The chances of you having a remote interview by phone or video are probably greater now than any time in history. Remote interviews are increasing in today’s ever growing connected society and the ability to communicate relatively easily and cheaply over vast distances. Certain job sectors, like technology careers can increase that likelihood. The forest products sector is no different. With forestry schools scattered across the country, it should be no surprise a company in the southern U.S. might interview a candidate graduating from school in the Pacific Northwest. And with forestry being an international business, there is even the chance for interviewing with a company on another continent.
If you should find yourself sitting for such an interview there are three tips for a successful remote interview any interviewee will want to consider. By no means are these the only tips for a successful remote interview. However, if you cover these three you will be off to a good start with your interview. Preparation can go a long way to help you land that next job. Failing to make a great first impression because the video does not work or your cell phone keeps cutting out or the background noise distracts the interviewer will set you back in the interview process.
Three Tips for nailing that remote interview
1. Test your connection:
Prior to interview day you should receive some basic information about the format and platform being used to conduct the interview. Whether it is by phone, Skype, Zoom, Viber, Google Hangouts or whatever the latest and greatest app is, make sure you get the connection details from the interviewer. If the interviewer/HR person has not sent this info to you a day or two in advance, politely contact them and ask for it. Another good idea once you know the app being used, is to try to find someone you can test your system with.
Make sure your connection, phone or internet, is stable and reliable. Check to see if your camera is working correctly. Test the audio quality and assure you microphone is picking up your voice clearly. Nothing is worse that on interview day to discover things are not working correctly. And do not forget to make sure the location you are using is conducive to an interview. Avoid places with background noise or distractions and clutter.
2. Arrive early
Just like an in person interview arriving early is a good thing. Those minutes before the interview can be used to prepare both your technology and yourself. Assuring the technology is up and running properly is the first task. Once that is out of the way use those last few minutes to run through the interview in your head. Think about the key points and information you want to share with the interviewer or interviewers. If you are nervous, use that time to calm yourself before starting the interview. Arriving early so you are ready to start on time is an important first impression to make on an employer.
3. Dress up
You should consider a remote interview the same or perhaps even more critical than an in person interview. In a remote interview, especially over the phone, you lose that connection of being there in person. It is hard for the interviewers to pick up on body language when they cannot see you. Even with video calls there can be something lost compared to an in person interview. With the challenges it is that much more important you are appropriate dressed. Try to gauge the culture of the the employer and consider dressing accordingly. Wear professional attire especially if it is a professional job. But even if it is not a professional level job, dressing like it can be powerful. Dressing this way can make you feel and appear more confident.
And don’t think you can get away with only dressing up from the waist up. Not only do you run the risk of not feeling completely put together, but supposed you have to stand up for some reason during the interview and the camera catches you in your brand new running shorts under that dress coat. That second impression could completely undo a great first impression. IN the end the basic rule is dress how you would if the interview were in person.
Preparation is the Key
These three tips for a successful remote interview can help get you ready for that next interview done over the phone or by video chat. A little preparation through practice interviews, testing your communications systems, preparing the setting you are using and arriving a little early can all help to have a great interview. And don’t forget to clean yourself up. In an age when the interviewing process may take two, three , or more interviews, that first impression is important. Good Luck!
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