Remote job interviews aren’t too different from in-person ones. The company wants to figure out if you’re the right candidate for them. And, of course, you want to figure out if the company is right for you.
But they aren’t exactly the same, either. Because it’s an interview for a remote position, your interview is going to be remote, too. This means you’re going to face a few challenges that you wouldn’t face in an in-person interview.
While there are some things common to all interview preparation—like knowing your strengths and weaknesses—preparing for a remote job interview requires you to take a few unique steps to ensure you make the best impression possible.
Just like an on-site interview, you need to prepare for your remote interview in advance. Unlike an on-site interview, you don’t need to figure out the best route to drive there and where you’re going to park. But you do need to prepare your interview space.
Choose your spot wisely
Whether it’s a phone interview or a video interview, make sure you have the interview someplace that’s distraction-free. The last thing you want is the sounds of children fighting or a neighbor’s lawnmower in the background.
If you’re positive your interview won’t include video, all you need is a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted. But, if it will be a video interview, there are a few more steps you should take to prepare your space. And, even if you know there won’t be video, doing these things will help create a more professional atmosphere that can help get you in the proper mindset.
Set up your office
If you don’t already have one, create a home office. It’s important to present yourself as the true professional that you are. Having an area in your home dedicated to work will create the impression that you’ll be serious about your job, and that you’re someone who won’t be easily distracted by random temptations like watching TV.
Your home office doesn’t have to be a separate room with doors. Your home office can be a quiet corner of your living room or a spot on the dining room table. Anyplace that lets you work distraction-free can double as your home office
Give it a once over
Look over your office with the most critical eye you can. Are you a clutter bug? Hide it under the desk or in another room if you must. Even if a “randomly stacked pile of paper” is your preferred filing method, don’t show it off during the interview. It looks sloppy and unprofessional.
Then, check out your background. Sit in your chair and turn around. Is it neat and clean? The dust probably won’t show up, but the empty soda cans and dirty dishes will. Pet pictures are fine, and kid pictures are OK, too. But is there anything that someone might find objectionable? If you aren’t sure, take it down just in case.
And, while you’re checking out your background, check out your faraway background. For example, if your office opens up behind you to the living room, check out anything that might be in the interviewer’s sight. Is it a mess, with piles of laundry or toys everywhere? That may be your reality, but hide them during the interview.
One last thing that a lot of video interviewees don’t think about: the light! Do a test run with your webcam and make sure you’re well-lit. The advantage of a video interview over a phone interview is that you and the interviewer can see each other. That makes it a little easier to interpret body language. However, if you’re poorly lit, or it’s too bright, you might lose that advantage.
Test your equipment
If possible, before the interview, find out what program the company uses and test it out. Make sure it works with your equipment. And, if it doesn’t, make the necessary changes or adjustments.
Conduct a test run with your webcam or phone. You never know how “loud” a shirt might sound to a microphone—ditto with that squeaky chair you love. While not a huge deal during an in-person interview or even a phone interview, noise on your end can create problems during a video interview. If your chair squeaks every time you move, there’s a chance the interviewer’s mic will cut out, and you’ll never hear what the other person is saying.
Take care of the little things
Things can go wrong in an interview. Do your best to anticipate those potential problems and eliminate them before they occur. For a remote interview, this includes closing all unnecessary software on the computer, turning off notifications, ensuring your machine is fully charged, and making sure pets and children are not going to interrupt your conversation.
If you’re using something battery-powered, make sure your device is charged. Or conduct the interview while it’s plugged into a power source. If that’s not an option, make sure you have backup batteries on hand in case the interview goes long
Things can go wrong in an interview. Do your best to anticipate those potential problems and eliminate them before they occur. For a remote interview, this includes closing all unnecessary software on the computer, turning off notifications, ensuring your machine is fully charged, and making sure pets and children are not going to interrupt your conversation.
If you’re using something battery-powered, make sure your device is charged. Or conduct the interview while it’s plugged into a power source. If that’s not an option, make sure you have backup batteries on hand in case the interview goes long.
When it’s “Go Time”, Be ready
At least 10 minutes before the scheduled interview, ensure everything is in place—including you! Being out of breath because you ran to get the phone doesn’t exactly show the person on the other end that their call is the most important thing going on during your morning.
If you’re interviewing over the Internet, enter the meeting a few minutes early. This gives you a chance to check your equipment one last time and shows you’re prompt and ready to go. It also gives you a few minutes to do some deep breathing or other relaxation techniques if you need it.
A remote job interview is like any interview. The only difference is you’re doing it from home. And that’s good practice for when you get the job. Like any interview, you need to prepare before the big day. Whether it’s your first remote interview or not, it never hurts to review these steps to make sure you get everything in place.
GOOD LUCK!