Under Lockdown? How to Ace a Remote Interview / Online Interview for a Work From Home gig

Billions of people are under lockdown. Work-from-home is on the boom. While the majority of the companies are laying off people, big companies cannot let go of the hiring process. Microsoft, Amazon, and various tech companies are looking to build their teams. This is the reason that remote interview is becoming vastly popular. People are always going to hire and if you are lucky to have bagged an interview, do not say no. Only because you fear your child walking in, or your cat sitting on your keyboard, doesn't mean you can't work. Donna Carnevale, Sr Talent Acquisition Specialist at BAE System says, "Imagine your child walking in while you're having a virtual job interview. It's not the end of the world."

So we think that it might be easier than you think. How do you ace the idea of interviewing with children and pets coming around? With shorts below the table and well-brushed hair, let's know if you can win over a recruiter?

What is Remote Hiring?

When one or both ends of the hiring process are unable to meet physically, they conduct interviews with the use of technology. This may include interview via telephone, skype, hangouts or any digitally available route. One of the core ideas of a remote interview is being flexible of time, place and distance parameters.

Jon Shields asked his connections as to what they felt about hiring. Majority of the recruiters said that they were considering remote interviews. They were talking to potential candidates over video calls. It was business as usual for some and some considered expansion as well. The pandemic is changing the way companies are hiring and interviewing, but it has not put a stop to all recruiting.

The world is under lockdown due to coronavirus and if you have an interview scheduled in the meantime, don't worry. We've got you covered.

How to prepare for a Remote Interview?

1. Manoeuvre through the app/website to be used

Once you grab a face-to-face interview, go through the App or the website where you will be meeting the interviewer. You should always have ease of movement across the page in case you have a presentation or document lined up. The most popular apps, today, for video conferencing are Skype, Hangouts, Zoom, Slack, Facetime, Cyberlink U Meeting, Lifesize and Go to Meetings.

Try having a mock interview with someone. You will know where to look, how much are you visible through the screen. If you have a laptop, knowing the best angle will only boost your confidence.

2. Use a good internet.

Before you begin an interview, make sure your internet is working properly. Poor internet can ruin even the best of online interviews. Check the speed, make sure all other devices are disconnected from it. Even if your internet connection gets ruined, it is okay. Apologize, fix it and start again. Every interviewer understands these problems.

3. Sit in a well-lit place

Make sure that you are facing the light. If you face away from the light, you end up creating a god-like effect behind you. Hard lights will hit the eyes, and soft light will ruin the effect of formal interviews. An LED Tubelight or the Sun is your best bet here. The source that is doing the majority of the work illuminating your subject is referred to as the key light. When the key light falls on your face (not your back), you will be properly illuminated.

4. Dress appropriately

Dressing creates an effect on the interviewer, that you put effort into your interview. When you go through the app/website that you will use later, you realise how much you will be visible to the interviewer. Wear a suitable formal dress, comb your hair, and put on some light make-up.

We would suggest being entirely dressed up, in case you have to get up. Do not wear a t-shirt, you won't be taken seriously. When you are physically apart, creating a positive Halo Effect will go a long way.

5. If you are into software, work on presentation mode

Interviews today are very technical. Interviewers just want to know if you are good for the job. Here comes the display of your technical know-how. The more you look flexible, the higher the chance that you will be hired. Keep a presentation ready, work on display of your qualities and show the interviewer (in other than audio form) that you are their best chance.

6. Keep your things ready

Last-minute scrambling for things puts off the mood. Keep a pen, notepad and everything that you need in easy reach.

Lastly, you can't come out 100 per cent perfect. But you can try your best. In the end, it is your skills that matter to the interviewer, whether or not you are physically present. They know that due to the lockdown, everyone is home and there will be distractions, especially if there are kids around. Don't worry, it is a part of your personal life.