As a result of the current covid-19 situation, companies are encouraged to conduct interviews online to ensure safety instead of in-person interviews. This is to minimise close contact between people and to prevent further spreading of the virus.
Ever since the ‘lockdown period’ in Singapore, many professionals were advised to work from home. Job seekers also pursue their new positions remotely, and the hiring process has become increasingly virtual as a result.
Even though some companies are going back to conducting in-person interviews, there are still a lot of interviews done over a video call.
In the event you are required to do a remote interview, there are a few things to consider:
1. Conduct technical checks before interviews
- To avoid potential technical issues, check your internet connection and equipment. Ensure devices used for interviews are connected to a strong wireless connection before the scheduled video interview. It will be good to check the camera, audio input and output beforehand to make sure the interviewer can hear and see you clearly.
- Should your internet fail you unexpectedly, you can prepare a backup network or device that allows you to connect back to the call quickly.
2. Pay attention to first impressions
- Get yourself in a professional and clear state of mind several moments before connecting into the interview. Once they are able to see and hear you, they will begin to form their impression of you.
- Make sure you take note of who the interviewer or interviewers are going to be so that you can address them while you make sure audio is clearly received on both ends of the call.
- Ensure that you are facing toward the screen and camera and keep in mind not to fidget around too much as it can come off a little unprofessional and look as if you are not prepared.
3. Be in a conducive environment
- When you are on a call, always conduct it in a quiet room to avoid any distractions.
- Additionally when using your camera for an interview, it is always a good idea to check that your background is tidy and your camera lens is clean. The moment the camera is on, the interviewer is able to see everything. Your surroundings can also play a part in forming an impression on your interviewer.
4. Dress the part
- Even though it is a video interview, it is still a good idea to dress as though you are meeting them in person. Dressing up for your interview helps to set you in a mental state of being more professional and confident. When you look put together, it can help you feel more sure of yourself which will convey in your body language. On top of that, it also indicates to the interviewer that you take the interview session with them very seriously.
5. Monitor your body language
- With video interviews, less body language is transmitted but nonverbal cues are still important to take note of. Since you will not be able to greet your employers with a firm handshake, you can only properly introduce yourself and express your enthusiasm through what they can see from the screen. Your body language can convey your confidence like sitting up straight, smiling and having your body face the screen and camera at all times.
- Keep in mind the tone and pace when you are talking so that the interviewers can understand you clearly, trying to rush your words will only make you seem flustered. Most importantly, convey drive and excitement through being tuned in during the interview and being expressive when you speak to show interest in the position.
6. Create a professional screen name
- An example of how you can edit your profile on Zoom website
- Ensure that the publicly seen username you are using is appropriate so that you can present yourself professionally and positively. You want to avoid having a complicated name or profile as it can confuse the hiring manager. Simply using your first and last name will be good enough.
If you have not secured your virtual interview yet, head over to our Snatchjob’s job portal to take a look at all your options right now and snatch a job with us today!