In consideration of the COVID-19 outbreak; at one eighty recruitment we are staying proactive and supportive to enable clients and candidates to continue to connect in the job market with health and safety in mind.

One of the most important parts of finding a new job is having a great interview. Employers and recruiters are potentially opting for video interviews during this time on platforms such as Skype or Zoom.

What is shocking is the amount of times these interviews can go south, because candidates are not prepared for this type of interview.

So, without further ado, here are some tips to prepare for a remote/video interview:

Top Tips for Skype and Video Interviews

1. Double Check Interview Time

A lot of these video interviews happen across time zones, so you want to ensure that you have the correct time. Whether you’ve scheduled the interview with the employer directly, or with a recruiter – ALWAYS double check your time.

2. Test Technology

The first thing to do when preparing for a Skype or video interview is make sure you’re comfortable and ready to use your technology (computer, mic, webcam, etc.) It’s not going to go well if you hop on a Skype call and the interviewer can’t hear you because your mic is muted. So make sure to test everything out before your Skype or video interview to make sure you’re comfortable with the technology and the settings are correct. You can do a “test run” with a friend or family member to be sure. If there are any technical issues, you want to know that before the interview.

3. Pick the Best Location.

The last thing you want during your Skype interview or video interview is to have a family member or pet come running across the screen. So find a quiet, distraction-free room where you can shut the door and have relative silence, and nothing moving in the background. This could be a private meeting room, somewhere at home or a quiet, local café.

4. Do Your Homework

This step is very important. You want to convey the message that you are interested, and that you are taking this opportunity seriously. Research is extremely important. If you have your interviewers name, check out their LinkedIn Profile. Check out the Company Website, LinkedIn Profile and any recent articles or news on them.

Also do your homework when it comes to the position – go over the job description that was supplied. Read over your CV and see what aspects of your work overlaps with the job description, these are your strengths. Focus on the required skills and brush up on these technologies. If you made notes during your call with your recruiter go over those.

5. Dress for Success

Dress appropriately for your interview in relation to what type of position you are interviewing for. In my opinion you can never go wrong with a power suit (or your equivalent of this). It not only looks great, but it makes the person wearing it feel confident and strong. If you don’t have a power suit, wear something professional, clean cut and comfortable

6. Prepare Questions and Answers

Always remember that as much as an employer is interviewing you to see if you are a good match, you are also interviewing them for the same. Have questions prepared, we normally suggest about five or six. These questions could be related to the technical side of things, or career progression and educational allowances, think big. This will show your interest in the company

7. Don't Forget to Breathe, and Sleep

Seeing as you have already prepared everything, take a moment, relax and get a good night of sleep. If you are into meditation, have a session when you wake in the morning to clear your mind and get you ready for the big moment.

8. Turn Off All Notifications

The client may not be in the same room with you, but it will be easy to sense or see if your attention is diverted. This can come across as unprofessional, or disinterested. Turn your notifications off and put your phone on silent mode. Better yet – just turn your phone off.

Where to from here?

We wish you all the best with your Skype or video interview. Whether you are on the move, or just thinking about moving in the foreseeable future, we are always more than happy to help with a chat. Please feel free to contact us.