Did you lose your job because of the pandemic? Are you looking to move forward and search for a new job?
It’s truly unfortunate seeing millions of people losing their livelihood because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Companies are closing left and right as they can no longer sustain their operations. As a result, the United States is witnessing unemployment comparable to that of the Great Depression.
Thankfully, there are remote job openings that allow people to get back on their feet. But before you land a job, you must first pass the job interview. And with this remote setup, confusion can arise before and during the interview.
But much like handling any sort of adversity in life, you can ace the interview by following the job interview tips and tricks we prepared for you below.
1. Stay on Top of the Schedule
The first step to acing any remote job interview begins before the actual interview. It starts by scheduling the interview in the right way.
Did you log the time of the interview in your mobile phone’s calendar? Did you set an alarm an hour before the schedule? Great!
However, it shouldn’t end with your calendar or to-do-list. You should also look at the interviewer’s time zone. Find out the difference and calculate the interview time.
You need to be accurate on this one so that you don’t miss out on your interview. After calculating the time and date, confirm it with the interviewer via email.
2. Give Options for the Remote Job Virtual Interview
After confirming the schedule, suggest different ways you can meet up virtually. Don’t hesitate to give them options that they can use as an interview platform.
If you have a Google Hangouts account, a Skype ID, or a WhatsApp number, give them all to the interviewer. Though it is likely that the prospective employer already has a preferred tool for online interviews, this gesture will send the signal of your proactivity in terms of ensuring that communication lines are open.
3. Prepare Yourself and Your Space
When it comes to preparing for the interview, there are many aspects to cover. Firstly, you need to look decent during the interview. Generally, the goal is to look professional even if you’re only inside your bedroom.
Thus, avoid wearing old shirts or pajamas. Dress appropriately as if you’re heading to an office for a 1-on-1 interview.
And when it comes to your attire, there are different factors to consider. If it is a corporate job interview, men should wear a solid-colored suit, preferably in black or dark grey. Make sure you’re also wearing a white long-sleeved white shirt.
Also, don’t forget your tie.
For women, a suit or suit skirt will be your best bet. Coordinate your blouse with your suit and limit your jewelry. As for your hair, style it for a professional look.
But if the interview is more of the casual type, business casual attire will do.
Aside from your attire, you also need to prepare your space. Whether you’re in your bedroom or home office, make sure it is clutter-free. Remove all items like clothes that may be hanging in the background.
Also, check if you have ample lighting. You want the interviewer to see you as clearly as possible.
4. Mind Your Internet
If there is one aspect that you should cover on the technical side, it has to be your internet connection. Without a stable internet connection, the success of your interview will likely be in peril.
Thus, you need to test your internet connection and the rest of your tech before the actual interview. Secure your internet connection and ensure its stability.
If there is any hardware or software that you need to download or install, do so days ahead of the interview. Also, check if your camera is working. Find out if the images are coming out clear.
Do the same thing with your mic. You need to ensure that your voice will come out loud and clear. You cannot afford to waste precious minutes during the interview because of technical difficulties on your end.
5. Do Your Homework
The interview process is a two-way street. The interviewer asks questions about you and you respond the best way that you can. However, you cannot come in an interview without learning about the company you are looking to work for.
Thus, you need to do your homework by researching the company you’re applying to. Read about the company’s history, what they do, and the key people behind it.
Familiarize yourself with the job you’re applying for. The interviewer will likely ask questions about the job and why you think you deserve the spot.
Also, you want to prepare some questions for the interviewer. This can be about the company’s culture, regulations, or anything else.
6. Be Professional and Personable
When answering the job interview questions, you need to be professional and personable at the same time. If the interview has a corporate tone, align your responses accordingly.
Even if the interviewer is warm and friendly, you should still maintain a respectful tone.
As for being personable, this will help you make a better connection with the interviewer. Be truthful and genuine in your responses. Always maintain eye contact and keep that smile on your face.
7. Don’t Hesitate to Follow Up
Last but not least, you need to conduct proper follow-up after the interview. This means sending the interviewer a “thank you” email. Thank them for spending some of their time interviewing you.
And under these extraordinary times we are in, your interviewer may take a longer time responding to your email. Thus, indicate in the email that you are aware of the situation.
Don’t forget to tell them that you are looking forward and excited to hear about the company’s decision.
Refresh Your Soul Amidst Tumultuous Times
By following these remote job interview tips, you can prepare accordingly and answer the questions more confidently. You also increase your chances of landing the job and getting back on track. And if you need more guidance in life in general, we gladly open our doors to you in these challenging times.
Schedule a visit, as we would love to talk to you. Tell us about your struggles and let us help revitalize your spirit with God’s help.