How to navigate a remote job interview

Not too long ago, job interviews were almost exclusively conducted in person. Hiring managers had the opportunity to evaluate candidates during these interviews, gaining insight into everything from the candidate’s skill set to how he or she affected the energy in the room to body language and handshake confidence.

Today, an increasing number of interviews are virtual. Many of these are conducted through popular video conferencing applications such as Zoom. In a recent survey of talent leaders and recruiters conducted by technology firm Talview, 80% of respondents said their hiring process is now completely remote. Remote/virtual interviews have many advantages. They are generally more convenient for screening applicants for remote positions, as the applicant pool can come from anywhere in the world. Remote interviews can also take less time.

As useful as they are, remote interviews are not foolproof. Technical grunts or uncooperative conditions at home can affect remote interviews. Virtual interviews may also not give candidates an accurate picture of a company’s culture. But remote interviews are likely here to stay, so here’s how candidates can put their best foot forward (virtually).

Test the technology

Open the Conferencing app and test the connections to make sure you can log into the service and understand how it works. Get in early, even if it means sitting in a virtual waiting room until the meeting organizer arrives. At least you’ll be sure to arrive on time.

Have a cheat sheet ready

A remote interview gives candidates a distinct advantage as they can use notes without it being obvious. Place them directly above the device’s camera or slightly to the side so you can view them like one might read a teleprompter or cue cards on TV.

Use your space wisely

If you’re going to be in a video, set up your space and look to be professional yet engaging. Use your home office environment to make a strong impression.

Keep the background to a minimum.

If necessary, use a virtual office backdrop, which was preferred by 97% of the 513 recruiters Harvard Business Review observed and interviewed over an eight-month period in 2020.

Engage with the interviewer and avoid distractions

Distractions can throw you off your game and make you appear less engaging to recruiters. Ask roommates to keep safe during the interview and to lock pets out of the room. Silence your phone (if it’s not the device used for the interview) and look into the camera while you speak. Maintaining eye contact is a sign of respect and confidence. If the interviewer is talking for a long time, use the mute button on the phone or the conferencing app to drown out the background noise.