There are a few rules for successful remote interviews, which are often mistakenly considered less formal than face-to-face interviews: virtual interviews actually require you to be alert and to show a certain degree of organization.
As with any interview, you need to prepare: you need to know your pitch off by heart, and the same goes for your career path, your career plans and your line of argument. You need to know about what the position entails, the company and its environment. You need to have prepared your questions and have the job description and the interviewer’s contact details to hand in case you need them.
During a virtual exchange, having the right technical settings in place is essential: test your computer tools and your connection (check your network’s reliability, that your battery charges correctly, your webcam quality. Using a headset is highly recommended and you should test new applications beforehand). Avoid any unexpected surprises, be ready on time!
The setting in which you carry out your video interview is important. Find yourself a place where you can be alone that is quiet, far away from any intrusions or distractions, bright (avoiding any backlighting), and where no personal items will be visible in the background.
Maintain a dress code and posture during the remote exchange similar to the one you would adopt during a face-to-face interview.
Be vigilant when it comes to your online reputation: pay attention to the name used in your email address, your username and the profile photo that the recruiter will be able to see.
Be conscious of where you’re looking: look at your camera and not your own reflection so that you maintain eye contact with the interviewer and gain their full attention.
For taking notes, choose paper and pencil over the noise that comes from typing on a keyboard, as this could be unpleasant for the interviewer.
Control the tone and volume of your voice (be aware of your breathing), the rhythm of your words and your diction, as well as the choice of words which you include in your arguments: be as clear, precise, concise and structured but also as relevant and emphatic as possible, as virtual exchanges are often more condensed and shorter than a classic face-to-face exchange.
Avoid interrupting or dominating the conversation: respect any moments of silence, as these will both allow the interviewer the necessary time to reflect and add some weight to your arguments.
Do not be afraid to take notes yourself to help you absorb the information provided by the recruiter, grasp the keywords and follow the thread of the interview.
Paint a positive picture of yourself: do not be intimidated by the camera; keep smiling and maintain a dynamic and enthusiastic tone to avoid the conversation becoming monotonous; do not be afraid to interact with the interviewer and ask for clarification.
Make sure you have prepared and polished how you will end the interview and show how motivated you are by sending a thank-you email. Well done!
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