Tips for remote job interviews

A remote job interview is done through a video call or other technology, rather than in person. 

They are sometimes called virtual interviews, online interviews or video interviews. 

There are 2 main types of remote job interviews: 

• Recorded interviews – you will receive questions and record your answers for the employer to watch later. 
• Live interviews – you will speak to the employer on a video call. It’s just like a normal interview, just online. 

Some employers find remote job interviews more efficient. They can meet a large number of job candidates faster than they could in person. 

If you are invited to a remote job interview, you may have mixed feelings.  

On one hand, you may feel pleased to do an interview from the comfort of your own home. On the other hand, you may feel nervous about using new technology. 

Here is some advice on how to make your remote interview a success.  

There are various programs used for remote job interviews. Some of the popular ones are Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Google Meet.  

It’s a good idea to do a practice call with a friend or family member. This will help you feel more comfortable with the technology for your job interview. 

While you are on your practice call, here’s some things to check: 

• Is your internet connection stable? If your internet is not reliable at home, consider doing the interview somewhere else.  
• Can they see you? Check that the camera on your device is working. 
• Can they hear you? It may be better if you use headphones. 
• How do you look? Choose a location for your interview with good lighting. Make sure you can sit or stand comfortably. 

For a recorded interview, you will usually receive an email with instructions. Read the instructions carefully. Sometimes you will be able to record practice answers before saving the recording you are happy with. 

The best location to do your remote interview will be a quiet and professional place that is free of distractions. 

Make sure there’s nothing around you that will distract the person who is interviewing you. Have a clear background and clean away any mess or clutter. 

To avoid being interrupted during your interview: 

• Switch your phone to silent.  
• Close the other tabs in your browser.
• If you live in a noisy home, tell your family members or housemates that you are doing a job interview. You may need to put a sign on your door to remind them! 

If you do not have a quiet and professional space at home, try to book a room at a local library for the interview. Make sure you test the technology beforehand also. 

Even for a remote job interview, it is important to think about your presentation. 

Dress professionally as you would for an in-person interview. This will show the employer that you are taking the interview seriously. It can also help you feel more confident and professional. 

You can’t shake hands when you meet an employer in a remote interview, but there are ways to start the meeting positively. 

• Join the video call on time.
• Greet the employer and give a friendly introduction to yourself.
• Make eye contact with the employer through the video camera.
• Ask them how their day has been.
• Make sure your posture and facial expressions are professional during the interview. They can still see your body language. 

Some people like to prepare notes to use during a remote interview. This can have advantages and disadvantages. 

Using notes can help you remember the main points you want to share in the interview.  

A possible disadvantage of using notes is that it may look like you are reading, rather than speaking. This may distract the employer and stop the conversation from flowing naturally. 

An alternative to using notes is to have a printed copy of your CV in front of you or pasted on the wall behind or next to the screen. You can quickly scan your CV to remember the work experience and skills you want to highlight. 

At the end of the interview, the interviewer will usually give you the opportunity to ask them questions you may have. This is an excellent opportunity for you to show that you are keen and interested in the role and the organisation.

Some examples of questions you may like to ask are: 

• Why do you enjoy working for this company?
• What are some of the challenges that the successful person in this role might encounter?
   

After your interview, send an email to the employer to thank them for their time. If they have interviewed many people for the job, your email will leave a positive impression.