Thriving In The Future Of Remote Hiring: Top Trends And Tips For 2023

There can be no denying that remote working is here to stay. The global pandemic accelerated the move to hybrid working, and as the Great Resignation continues, it is essential that organizations embrace remote working if they want to keep attracting the best talent. ?

Before the pandemic, estimates suggest that just 6% of employees primarily worked remotely; however, by the end of this year, that is expected to reach over 25% . This is naturally a huge shift in how businesses operate and manage staff, but it also requires a rethink in how companies interview and hire new members of their team. ?

So how can new employees thrive in the world of remote work? We thought we would take a look at some top tips to help you.

The current market

Before we take a look at some of the top tips to help you take your remote interviewing skills to the next level, we thought we would first take a look at some key statistics of the industry as it currently stands:

1)????Video interviews are becoming the norm

One thing that is for certain is that video interviews are here to stay. Research has shown that 79% of employers are now conducting video interviews regularly, a 57% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels.

2)????First impressions matter

First impressions are critical, but even more so when it comes to virtual interviews. Research has shown that it takes just seven seconds for interviewers to get an impression of a candidate, so you want to ensure that you are impressing from the start.

However, it is not just about the interview itself. Surveys have shown that 92% of companies will check out a candidate’s social media channels before inviting them in for an interview.

3)????Dress to impress

Although video interviews might feel a little less formal, you still need to ensure that you are dressing to impress. Research by Inc found that 71% of employers would not hire someone who did not follow an appropriate dress code.

4)????Be personable

When it comes to video interviews, confidence and personality are essential. 39% of employers have said that a candidate has left a poor impression after an interview due to their lack of confidence or poor voice quality.

Top tips for improving your video interview technique

Now you know the importance of video interviewing, how can you improve your technique? We have taken a closer look at some of the best ways that you can create the very best impression on interviewers.

Get used to the technology

Technology is constantly evolving, and the last thing that you want to do is create a poor impression on your potential new employer by not understanding the systems being used. That is why you should take your time to learn and practice with the technology being used for the interview ahead of the scheduled appointment.

The more familiar you are with it, the more confident you will be on the big day itself. Of course, on the day of the interview, make sure that you test all of your equipment, including your computer and internet connection well in advance.

Set up your space

Remote working means you will be working from home frequently; however, it does not mean that you should be showing it off in the background. Make sure that you are setting yourself up in a quiet space that is free from possible distractions and has a neutral background with plenty of light.

This will not only ensure that you are able to focus solely on the interview, but it also means the interviewers can clearly see you and are not distracted by things happening in the background. When setting up your space, consider where you are sitting in relation to your camera. You want to ensure that you are well proportioned within the screen and that your head, shoulders, and upper chest are clearly visible.

Present yourself

Interviews, no matter if they are physical or digital, are all about creating the best impression possible. That is why you want to ensure that you are presenting yourself the best you can. Make sure you are dressed smartly and respectfully, treating the interview as if you were meeting the individuals in person.

Throughout the interview, make sure that you are maintaining eye contact and looking engaged with each interviewer. Make sure you pause before and after saying anything to avoid accidentally talking over each other.

Do your research

Just because you are not meeting the company in person, it does not mean you should skip the pre-interview research. Make sure you take the time to understand the company and its culture, and prepare some relevant questions to ask your interviewer. This will help you to look interested and serious about the role and demonstrates your passion and eagerness to learn.

Practice your virtual skills

While video conferencing has become an important part of the modern workplace, you should still practice your video interview skills beforehand. Consider setting up a mock interview with a close friend or career coach, who will be able to help identify possible flaws you have, such as looking away from the camera or how your natural hand gestures are impacting how you are perceived.

What should you do after the interview?

Of course, while prepping for a virtual interview is essential, there are also some activities that you should do post-interview.

1)????Self-evaluation

The first thing that you should do is conduct a short self-evaluation to ascertain how the interview went. Go back over the entire conversation and work out what you think went well and also what areas that you feel you need to work on.

Make a note of any questions that you found particularly challenging to answer, as this will allow you to research how to handle such questions in any future interviews.

2)????Write a thank you email

After the interview, you should send a short thank you email to the employer. This is a great way to showcase your interest and also helps to highlight your professionalism. A sample email you could send could be:

Hello _____,

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today regarding the ____ position. It was a pleasure to meet you virtually and hear more about the opportunities available at ____. I am excited about this role and look forward to hopefully hearing from you soon.

I particularly enjoyed speaking with ___ ?on the call and learning how each role works together to successfully contribute to the team. My _____ have given me a foundational knowledge of ______. I believe my _____ role will also allow me to contribute to the ______.

Thank you again for the consideration for this position, and I look forward to hearing from you soon. If you need any additional information, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely,?

(Your Name)

3)????Keep in touch

While you do not want to spam your new potential employer, you should make sure you stay in touch. If, during the interview, they provide you with a timeline of when you could expect to hear back from them, give them a phone call or email when that date passes. You could say something like:

"You mentioned that you were hoping to have made a final decision by (date), and I just wanted to follow up to see where you are in the process?”

You should also make sure that you are answering any phone calls or emails that you receive in a timely manner.

4)????Don’t burn any bridges

Finally, it is vital that you do not burn any bridges. If you are offered a position but you are no longer interested in that role, or you have already found employment elsewhere, then make sure you politely decline. This is a professional courtesy that can create a good impression on these employers.

There may well be further opportunities at this company in the future, or the interviewer might become an important part of your professional network, so staying professional can benefit you greatly in the future.

Find your perfect role with Axiom

Here at Axiom Global, we believe great people deserve great companies. That is why since 2001, we have been providing IT consulting services to some of the leading Fortune 500 companies, connecting them with some of the very best talent in the industry.

Our success lies in our Great People for Great Companies??program, which not only covers a technical assessments but also soft skills and cultural alignment to ensure a fantastic fit between candidate and company.

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Want to find out more about our range of services and how we can help you? Get in touch today !