Nowadays, it’s not uncommon to be interviewed over Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime. Like many other recruiters, we interview recruits remotely at GB Executive Recruiting. It’s become a cornerstone of the recruiting process.
One thing people need to understand is that recruiters interview remotely because we want to see how you present yourself. If you’re a hot mess when you talk to me, I wouldn’t want to put you in front of a client.
It’s important to recognize that your remote interview is still a professional interview, and we recruiters will expect you to treat it as such.
With that being said, it never fails to amaze me at how people will do a virtual or remote interview in a casual T-shirt with unkempt hair, sitting in bed with their messy closet’s doors open behind them to serve as a backdrop.
If you showcase your messy room in your interview, it would leave me little room to have faith that you would be buttoned-up and organized on the job.
This also comes across as disrespectful and unprofessional to the person who has taken the time and preparation out of their day to interview you.
On the flip side, I have had other people ensure that their personal presentation (dress/hair/makeup for women) and their backgrounds were professional, and this effort sets a better impression.
With that being said, don’t interview from your bedroom (yes, I had someone speak to me live from an unmade bed!) and prepare yourself the same way you would for an in-person interview.
Not only that, bear in mind that when people are nervous, they do strange things. It is hard not to focus on a candidate twirling their hair, touching their face, jiggling their jewelry, or rubbing their nose.
Keep in mind, you’re interviewing! Try to moderate these habits so you project yourself as confident and collected.
An additional pointer: Lighting matters. There’s no reason you can’t practice a day ahead on your phone or computer. You don’t want the windows behind you to wash you out or poor lighting to dim you and make you difficult to see.
If you can’t seem to find decent lighting, we prefer ourselves to use a clip-on ring light. You can purchase one on Amazon for $10.99, and there are others that cost less.
To summarize, keep it professional. Present yourself as you would in the office and choose a setting for your interview that is tidy and offers decent lighting. Remember to conduct yourself in a professional manner. It will help you to feel more confident in every interview.
To summarize, keep it professional. Present yourself like you would in the office and choose a setting for your interview that is tidy and offers decent lighting. Remember to conduct yourself in a professional manner. It will help you to feel more confident in every interview.