A Step-by-Step Plan for an Effective Remote Job Interview

With the rise of remote work, more and more employers are turning to video-first job interviews. To ensure a successful remote interview, it's important to be prepared. This guide will walk you through the process of properly conducting an effective remote job interview. 

Schedule the Interview in Advance.

It's essential that you schedule the interview in advance so all parties involved know exactly when and how it will take place. Provide a few different options, if possible. Make sure to give ample time for both parties to prepare and also allow an extra 10-15 minutes of leeway in case the interview runs late or a technical issue arises during the meeting.

Do Your Research and Prepare for the Interview.

The more you know about the company and position, the more confidently and efficiently you can answer questions and provide relevant details during the interview. Start by familiarising yourself with the company’s website, review their blog or social media channels to gain insight into their culture, research their competitors, read recent news articles about them, and even check out any reviews or ratings from other people who have worked for them. Additionally, review the job description and prepare a few thoughtful questions of your own. Being prepared will help make a strong impression on your interviewer.

Choose the Right Platform for Remote Interviews.

Video conference platforms like Skype, Zoom, or Google Meet are popular tools for remote job interviews. But don’t forget to take into account the speed and quality of your internet connection before selecting a platform. Remember, you want to present the best possible version of yourself so make sure that any sound and video issues don’t get in the way. Additionally, agree on a set time beforehand and try to start on schedule as much as possible. Test out your audio equipment in advance, too — nothing is worse than technical difficulties during an interview!

Use Screen Sharing Tools to Bring Documents into Focus. 

During an interview, you may need to refer to documents and other materials. Keep these items ready and use a screen sharing tool like Google Drive or Dropbox to bring them into focus simultaneously. This will help keep the conversation flowing more smoothly and allow both parties to go over points in greater detail.

Follow Up with Written Communication After the Interview.

Following up is key to any successful job interview and this should not be overlooked when preparing for remote interviews. After the interview, it’s essential to thank your interviewer via a written message such as an email. This can help create a lasting impression and show that you value their time and appreciation for being invited for the position. As part of follow-up, thanking them for the learning experience is also important so that they know you enjoyed your time with them. Doing this shows that you have genuine interest in the job, so don’t forget to Thank You!