Most people are inclined now to do remote work. It’s quite unsafe to work in an office environment. That’s why most are looking for other options online. Remote will probably become the new normal.
But when you apply and get interviewed online, how is it different from physical meetings? Remote interviews can have peculiar challenges, but all you need is guidance to do well. Here are 9 tips to ace your virtual interview.
Test Your Computer
In the online world, we are highly dependent on our applications and computer hardware to communicate. But the worse finds its ways.
Imagine applications like Zoom or Skype, not working on your scheduled interview! So before your meeting, check the basics.
Is your internet working? Do you have a backup connection? Is your computer audio and camera working? You don’t want to miss an opportunity just because you have technical difficulties.
Find the Perfect Background
First impressions still last. Given that, you don’t want a messy background when you face your interviewer. I mean, what will your interviewer think when you have disorganized piles of boxes plus protruding cabinets full of stuff? Not so good, right?
Find a well-lit place in your area with a presentable background. You can also choose a blank wall with neutral colors. In this way, your cluttered room will not distract your interviewer from hiring you.
Eliminate Distractions
Besides your background, your house is full of distractions — your pets, your kids, you screaming housemates watching the latest K-dramas. You need to eliminate as many distractions during your meeting as possible.
Talk to your kids or relatives that you will have an interview. Or better yet, transfer to a room that’s distractions free. Also, you may have specific programs that pop-up notifications every so often. Make sure to close these unnecessary programs during the meeting as well.
Dress Professionally
Yes, you might be at your home. I understand that, as much as possible, you want to be comfortable. But facing your online interviewer in tank tops and boxers is not really ideal.
Remember, looking professional goes a long way. Wear appropriate clothes and get hired remotely!
Watch Your Body Language
Even when you’re not meeting physically, body language is still crucial during interviews.
Do you slouch or sit upright? Are you maintaining eye contact? Are you nodding if you agree on something? Are you fidgeting? Are you mirroring your interviewer?
It might take practice. But if you have a confident body language, you can leave a good impression after the interview.
Smile
Don’t underestimate the power of a smile. It allows your brain to think that you’re happy and affects the flow of your communication. It might even change your interviewer’s perception of the meeting. And surprisingly, most people don’t smile during interviews.
You will have an advantage over the rest. The interviewer will see it as something delightful and positive, which will increase your chances of getting hired.
Listen Carefully
Listening is essential during interviews. Many people don’t pay attention to what the interviewer is saying. Instead, they are already thinking about things they will say without getting the context of each question.
Listen carefully! Understand what the interviewer is actually asking. With this focus, you can give out impeccable answers that might nab you the job.
Prepare a Cheat Sheet
You have one advantage during your online interview. Your interviewer doesn’t really see everything in your space. So why not utilize notes and guides during the interview? In this way, there are fewer chances of screwing answers that you can quickly provide.
Practice, Practice, Practice
With all the tips above, you can’t discount preparation. Sometimes, it’s just getting comfortable with the situation and knowing what you’ve applied for. Ask your friend or your family members to do a mock online interview. And don’t forget to record yourself when you’re at it.
With this, you can get insights on what to improve. You can see what mannerisms you are doing. You can remember data that are relevant to what your client wants.
By continuously improving, you can ace any interview you come across with. With that, good luck with your remote job hunting!
