by 
Working from home can be a great perk of a remote job, but it can also make the interview process more challenging.
Because you won't have an opportunity to meet face-to-face with your potential new boss, you'll need to work even harder to sell yourself during the virtual interview process. If you're wondering about long-term career prospects, check out my article on Best Careers For the Next 10 Years to help inform your job search.
But don't let this deter you! Nailing a video interview is as vital as nailing an in-person interview. The following seven tips will help you ace any remote interview.
1) Research the Company and the Position
It is essential that you have a thorough understanding of the company's mission and the position you are applying for. This may sound like a no-brainer, yet many candidates overlook it.
A little research will help you understand what the hiring manager is looking for and give you a better idea of how to answer. The Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook is an excellent government resource for researching careers and understanding job requirements.
Additionally, it will give you a chance to showcase your industry and company knowledge. You will stand out from the competition if you have an in-depth understanding of the business and the position.
Photo by Scott Graham on Unsplash
2) Practice Your Elevator Pitch
An elevator pitch is a quick summary of who you are and what you have to offer. It should be brief enough to fit into a standard elevator ride, but it should also include enough information for your listener to know if you're someone they want to talk to.
Practice your elevator pitch and make sure it's short and sweet. Don't ramble or be too wordy. You want your interviewer to remember it and think, "Wow, that's a great pitch!"
Your elevator pitch should explain your previous job experience, your current skills, and how you can benefit the company.
3) Ensure You Have Stable Internet
You might not think about this ahead of time, but internet speed and stability are major factors in remote job interviews. Any remote interview could be impacted if your internet connection is shaky or unstable.
Having a poor internet connection will not make a good impression on the interviewer, especially if you are applying for a remote position. It will also disrupt the flow of your interview, which is not ideal.
4) Make Sure the Link Works Before Your Interview
So you know you have a stable internet connection, but have you tested the remote interview link to ensure everything works as it should?
Seek out a quiet spot where you can get everything set up and tested without interruption. Once everything has been configured, test the remote interview link.
If you're using a video conferencing platform, such as Zoom, you'll want to ensure that there are no issues with the platform or with your personal account.
Before the interview starts, you should check your video and audio to ensure everything is working as expected and that there is no distracting background noise.
If there are any technical difficulties, you can solve them before the interview starts, as opposed to trying to troubleshoot during the interview.
Photo by Chris Montgomery on Unsplash
5) Make a Great First Impression
Your virtual interview starts the moment you dial in. It's crucial to make a great first impression.
First and foremost, be on time. This should be a no-brainer, but lots of people actually arrive late for their interview.
Make sure you are ready for your interview 15 minutes early so you can get comfortable and gather your thoughts. This will ensure that you are on time and mentally prepared.
Secondly, be aware of and mindful of your own nonverbal cues. Make eye contact by looking into the camera, but don't stare. Also, be sure to smile and stay positive.
Paying attention to small details like your posture, voice volume, volume control, and hand gestures can help you make a great first impression.
6) Confidence Is Key
The whole point of interviewing is to test whether the candidate is right for the job. If you feel confident and ready, you'll be much more likely to get the job. This is true whether you are interviewing through phone, video chat, or in person.
It'll show in your answers and body language if you're feeling unsure. This can cause the interviewer to feel less confident about hiring you.
Even if you're not going to meet the interviewer in person, you need to convey the same confidence as you would in a face-to-face interview.
7) Never Hesitate to Ask Questions
Last but not least, during your remote job interview, don't be afraid to ask questions. This will not only help you feel more at ease with the interview, but it will also put you in a better position to succeed.
Asking questions about the company or the role shows the hiring manager or the recruiting team that you're interested in the position and that you care about finding a job that fits you.
It also allows you to follow up on anything you need to do after the interview. For example, you can follow up on a skill they mentioned you need to have or a part of the job you're unsure about.
You might even learn something useful from the interview, so don't be hesitant to ask questions. The hiring manager will appreciate your eagerness to learn more about the firm and the role.
Questions are a great way to learn about a company, draw parallels to your life and experience, and show the hiring manager that you're invested in the position.
Key Takeaways
A remote job interview can feel stressful, especially if you are not used to this type of meeting. The best way to conquer these feelings is to be prepared. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to research the company and practice your elevator pitch before the interview. And since a new job often means changes to your financial situation, you may want to review these 10 Tips to Improve Your Personal Finances.
And confidence is what the interviewer is looking for during a virtual interview. Try to be as calm as possible to answer your interview questions confidently.
At the end of the interview, make sure to express your enthusiasm for the job by asking the interviewer some questions. Try to keep these tips in mind, and you'll have no trouble succeeding in your upcoming remote interview.
For more information about remote work and employment trends, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Hero image: Photo by Chris Montgomery on Unsplash