What strategies can you use to minimize distractions in a remote interview?

1 Tech Check

Before your interview, it's essential to ensure your technology is up to par. This means testing your internet connection, making sure your camera and microphone are working properly, and familiarizing yourself with the video conferencing software. You don't want to be fumbling with settings or troubleshooting technical issues during the interview. A smooth technological experience can help keep the focus on the conversation and prevent any unnecessary distractions from technical difficulties.

2 Quiet Space

Choose a quiet, well-lit space for your interview. This should be somewhere you can close a door to avoid interruptions from household members or pets. Good lighting is important so the interviewer can see you clearly, but make sure there's no strong light source behind you that could cause glare on the screen. A neutral background is also recommended to avoid visual distractions. By controlling your environment, you can minimize auditory and visual distractions that might otherwise disrupt the flow of the interview.

3 Notification Pause

Turn off notifications on your computer and phone before the interview begins. Email alerts, calendar reminders, or messaging pop-ups can be very distracting and may even interrupt your train of thought. By silencing these notifications, you can maintain your focus on the interviewer and the questions being asked. This also demonstrates that you are fully engaged and respectful of the interviewer's time.

4 Dress Code

Dress as you would for an in-person interview. This not only helps you get into a professional mindset but also ensures that you won't be embarrassed if you need to stand up for any reason. Wearing professional attire from head to toe can boost your confidence and help you present yourself as a serious candidate. Moreover, choosing solid colors over busy patterns can reduce visual distractions for the interviewer.

5 Practice Makes Perfect

Conduct mock interviews with a friend or family member to practice maintaining eye contact with the camera and speaking clearly. This practice can help you become more comfortable with the remote format and identify any potential distractions in your environment that you may not have noticed. Being well-prepared will make you less likely to be thrown off by unexpected issues during the actual interview.

6 Time Management

Finally, be mindful of time management during your remote interview. Just like in-person interviews, rambling answers can be a distraction in themselves. Keep your responses concise and on-point. If you're concerned about losing track of time, it's acceptable to have a clock visible in your peripheral view but ensure it's silent and not a distraction to you or the interviewer.