview. Make sure your wifi is fully working. If you are in a place with possible network failure, prepare options for it if that happens.
Your background is as important as your presentation in a remote interview. Prepare your background by choosing a private and silent place for your interview. Also, remove distractions from your environment. If you live with people, tell them about your upcoming interview and request their cooperation. Also, position yourself backing a neutral place to have a great background view. You can use a wall painted in a neutral colour or one that looks professional.
Preparing for your remote interview is not just about the appearance. You should also prepare for the real task, the interview itself. Research possible interview questions and how they can be answered. You can draft a list of possible questions and try practising their answers.
Apart from being asked, you should also have questions to ask your interviewer. You will likely have more questions than in physical interviews since you cannot see the work environment or access the team members. Draft the questions you may have and practice asking them before your interview.
As great as remote interviews can be, they can also have their advantages. There are probably more candidates than an on-site interview. This means that the recruitment process will be tougher. Also, making an impression on your interviewer is not as easy in remote interviews as in on-site interviews. It is, therefore, important that you use all the available resources to your advantage.
Some of the things you can do to stand out in a remote interview are:
You already have a lesser method of non-verbal communication with your interviewer. Maintaining eye contact tells the interviewer that you are confident about yourself. It is, therefore, important that you maintain eye contact throughout the interview. Avoid looking down or diverting your gaze too often. It can seem like you are looking down on the interviewer when your camera is not placed right. You can avoid this by adjusting your camera lens to be directed toward your gaze.
Take full advantage of the technology you have around. Unlike off-site interviews, technology can give you an edge in your online interview. For instance, you can request the interviewer to share your screen. You can use this to show the interviewer charts that you have prepared. You can also share your portfolio or use videos to illustrate an answer. Be sure not to take little time with this, thereby doing it concisely while passing on as many details as possible.
Maintain professional body language throughout the interview. Your body language is important while being interviewed. Even in a remote interview, your body language may communicate more than your words.
Sit straight and infuse enthusiasm into your body. Control your voice and your facial expression even when you are under pressure. Also, sitting slumped or slouching is not a good posture while being interviewed.
The interviewer will likely ask you questions from your CV and cover letter. Have both of them at hand. Also, have the result of the research you have done so far near you. It will help if you have the numbers and the fact well organized and readily available.
Communication is important in every interview. It is more important in a remote interview because it is most likely the biggest thing you have. Communicate clearly and aptly. Also, try to build rapport with your interviewer without being unprofessional. You can develop your communication skills over time or get trained for them.
As much as you may be tempted to use your smartphone for your interview, do not do it! You should use a computer to do the interview instead.
After your interview, you may want to know if it goes well. Of course, you can only be certain of the result of an interview once the company communicates with you. However, there are ways to know if you have done well in your interview. Some of these ways are:
There are usually scheduled times for interviews. Although this may not be explicitly stated, a careful observation from the beginning of the interview can tell you how long the interview is meant to take. If your interview ends later than it should, it is most likely because the interviewer enjoys your discussion and is unwilling to let you go so soon. And what is the best way to keep you around for longer? You may likely get the job.
Another way to know that your interview has gone well is if the interviewer commits to getting back to you. Although this may be a cliche discharge sentence to many interviewers, you will likely know when your interviewer is sincere about it, as they will most likely say it with conviction.
Follow-up questions mean the organization is ready to know you beyond the current level. If you are asked questions related to your time zone, availability to work, and expected salary, it may be to know how to sort those things out after you are hired.
If you feel confident after an interview, it is most likely because you did well. Your brain would have summed up the response to your answers, how the interview ended, and other things to communicate your success to you.
Your interview scheduling a time to meet other team members is a great pointer to the fact that you did well in the interview. This may mean they already see you as a part of the team and want you to get to know them.
A remote interview is similar to a regular interview. However, there are some differences between them. Knowing these differences can help you do better in your remote interview. This article has discussed those differences. Also, we have highlighted the way you can prepare for your remote interview and how to ace the interview.
