Remote Interviewing is here to stay. It is both efficient and effective as it allows employers to screen and interview more candidates more conveniently.
Of course, it is preferable to have the latter stages of the process face-to-face, but for initial screenings and first-round interviews, it allows employers to get a sense of the candidate without the need for a commute.
In recent months, we have been involved in numerous remote recruitment processes and are here to offer some of our top tips for remote interview success. For face-to-face interviews, read out Interview Survival Guide.
1. Dress Up
This is still an interview, and that means you want to dress to impress just as you would if it were face-to-face. While your whole body won’t be on screen, dressing the part from head to toe will psychologically put you in the right frame of mind and boost your confidence.
2. Test the Lighting
Make sure you test your interview space and get the lighting correct, facing a window can leave you over-exposed while having a window behind you can leave you as a dark silhouette. Light bulbs can also have an effect on the camera’s ability to focus and can be a distraction.
3. Background/Setting
Be aware of what else is in the frame as this can also make an impression. Ensure that your environment is clean and tidy and that there is nothing in the visible that you don’t want to be. Think of your environment as an extension of you and the message you want to send.
4. Audio/Microphone
As best practice, you should test any audio equipment that you are planning on another call with a friend or colleague. Wireless earphones have risen in popularity in recent years, some of which are noise-cancelling and may result in a candidate not being able to clearly hear themselves speaking or be able to gauge the volume of their own voice. Equally, you must ensure that your microphone is fit for purpose and that you can be clearly heard and understood.
5. Privacy
Ensure that wherever you are planning on sitting your interview that you will not be disturbed. Inform anyone you are living with that you will need some privacy and keep any pets in a separate room.
6. Device
It is best practice to use a computer, laptop or tablet as the device. The larger the screen means you will more clearly be able to see and connect with the person you are speaking with. If you must use a phone, ensure it is set up landscape and that it is placed somewhere secure where it won’t fall or topple mid-interview.
7. Non-Verbal Communication
It is said that 93% of our communication is non-verbal. With this in mind, it is important to consider our posture, our level of eye contact, smiling and hand gestures. Try not to move around too much, fidget or touch your face excessively. Consider your tone of voice and engage with your interviewer.
