How to prepare for a remote interview: 4 ways to make a good first impression from home

January marks the turning over of a new leaf for many. This is why job search sites usually see a jump in activity this time of year.

For job seekers, this means that first impressions are the key to standing out from the crowd.

And even though many offices are open (at least in a hybrid capacity), the owners are mostly conducting interviews remotely to save time and hassle.

In principle, apart from the dreaded handshake debate about how difficult it is to hold a prospective employer’s hand, it is not very different from pre-pandemic interviews; You open your laptop in uncomfortable smart clothes to answer questions about your CV.

In fact, a poor connection or inability to participate in the call will give a bad first impression, and it will be more difficult to express your personality through a screen.

“Candidates must work harder to express their personalities and strengths without the benefit of many non-verbal cues that help us build relationships in a real life situation,” warns Saira Demmer, CEO of SF Recruitment.

“There are also typically fewer opportunities for small talk to make the meetings feel more functional, which is especially important to break the ice early on. And that’s only when the technology really works!”

That being said there are still ways to make a great first impression and nail your interview from the comfort of your home.

Don’t rush

If you don’t have to commute to a job interview, it’s easy to relax about saving time. In addition, there are so many distractions at home that there is a real risk of losing time by engaging in tasks such as laundry.

So when you are given time for your interview, block some time in your calendar before it.

“A job interview requires you to be mentally prepared,” says Jill Cotton, career expert at Glassdoor. “Take at least 30 minutes before the interview time to clear your mind of everything and go over your notes.”

Not only does this give you a little breathing room, it also saves you from having to schedule another meeting with your current employer before the interview.

Technology is temperamental, so James Barrett, managing director of recruitment firm Michael Page Technology suggests using that spare time for a quick “tech check”.

“Check which platform you’re going to use, whether it’s Teams or Zooming, and make sure your feed is clear and the audio is working. A cursory Wi-Fi check before kick-off will also help you stay cool and focus on your skills and abilities rather than your connection,” he added.

Don’t forget the basics

Even though we’re almost three years into remote working, job hunters shouldn’t relax and forget the basics when interviewing remotely. “Put yourself in a well-lit, quiet space without distractions, and if your laptop isn’t plugged in, make sure it’s charged,” Demmer emphasizes.

Over time, many have become more relaxed about showing their homes on video calls. However, like it or not, even your backdrop creates a first impression.

While this isn’t all bad, you don’t want your future employer to see your collection of cat toys, magnets or unwashed clothes.

“Keep the camera lens focused on yourself rather than panning out to show your entire living room, no matter how neat it is, because it creates distractions. You want the interviewer to be completely focused on you and your sparkling personality,” Demmer said.

Participate

While you may be pumped up and full of adrenaline before your interview, chances are the person on the other side of the camera isn’t feeling so well. Remember, you may be the fifth candidate they interview that day.

“Be prepared to tell your story in an engaging and positive way that breaks the monotony of a two-dimensional media,” suggests Demmer.

Other ways to engage the interviewer include maintaining eye contact, using your hands to express yourself (you should be conducting the interview on a computer, not a tablet), and speak clearly.

Online interviews give you more time to gather your thoughts and make your answers more engaging because of less audio delay.

“Think of these less as awkward silences and more as opportunities to demonstrate your knowledge of the role and company, and, most importantly, your confidence and personality,” Barrett said.

Be real, but be as real as you want your boss to see

“With a virtual world between you, it can be easier to be the candidate you think the hiring manager wants rather than your real self,” says Cotton.

But in reality, reliability is important for businesses and for the long-term happiness of workers. “So if you pretend you’re not online, you risk not wanting the role in the future,” he warned.

Although employers want to see that you have the skills to do the job you’re applying for, they also want to know if you’re a good cultural fit. “Opening up and giving insight into who you are as a person is important. Interviewers want to see if you’re the right person for the role,” Cotton added.

But treat authenticity with caution.

Just because you live for everything Disneythat should not be visible in what you wear.

“Choose good clothing that you’d be comfortable wearing to a real-life interview,” says Demmer.

Even if your future employer can only see you from the waist up, dressing smarter will help put you in the right frame of mind for an interview if you’re not comfortable at home.

And when it’s over, remember to completely disconnect and make sure your camera is turned off before showing your real reaction to how the interview went. “You have to make sure that your sigh of relief at the end of the interview is not heard,” adds Cotton.



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