How to interview virtually like a boss

There has been a significant shift to remote working following the recent global pandemic – finally! One of the consequences has been an increase in interviews conducted remotely - disappointing it took a pandemic to get to this point! But I digress. There are endless benefits of remote interviews, this article won´t cover those but hopefully these will playout in the coming weeks and months.

Candidates and those recruiting have reached out asking for “hints and tips” on ways to ensure this seismic shift to remote interviewing is free from any bumps and glitches. The points outlined below are primarily candidate focused, to give them an edge in delivering a great remote interview. However, it would do no harm for those leading interviews to review the points outlined below also (especially where remote interviewing is new for you also). At the end of the day the remote interview experience should be a positive one for everyone.

1. Download relevant software to be used for the interview and disable pop-ups which may potentially prevent video calling software from downloading. 

2. Check you know where your camera and microphone are located and importantly that they work. Arrange a dry run beforehand to check sound, quality, background, lighting and best possible position for you to do your virtual interview. You’re aiming for a clear headshot (and not any top of head or up the nostril views ideally) – sign up someone who will be honest in sharing feedback on your ´camera chemistry´. Avoid sitting somewhere with a distracting background or foreground and ensure it is both relaxing whilst professional.

3. Dress professionally - maybe try an outfit out on the dry run with a friend to see how it comes across (the camera emphasises everything!). It can be very easy to fall into wearing ´comfort clothes´ when working from home. 

4. Project positive body language ensuring hands aren´t in the way of the camera or microphone. Avoid fiddling - interviewer(s) should focus on you and not your dancing hands.

5. Make sure your laptop is connected to a charger with a fully charged battery. Have close to hand your interview notes and where possible condensed these to one document with clear labels making it easy to find the details you may need to refer to (company info, business news, insights, questions to ask, etc). 

6. Avoid all distractions. Switch off all other devices connected to broadband – this will prevent any potential bandwidth issues. Switch off all notifications on your laptop (News alerts, Facebook, LinkedIn messenger, SLACK, emails etc). Avoid using the washing machine and dishwasher – some spin cycles can sound like a mini hurricane in the background!

7. Make sure you can clearly hear and/or see those interviewing you, don´t be shy……..it is just as important for them as it is for you that everyone can hear and understand each other properly. Depending on connection quality this may interfere with the sound and speed, it is perfectly fine to ask for a question to be repeated and for you to check your responses have been fully understood.

8. Keep your mobile phone close by (but on silent) in case there are issues with the virtual interview. Check at the start of your interview that you have each other’s mobile number in case the interview needs to continue on your mobile.

9. Triple check time as interviewer(s) may be in a different country from you – the invite will usually show whether the interview is at ´GMT or CET´ for example, make sure the time is accurately reflected in your calendar.

10. Stick a post-it note onto your screen that is out of shot, with prompts reminding you to project voice, speak clearly, make eye contact, etc. 

Try and make the most of being in your own surroundings and relax, however, be careful not to relax too much……….it is an interview after all. Finally, log into the virtual interview a few mins beforehand just like you would a virtual meeting to check everything works – as there is nothing like seeing a candidate ready and waiting to go. Good luck and give it your best.