Tips for preparing and acing Your remote job interview
While there are some things common to all interview preparation—like knowing your strengths and weaknesses—preparing for a remote job interview requires you to take a few unique steps to ensure you make the best impression possible.
Before the interview
Just like an on-site interview, you need to prepare for your remote interview in advance. Unlike an on-site interview, you don’t need to figure out the best route to drive there and where you’re going to park. But you do need to prepare your interview space.
Choose your spot wisely
Whether it’s a phone interview or a video interview, make sure you have the interview someplace that’s distraction-free. The last thing you want is the sounds of children fighting or a neighbour’s lawnmower in the background.
If you’re positive your interview won’t include video, all you need is a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted. But, if it will be a video interview, there are a few more steps you should take to prepare your space. And, even if you know there won’t be video, doing these things will help create a more professional atmosphere that can help get you in the proper mindset.
Set up your office
If you don’t already have one, create a home office. It’s important to present yourself as the true professional that you are.
Your home office doesn’t have to be a separate room with doors. Your home office can be a quiet corner of your living room or a spot on the dining room table. Anyplace that lets you work distraction-free can double as your home office.
Give it a once over
Look over your office with the most critical eye you can. Are you a clutter bug? Hide it under the desk or in another room if you have to. Even if “randomly stacked pile of paper” is your preferred filing method, don’t show it off during the interview. It looks sloppy and unprofessional.