It goes without saying that 2020 has brought about a great amount of change. The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed most businesses. If you’re currently looking for a new role, you’re not alone.
In fact, in June 2020, 17.75 million Americans found themselves without a job.With the job market at an all-time high and the work-from-home order in place, not only are job interviews a little more complicated, they are more crucial than ever before.
In 2020, 86% of companies reportedly performed their job interviews online. That means if you’re currently on the hunt for a job, chances are you’ll soon find yourself in an online interview.
Online interviews can seem intimidating at first, and while they can be tricky to master, with some practice (and some skillful camera positioning), you’ll soon find them much more manageable.
Here are six tips to help you nail your next remote interview.
1. Think about your setup
While you may think that the backdrop is relatively unimportant, it’s actually a crucial part of your interview. As soon as the video call begins, the interviewer will instantly form a first impression of your character based on the image they see.
33% of recruiters know whether they’re interested in a candidate within the first 90 seconds of an interview. Make sure your backdrop is clean and professional, but still show some items that highlight your personality.
Other things to consider while setting up your interview space:
· Lighting
Especially for video conferencing and online interviews, good lighting is key. Sitting with your back to a window can cause your face to appear poorly lit Test out certain angles with your room’s lighting ahead of time to make sure you know how well your lighting works before your interview starts.
· Angles
Try to position your device so that the camera frames your face evenly on the screen.
· Sound
To avoid interruptions and distractions, make sure everyone in your home knows of your interview, and if you can, close a door to further ensure your privacy and silence.
· Self-presentation
As with any interview, put some extra care into your outfit and grooming while staying true to who you are as an individual.
2. Prepare your technology
Once your device is in position, spend some time testing your set-up to avoid any last-minute issues. Find out exactly which video conferencing application you’ll be using, and download the program at least one day before the interview so you have a chance to work out any kinks.
Finally, ensure your device is fully charged and keep a set of headphones nearby, so you are ready to go.
3. Do a practice run
Ask a friend or family member to call you on the video conferencing application so you can test the camera, microphone, controls, and settings.Practice speaking directly into the camera and avoid looking too frequently at your picture—if need be, you can even tape a piece of paper over that area of your screen.
4. Prepare yourself (as you would for any interview)
On top of your practical and technical preparations, don’t forget to prepare for the interview itself. Spend some time researching the company, coming up with killer answers to potential questions, and thinking of some interesting questions of your own to ask the interviewer at the end of the call to show your interest.
5. Be on time
Or rather, be early! The last thing you want to do is leave your interviewer waiting alone on the call and joining the interview late, feeling frazzled by technical issues. Give yourself plenty of extra time to get set up, and show up calm and prepared.
6. “Perform” for the camera
During the video call, there are several ways you can make the conversation feel more natural and personal, despite being remote.
· Look straight into the camera
While speaking, look into your webcam, rather than the screen, as this will give the interviewer the illusion of eye contact. In fact, 65% of interviewers claim that bad eye contact turns them off a candidate.
· Try to avoid interrupting
Try to avoid inserting vocal sounds while the interviewer is speaking. While it’s natural to insert a “yes” or “mhm” into conversation while listening in person, over video calls, these sounds can be confusing, and may create awkward breaks in the flow of speech.
· Pay attention to your posture
Sit up straight with your feet firmly planted, and avoid fidgeting. This will not only help you to look professional and in control, but it will also help you feel it!
·Try to exaggerate your emotions
Body language can be harder to pick up over video, so you’ll come across as more engaged and enthusiastic if you make your movements larger than you naturally would in person.
Whip your CV into shape with Workwolf
In an ever-growing sea of candidates, you need to differentiate yourself however you can. Workwolf can help you make a real impression with your CV and land you your next interview—in—person or remote!
Find out more about why you should choose Workwolf.
