Nowadays, remote interviews are becoming each time more frequent as they allow recruiters and candidates to save a considerable amount of time by avoiding them to get to a specific place, among other things. All you need is a computer or a phone, right?
Well, if you want to put the odds on your favor, there are other aspects you need to take care of and then to put the finishing touches. We’ve got some advice for you today… Let’s go! 😊
1. Logistical details
It's the basis of a remote interview. There are several small logistical details that you need to take care of and/or adjust in order to start your remote interview under better conditions.
- Test the sound of your computer’s microphone. Indeed, it can be very difficult to understand someone when there are interference, interruption or poor-quality sound. If your microphone’s sound is not satisfactory enough, use headphones or earphones.
- Remember to check the internet connection. Nothing is more annoying than a conversation cut off every two seconds because of a lack of connection. If the Internet speed is slow, remember to disconnect any other unnecessary devices. If this isn’t enough, connect your computer directly to your internet box using an ethernet cable.
- Make sure you have enough battery power, plug your computer or keep your charging cable by your side. Just imagine your recruiter's face if, at some point, he finds himself in front of a black screen. This won’t give him a very professional image of you...
- Have a good-quality camera. You have to put yourself in the recruiter’s position: you want to see properly the candidate – and not in pixels. And, please don't add fancy filters and make it look natural.
Moovi tip: If the interview has been scheduled on Skype for example, try to simulate or arrange for a video call with a friend or family member to test those different points mentioned above.
2. The environment
After settling all these logistical details, we must take care of the environment in order to optimize space. Making these adjustments will keep your mind occupied before the interview and so avoid stressing just before starting.
- Take care of the background and clean the room you are in. Avoid leaving a pile of clothes or embarrassing photos in the framing. The fewer disturbing elements there are behind you, the more your conversation partner will be focused on what you’re saying (and not on what he or she sees).
- Adapt the light. Choose a well-lit room — and not a dark one, because your potential future employer doesn’t need to see the remake of Dracula. Also avoid backlighting. Don't hesitate to change the lamps and open/close the shutters to optimize the light in the room.
- Choose a quiet place. If other people live with you, let them know in advance about this interview and the importance of not being disturbed. It’s best to avoid that your husband in pajamas, your child claiming a bottle or your cat asking for hugs burst into the recruiter's field of vision.
- Adjust the framing of the webcam. Remember to put the camera at eye level. If your camera isn’t at that level, raise your PC with books or a cardboard box for example. To make sure you're properly in the frame, your eyes should be about 2/3 of the top of the screen.
Moovi tip: Prepare the room where you will be having this interview in advance, make all the necessary adjustments so that you are not stressed by those details when the time comes.
3. Yourself
We are finally getting to the main element of this remote interview… you! Indeed, you shouldn’t neglect this point – which is crucial. A remote interview is still an interview after all. Whether it is a remote or a face-to-face interview, there are certain rules you must respect.
- Pick a professional outfit. You have to take care of the visual aspect and paint a professional picture of yourself. Get properly dressed, do your hair and put some make-up on if you are used to it. Get ready as if you were going to a face-to-face interview, you can just skip the perfume!
- Turn your phone off or put it on the silent mode. It can be disturbing or even unpleasant to be interrupted by a call or any other audible notification. Again, as with a face-to-face interview, do your best not to be disturbed.
- Get ready for the interview. Do some research about the company, check out their pages on social networks, keep the job or internship offer in front of you and prepare your answers to the most frequently asked questions in an interview.
- Pay attention to your posture. Stand upright and keep smiling. When you smile, both your voice and face will seem more sympathetic. Also avoid looking away and rather stare at the camera, this will show the recruiter your self-confidence.
- Have a glass of water next to you to hydrate yourself if necessary. 😉
Now, you hold all the cards to excel during this remote interview! We give you one last piece of advice: if you are a stressed-out person, do a breathing exercise a few minutes before starting the interview, this will help you to be calm and relaxed. You got this!
Want to put these tips into practice? Apply now for the offers available on our site! 👍
