Geographical distance, expensive travel costs or convenience. These are just some of the many reasons why a company offers remote job interviews for their candidates.  

Increasingly becoming common practice in recruitment, these interviews by phone or video conference can save valuable time. 

So what can you do to stand out from your competition when your screen is the only channel to impress the interviewer? Our Consultants conduct remote interviews every day and would like to share some tips to maximize your chances of getting through the next step of the interview process. 

1. Anticipate and Prepare

A remote interview, whether by phone or video conference, is prepared with as much care as a one-on-one interview.

If the remote interview will be conducted by phone call, it is better to opt for a landline phone rather than a mobile phone since the connection is more secure and stable. 

If that option isn’t possible, we recommend using earphones with a built-in microphone to help improve the audio quality of the call.

For a video conference, it is strongly recommended to test your software (Skype, Zoom, etc.) before the scheduled meeting since sudden and unexpected software updates or errors may sometimes interrupt the flow of your interview. To avoid this, ensure that you:

• Have installed the necessary updates prior to your interview
• Have double checked both the incoming and outgoing audio
• Have double checked that the video is working
• Have a stable internet connection
• Have plugged in your charger or have a full battery

Further, make sure to organize yourself and think about the image you want to put forward. Dress in the same manner as you would in a face-to-face meeting and do not forget that this is still a business meeting and therefore requires a business ambiance.

Preferably, set-up your video interview in a private and quiet place where you will not be easily disturbed by what’s around you. As much as possible, choose a room with a plain background. If not, a tidy and well lit room would suffice.

Finally, keep your interviewer’s contact information (phone number and email) within easy reach in the event that you encounter connection problems. 

Do not wait for your interviewer to contact you. By immediately reconnecting with your interviewer, you convey not only your initiative but also your strong interest in the company. 

2. Be Precise and Concise

Remote interviews allow a recruiter or a hiring manager to make a quick assessment of your skills and motivations in order to judge whether you should move forward in the hiring process. 

These interviews could sometimes last 30-35 minutes, relatively shorter compared to the average 45-minute one-on-one interviews. Thus, it is necessary to organize your thoughts so you could be able to provide concise yet precise answers. Try to be impactful and dynamic to leave a great impression since these calls and video conferences can tend to be monotonous towards the end. 

3. Take Advantage of the Format

Whether it’s a phone or video meeting, take advantage of the more flexible set-up this particular format can provide. 

For instance, the phone gives you the leisure of preparing your presentation by highlighting numerical results, which you can write on a piece of paper and keep within easy reach. 

As for video conferences, you may also help supplement the exchange by visually illustrating your points through the chat box. Maximize this tool that allows you to send files and documents relevant to your conversation.

Remember, your next remote interview could be the open door that leads you to your dream job. Prepare well and despite the distance, do your best to impress your interviewer.