Overcoming Distance and Making a Lasting Impression
“As technology rapidly evolves, the possibility of remote job interviews is becoming more common.” I wrote this sentence several years ago. It’s now out of date.
Whether you are a graduate trying to get through the filters for your first job or a senior manager or C-suiter, there will be some interview gates within the process that are conducted remotely. Your online interview presence has to be on point.
Mastering the art and nuances of remote job interviews has become a vital tool for job seekers – a tool that they must have in their armoury of skills.
In this article, let’s explore ten key ways to overcome the challenges of remote job interviews and create a lasting impression on the screen.
Optimise your virtual setup.
Ensure your environment is well-lit, safe from distractions and tidy. You can use a virtual background of neutral colours to achieve this. Also, it is key your setup is in a quiet location where you can hear every word the interviewer says and vice versa. You might be lucky enough to have a home office – if so, dress it up appropriately.
Dress professionally from head to toe.
Even in a remote setting, dressing the part is a crucial step toward true professionalism. It might be tempting to dress waist up in business attire and waist down in something comfortable but don’t risk it. They may come to a point where you have to stand up, and it would be genuinely awkward if you were wearing sweatpants with a suit blazer, let alone a fashion disaster.
Familiarise yourself with technology.
You must be well-versed in the video conferencing platform THEY use. If you do not know the intricacies of the software, you could risk being late logging into the interview or even not showing up. Nothing is more unprofessional than delivering your entire introduction and suddenly tragically realising you’ve been on mute the entire time. You should have Teams and Zoom apps downloaded on your computer.
Establish eye contact and maintain good posture.
Despite the interview not taking place in the same room, you must maintain eye contact with the interviewer. Don’t look at their picture all the time – look at the camera! Do not be distracted by what surrounds you in the room; this is still a professional job interview. A good posture is also key; sit up straight and get air in your lungs.
Minimise Distractions
During COVID lockdown we all saw the viral videos of home offices being invaded by children and dogs and friends and family at all the wrong times. Inform those around you of the interview beforehand and minimise interruptions. You should be in a quiet, confined area so the interviewer can hear you speak clearly and understand every point you make. Remember that this is a professional conversation, not a Zoom call with family and friends.
Showcase effective communication
Remote interviews require clear and concise communication. You must practice articulating your thoughts and maintain a clear and confident tone and speed of speech. Use articulate language and avoid filler words and over-explaining your points. Get your story bank sorted first – clarity of thought comes from spending time thinking. Ums and ahhs are even worse online than in person. Do the prep with interview coaching, or use my Filtered OUT Workbook to prepare for the predictable questions.
Research the company’s remote work culture.
During the interview, inquire about how it handles its remote work culture. Showcase your ability to adapt and thrive by aligning your work styles with the company’s expectations. Ask questions on how the team specifically collaborates, communicates, and works together from remote environments.
Demonstrate technical competence
You must proficiently navigate any other technical tools and platforms to showcase your competence. You might be expected to share screens and use slides or other tools – rehearse this with a friend first! If you do not already know how key technical platforms work, you must learn and be ready to adapt quickly so you can communicate effectively and participate in THEIR way of working.
Prepare for remote-specific questions.
You must anticipate questions regarding the achievements and challenges you have faced regarding remote working. Share specific examples of remote working projects you have led or been a part of, state the challenges and the positives of these projects and how you came out on top.
Follow up with a personalised thank you email.
Reach out to (I hate that phrase)… contact the interviewer after the interview and thank them for their time and expertise or anything else relevant. This will help make you stand out among other interview candidates. In this email, you can also ask for clarification on the process going forward.
Remote work is the new future; there is no way around it. “It is what it is.” Most of us will be working remotely at least some of the time from now on. Use these tips to help you get ahead of the game.