Remote Interviewing – Candidate Advice
During the Covid-19 outbreak many clients are choosing to conduct their interviews remotely. Whilst this is great as interviews can still take place, remote interviews can come with their own problems.
Here we offer some advice to all candidates to ensure a smooth running and successful remote interview process.
First and foremost – make sure you get a clear timeline of the interview process during the Covid-19 outbreak, either from the interviewing client or your recruitment service. Knowing the timeline will help prevent any worry or stress over a potentially longer interview processes.
Before the interview.
1. This is of the upmost importance – this is still an interview, treat the process exactly the same as you would if you were interviewing there in the room.
2. Test the interview technology several times prior to your interview time to ensure it is running smoothly.
3. Check your internet connection. If you know your connection can be patchy it would be advisable to find an alternative location to ensure a smooth process. Losing connection will add extra pressure and is frustrating for both parties.
4. Make sure you are dressed appropriately – this is still a formal interview!
5. Be fully prepared. If you are constantly reading notes it will be apparent the interviewer (even if you try to hide them) and they will judge this as poor preparation.
6. Have a pen and paper handy. Taking notes is totally acceptable during any interview, but do this by hand rather than typing. Typing can be very loud and distracting for the interviewer on the other end of the line.
7. Disable all notifications on your computer. You do not want to be distracted by constant pop ups and notification sounds.
8. Have earphones to hand. There are times when echo can be a real problem, using earphones can remedy this.
Interview Set up
1. Make sure you position yourself in a neutral well- lit location. A plain background wall is desirable ensuring the lighting doesn’t create a silhouette effect.
2. Make sure your location is free from all distractions. No TV, loud noises, children or noisy pets.
3. Glasses can cause glare. If you require glasses make sure that you position your camera in a way to avoid this.
4. Framing. Make sure you correctly frame yourself within the camera. Keep your face and torso in shot and if you are known to ‘speak with your hands’ allow those to be in shot also.
During the interview
1. As previously stated be sure to ask for a clear timeline of the interview process during the outbreak. This will help to relieve any worries or frustrations awaiting feedback.
2. When speaking, look directly at the camera. This gives the feeling of creating eye contact with the interviewer. Avoid the temptation to look at yourself in the home window.
3. Speak clearly and remember to leave a pause in case of delay. This will help to avoid any overtalking situations and missed questions and responses.
4. Remember this is still an interview. Be sure to ask any questions you may have at the end of the interview and discuss anything further you can do to help the interviewer with their decision making process.
We hope this helps with any worries or concerns you may be having around remote interviewing.
Remember, you have got to interview stage so the client is already impressed so far and sees
potential in you – the very best of luck!