Remote interviews – how to prepare so you get the job!

Over the course of the last two years, many things have changed - our lives have been impacted by the pandemic in more ways than we could’ve ever imagined. With the rise of remote and flexible working, recruitment processes have been altered too. With a 57% increase in the use of online interviews since 2019 , we can say with certainty that online job interviews are here to stay - and for good reasons too!

The possibility to evaluate potential new employees online has many advantages - both for recruiters and for candidates. Having that opportunity allows for a faster hiring process, improves the overall candidate experience and gives employers the chance to secure the best talent in a much smaller time frame. 

If you are currently looking for a new role, it is more than likely that the entire process will be done completely online.

So, keeping that in mind, what are some ways for you to prepare and ensure that your next online interview gets you that dream job you’ve been looking for?

Getting ready for a job interview is no easy task and requires a fair amount of time and dedication - after all, you don’t want to be “just another candidate”. To be successful, it is imperative that you’re well prepared - researching the company and getting as much information about it as possible is key. Carefully read through the job description to make sure you fit the criteria and can answer any questions an interviewer might ask. If you can, find out what type of interview you will be attending and who will be conducting it, as that will give you additional insight into how to prepare.

As you’re getting ready for the appointment, keep in mind that interviewers are not just looking for someone who can do the job - they are also interested in getting to know you - your personality and attitude will help them determine whether or not you’d be the right fit for their team. Be proactive, ask questions and don’t be afraid to show some enthusiasm - these are all things that are likely to set you apart from other candidates. Having a genuine interest in the company and being keen to learn more about it won’t go unnoticed by your interviewer.

Now that you’ve done all the initial preparations, it’s time to focus on the practical details. Starting with the essentials - make sure that your background is suitable and dress appropriately. Even though the interview is remote, you still need to exude a certain level of professionalism and knowing you are dressed for the part will give you a much-needed confidence boost! Think about the kind of role you’ve applied for and make sure your attire is a good match - that will help you feel better prepared and look even more suitable for the position.

A good background is a key part to any online interview - try avoiding loud and communal spaces where there’s potential for unwanted nuisances. If you live with other people who will be home at the time of your interview - warn them about your appointment and ask not to be interrupted for the duration of your conversation. Whilst preparing your set up, make sure the lighting is right so that the interviewer can see you properly - a seat near a window is a good option, but try not to be directly in front of one as that might be too bright for the camera.

After picking up the best location for your online interview, you need to make sure your internet is stable and strong enough for your call. There are different bandwidth requirements depending on which platform you’re using, so it’s good to review your connection speed beforehand. Be sure to inspect that prior to the interview, as connectivity issues are a very common occurrence. A good alternative in case of any problems, is setting up an additional internet connection through your mobile data, so make sure you have a good signal, and that your phone is charged for the time of your appointment.

Currently, there are many different platforms that can be used for remote interviews - Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams.. Ask your interviewer which platform they would be using for your conversation, and in case you’re not already familiar with it - try to schedule a test call with a friend or family member before the actual interview. That will allow you to familiarise yourself with the specifics of the platform, so you’re confident with the basics like sharing your screen, turning on your camera, and enabling your microphone properly. Doing this test call will eliminate any additional tech-related stress, and set you up for success from the get-go. 

After following these steps, you will have the perfect foundation for your online interview, so you can feel confident and calm on the big day. Unfortunately, sometimes things don’t go as planned no matter how much we’ve prepared for. In case anything goes wrong and you can’t attend your interview or are experiencing technical difficulties - let your interviewer know in a timely and professional manner and they’ll be able to help you find the best solution.

For more information about our vacancies, visit our jobs page which is full of exciting roles.

The fastest way to get a job interview is to make sure your CV is one that catches the eye - here are our best tips for creating the perfect resume.

Good luck!