Secrets to a Successful Interview for a Remote Job

In many ways, an interview for a remote job is like an interview for any job. It’s the opportunity for you and your prospective employer to get to know each other and determine whether you fit the job and the company fits you. The twist that often gets thrown into an interview for a remote job is that the interview itself may be conducted remotely. Rather than go to an office building and sit across the table from the interviewer, you may be talking across the internet in a virtual meeting.

The last thing you want is for your interview to fail because of glitches in the technology. Here are some valuable tips to ensure that your remote interview for a remote tech job runs smoothly. 

Select a suitable location

When it comes to taking an interview from home, it's important to have a dedicated space that is free from distractions and looks professional. If you don't have a home office, you can use a spare bedroom, guest room, or even your kitchen table as a makeshift interview space, just make sure it's clean and tidy. If you're tight on space, consider clearing out a closet and using that as your interview location. Avoid taking the interview from your bed or couch, as it can make you look unprofessional. Instead, place your computer on a table or desk so that you're sitting up straight and at the right height for the camera. By following these tips, you'll be able to create a professional and distraction-free environment for your next online interview.

Use High-Quality Camera and Mic 

When it comes to remote interviews, the quality of your camera and microphone can make a huge difference in the overall experience for both you and the interviewer. A high-quality camera and microphone will not only improve your visual and audio clarity, but it will also give the interviewer a better sense of who you are, which can be especially important when you can't meet in person. Investing in a good quality camera and microphone will also help you to avoid any technical issues that could be caused by poor equipment, such as unclear audio or fuzzy video. So, if you want to make a great impression during your remote interview, consider investing in a superior grade camera and microphone. This will ensure that you are looking and sounding your best during your interview, which will increase your chances of landing the job.

Test your equipment

Before your virtual interview, it's essential to ensure that you have the necessary tools and equipment to communicate effectively with the interviewer. This includes not only a camera and microphone as mentioned above, but a reliable internet connection and a software program such as Google Hangouts or Zoom. To avoid any technical issues on the day of the interview, it's a good idea to test your equipment and software at least a day before the scheduled interview. Make sure your computer meets the technical specifications, download any necessary software, and ensure that your internet connection has sufficient bandwidth to sustain streaming video. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your virtual interview runs smoothly, and you can focus on impressing the interviewer.

Know how to look the interviewer in the eye

Remote job interviews with video can be challenging, especially when it comes to maintaining focus. It's natural for our eyes to wander and take in everything happening on the screen, but during an interview, you can come across as distracted or flighty. To combat this, try placing a sticky note just underneath your webcam as a visual reminder to look directly at the camera. You can even write a warning or draw eyes on the sticky note to make it more impactful. The great thing about this technique is that the interviewer will never see the sticky note, but you will be reminded to maintain eye contact. This will help you to come across as engaged and focused during the interview.

Dress for success

Choosing the right attire for a job interview, whether it's a phone or video interview, can play a crucial role in creating a positive first impression. Even if you know that the interviewer will not be able to see you during a phone interview, it's still a good idea to dress professionally. You never know when the interviewer might decide to switch to video, and you don't want to be caught off guard. Additionally, dressing up for the interview can help to put you in the right mindset, making you feel more confident and prepared for the conversation. So, even though it's just a phone interview, take the time to dress professionally and put yourself in the "interview" mood.

Final Thoughts:

A remote job interview is a unique opportunity for both you and your prospective employer to size each other up and evaluate how well both you and the company can fulfill each other’s needs. By taking the right steps to prepare, such as selecting a suitable location, using a high-quality camera and microphone, testing your equipment, and knowing how to look the interviewer in the eye, you can increase your chances of success.
It's important, however, to remember that the interview is just one part of the process, and having the right skills and qualifications will also play a crucial role in landing a remote job. If you're looking to improve your chances of success in a remote tech job, check out the RemoteMode training program for technical careers. We offer a wide range of remote tech courses that will help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to excel in a remote role.