Congratulations! You’ve caught the attention of your potential new employer with your CV and made it through the initial stages. Now, it’s time for the next step: the interview. This is your chance to show the company who you are as a person and how you might fit within their team. It’s also your opportunity to learn about the company and the people you’ll be working with. Remember, an interview is always a two-way conversation.
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but they don’t have to be. You can stand out and make a lasting impression with the proper preparation. The less you focus on the minor details, like what to wear, the more energy you can devote to showcasing your strengths as a potential employee. Let’s break down the steps to prepare for your remote interview and ensure you’re ready to shine.
The Preparation Stage
Failing to prepare is preparing to Fail. It’s essential to prepare for your potential employer and understand whether the role suits you.
1. Research the Company
You’ll almost certainly be asked, “What attracted you to our organization?” Be prepared with more than “the office is in a great location!” Conduct thorough research about the company to make your answer meaningful and relevant. Focus on the following key areas:
- Company Values: These principles define the company culture and should resonate with your values. Could you think of specific examples from your career that show how you embody these values? For instance, if the company prioritizes innovation, share an instance where you’ve introduced creative solutions in your previous roles.
- Business Sectors: Understand the primary industries the company operates in (banking, technology, security, etc.). This helps you understand the work you’ll be involved in and shows that you’re familiar with their business.
- Strategy and Vision: Dive into the company’s plans. Are they expanding? Are they launching new products or services? Showing interest in their long-term vision proves you’re committed to being part of their growth.
This research impresses the employer and gives you a better idea of whether the company aligns with your career goals.
2. Map Your Experience to the Job Description
Expect the classic question: “Why are you the best fit for this role?” Review the job description carefully and match your skills to the listed requirements. The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a helpful way to structure your responses:
- Situation: What was the challenge you faced?
- Task: What was your goal or objective?
- Action: What steps did you take to solve it?
- Result: What was the outcome of your efforts?
I want you to know that being ready to discuss specific examples will give your answers more depth and clarity. Could you prepare to discuss each key item on your CV, highlighting your main achievements and contributions? The more specific and quantifiable your examples, the stronger your case will be.
3. Practice Your Responses (And Your Questions)
Nerves can cause us to stumble over our words during a remote interview. The more you rehearse your answers, the more confident you’ll feel during the interview. You can practice with a friend or even in front of a mirror to fine-tune your responses.
During your practice sessions, pay attention to any nervous habits, like frequently saying “um” or “like.” Also, make sure to frame your achievements in terms of you, not “we”—this is your time to shine!
Remember, you’ll likely be asked, “Do you have any questions for us?” Avoid generic or self-serving questions like “What are the promotion opportunities?” Instead, ask insightful questions like:
- “Where do you see the company heading in the next few years?”
- “What is the team culture like?”
- “What has your experience been working with the company?”
These questions show genuine interest in the role and the company culture.
The Interview
You’ve done the prep work—now it’s time for the interview.
1. Presentation
First impressions matter, even in a remote interview. Did you know that 33% of interviewers decide whether or not they would hire someone within the first 90 seconds? Could you ensure you look the part, even if you’re not physically in the office?
- Appearance: Dress smartly, even if you’re working from home. Choose neutral colors, and aim for a professional look unless you know the company culture leans casual. When you doubt, you can opt for business casual over overly casual attire.
- Body Language: Non-verbal cues account for 93% of communication, so be mindful of your posture and gestures. Sit straight and avoid crossing your arms, which may make you seem defensive. Instead, relax your shoulders and use your hands to emphasize key points.
- Fidgeting: Nervous habits, like playing with your hair or tapping on the desk, can be distracting. Please keep your hands still unless you’re using them to explain something. This will help you appear more composed and confident.
- Eye Contact: Even though it’s a remote interview, maintain eye contact with the camera. It helps establish trust and keeps the conversation engaging.
- Smile: Smile when appropriate to show you’re approachable and friendly. Just avoid overdoing it, as it might appear nervous or insincere.
2. Be on Time!
Punctuality is just as important in a remote interview as in person. Please be ready 10-15 minutes early to make sure everything is working smoothly (e.g., camera, microphone, internet connection). This gives you time to calm your nerves and be mentally prepared.
If you’re interviewing from home, ensure your environment is quiet, clean, and free from distractions.
3. Have Documentation On Hand
You can easily access your CV and the job description during your interview. This ensures you can refer to specific details as needed and avoid nervous mistakes when discussing your experience. You may also need an ID to verify or share other documentation, like work samples. Could you double-check the requirements ahead of time to avoid surprises?
After the Interview
The interview is over, but your professionalism should continue.
- Thank Your Interviewer: When the interview concludes, remain polite and confident. Remember, your interactions aren’t over until you log off. Thank your interviewer for their time and consideration.
- Follow-up: After the interview, give yourself some time to reflect. If you applied through a recruitment agency, they may ask for feedback on the interview. If not, don’t hesitate to inquire about the next steps with the hiring manager.
Be Yourself
We hope these tips have helped alleviate any nerves before your remote interview. However, the most important advice we can give you is to be yourself. If you get the job, you’ll work with these people daily, so being genuine is essential. Trust in your experience and abilities, and approach the interview confidently. After all, you’ve already made it this far—there’s a reason they want to talk to you. Good luck!
