With job search mostly conducted online over the past decade, remote hiring has taken a giant leap forward. This new normal is changing the way we lead our life, work & the way hiring takes place.
A number of investment banks & law firms have already adopted online platforms to hire remotely over the last few years given that they have to process so many applications. Lot of platforms help in narrowing down hundreds of thousands of job applications for a limited number of roles. Now since social distancing is becoming a new norm, more & more companies are compelled to adopt online formats such as Skype, Zoom, Google & Microsoft teams to interview & assess candidates.
An online &/or remote interview holds as much importance as a face to face interview. We are sharing few tips to make remote/online interview work for you:
- Do your background work: Even if you are sitting at home, an online/remote interview is a proper way of assessing candidates & you must be thoroughly prepared. This essentially means you should do detailed macro & micro research about the company & role as well as preparing for different scenarios that demonstrate alignment of your skill sets & competencies with the requirements of the role. Whether you are soliciting a middle management or a C-suite role, STAR technique is the best way to articulate your skill set & competencies. Your purpose should be to showcase examples of your achievements, behavior & soft skills/traits( from your current/previous role) rather than a scripted pitch
- Have a professional environment: Your home environment should be as professional as a conference room with minimum distractions. If you are one of many parents who have to come up with the terms & challenges of home school/online classes for kids now, you should focus on scheduling the interview at a time when you do not have your children around/won’t be disturbed. It is important to appear professional. Study the norms of industry/sector you are targeting when it comes to wardrobe. Choose clothes that are smart, clean & not too formal
- Overcome technology glitches: A common issue when video conferencing with someone is the difference between how you appear on the screen & how you appear in person. You may be under the assumption that your webcam is placed perfectly, your background is normal, lighting is perfect & you are making virtual eye contact with the interviewer. You should test the platform you are using fully by placing a video test call with someone else.
- Be optimistic & positive: This may be a new thing for you if you never had an online interview before. If you have laid your hands on technology well & practiced beforehand, an online/remote interview is as good as a face to face interview. Be positive & provide focused answers to the questions to prove that you are committed & proactive no matter where you are in the world or what problem you are facing.
- It is two way interaction: As recruiters have an opportunity to find out how you fit in the role, you also have that chance to find out if the role & company aligns with what you are exploring. Therefore when you get an opportunity to ask questions, you have a chance to impress by asking prepared questions based on the company & industry’s research you undertook. It will help you showcase you have done your homework & your passion for job & Industry/Sector.
Are you looking for some career advice, guidance about how to write an executive resume or re-branded LinkedIn. As the founder & executive resume coach at Sushant Kumar Ventures, we offer executive resume writing & LinkedIn profile writing services for modern day job seekers. I would be happy to chat to help you meet your career goals; Sign up here.
