Fool Your Way to a Great Remote Job Interview
Chances are, if you’ve interviewed in this pandemic-ridden economy, you’re doing so using a video conferencing tool like Zoom or Google Meet. But even if you’re a friendly type that feeds on the organic energy of face-to-face communication, the remote interview format can be good for you.
While you cannot convey this outgoing attitude in real life, there are tactics you can use that are invisible to people on the other side of the screen, and that includes linking to lines that only you can see. I’m talking, of course, about literally leaving behind-the-scenes notes that you can quietly refer to if you stray off course.
there is nothing wrong
For some reason, referring to notes during interviews is often viewed as tactless, as a way to deceive, if not remember the ideal scenario for speaking in front of an audience. Fuck it all. It’s impossible to know everything the interviewer is about to ask you, so linking to various general off-screen instructions is a way to calm your mind if a curve is thrown in your direction.
Of course, you shouldn’t rely too much on the notes you’ve prepared, but think of them as add-ons that simply reinforce more important discussion topics you’ve already mastered. Notes may contain facts about the person (or people) interviewing you, information about the company, and reminders of certain accomplishments and qualities that you believe will improve your chances.
Place them outside the camera
As a practical matter, you want these notes – whether they be stickers, small pieces of paper, or any other format – away from your webcam. It’s pretty straightforward as you can attach them to the wall behind the computer, or simply lay them out on a table to the left or right of the screen. Another important note: always use a marker that is easy to read at a glance. You don’t want to rely on them as some kind of teleprompter, so keep the directives large and bold enough that they go unnoticed.
Also remember the basics
It’s always a good idea to sugarcoat basic etiquette when doing a video interview. If you don’t look at your notes from time to time – remember, don’t make it too obvious! – be sure to check your webcam . The webcam projects an image that other interlocutors actually see, and it makes sense to direct your gaze to them, and not to wander.
Also, make sure you are in a quiet place with good lighting, as people obviously need to see you. Wear clothes that you might wear for a face-to-face interview. If this is a group interview, turn off the microphone if you don’t speak for a long time. When it’s time to thank them for their time and go out, do it with a wave of your hand – this is the clearest way to demonstrate that you know the interview is over.
We’ve been going through this marathon pandemic for over a year now, so we all understand the basics of video conferencing, but having notes close at hand, away from the camera, will only increase your chances of balancing your virtual interview for your next job.