How to Prepare for an Executive Remote Interview

Video conferencing software has become a convenient tool for many companies?in the hiring process. Due to?the popularity of remote interviews, job seekers must learn how to put their best foot forward in a virtual environment. While recent years have created a major shift in the workforce, some executive candidates are still uncomfortable with the technology and are unsure of how to make a good digital impression. We compiled a list of tips?for candidates to reference before their next video interview.??

Appearance?

• Look professional from head to toe. Don’t assume that a potential employer will not see what you’re wearing below your waist—for example, you may be asked to retrieve a document in another room.??
• Patterns and bright colors often look strange on video, so stick with solid-colored outfits with dark or neutral tones.??
• Check beforehand that the room lighting is flattering and even.?Low lighting can cause poor video quality, so having bright or natural lighting (that doesn’t strain your eyes or the camera’s view) is essential to being seen clearly.?
• Adjust the camera so that you are in the middle of the screen. An overly zoomed out perspective may show too much of your environment and can be distracting.??
• During the interview, look into the camera to give the impression of eye contact. Avoid fixating on your own image, which will look odd from the interviewer’s perspective. Place the video call screen as close to the lens of your webcam as possible to better assist you with maintaining “direct” eye contact.??
• Inevitably, a video interview will communicate less of your overall personality than an in-person interview. Remember that body language is essential for any interview, so smile enthusiastically, maintain good posture, and make sure that your shoulders and hands are also visible during the call. ?

Technology?

• Download the video software and sign up for an account ahead of time. Make sure that your username is professional—a variation of your full name will do.??
• Familiarize yourself with the software before your interview. Try practicing the video chatting software with a friend.??
• Consider using a headset or earbuds to avoid playback and ensure excellent sound quality for you and your interviewer.??
• You may want to use an Ethernet cable instead of a wireless connection to ensure a good internet speed—a slow connection can ruin a video interview. If you don’t have an Ethernet cable, make sure your internet is stable beforehand. Ask members in your household to limit their internet usage during the interview if possible.??

Environment?

• Clean up the space around your computer and anything else in plain sight. If possible, place your computer’s web camera in an area where you have a blank, white wall behind you.? ? ? ?
• To prevent interruption, alert everyone you live with that you will have an interview. Silence notifications on your phone and computer so that an email or chat alert does not cause any distractions.??
• Make sure your environment is quiet — close windows to protect from outside noises such as dogs or cars. Any pets should also be kept in another room.?

Other Tips Before the Remote Interview?

• You should prepare just as thoroughly for a video interview as you would for an in-person interview. In fact, you may be under more scrutiny during remote interviews because some employers record them for future reference.?
• Be aware of the format of your interview. If you agree to do a video interview, then you are expected to show your face on screen unless the hiring authority says otherwise. It can be off-putting to have your camera off while the interviewer’s camera is on.?
• Just because you are in the comfort of your own home, it doesn’t mean that you should be casual towards the interviewer. Acting unprofessional and swearing could make employers less likely to continue the process with you.?
• Whether you’re asking or answering questions, allow the interviewer to have time to talk without interrupting them. Video calls can have some lag, so wait a few seconds before responding just to make sure that they finished speaking on their end.?
• Though you may decide to have notecards or your resume nearby, do not read straight from them. Memorize any important dates and figures beforehand, since interviewers can easily tell if your eyes are wandering.??

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Interviews aren’t easy, but hopefully these pointers can help ease the stress of virtual ones. By putting your best foot forward, being respectful, and making sure all technology is good to go beforehand, you’ll knock the interview out of the park. If you’re looking for more advice, check out our blogs on How To Ace an Internal Interview and Oops! Common Interview Mistakes Candidates Make.?

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Bristol Associates, Inc. is an executive search firm with over 55 years of excellence in recruiting nationwide. We specialize in recruiting for companies in the Casino Gaming; CBD; Facility and Concession; Food and Beverage; Healthcare; Hotel and Resort; Nonprofit; Restaurant; and Travel, Tourism, and Attraction industries. Apart from executive recruiting, our team also offers salary survey services for organizations nationwide to ensure that they remain a competitive employer in today’s dynamic job market.

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