How to nail an interview: Remote or Otherwise

Ever wondered why you didn’t get a job despite having a great resume? Why is it that you keep getting rejected from jobs and internships? The problem may lie with your interviews. This is becoming especially problematic with the ongoing pandemic and the new trend of remote interviews. While there is no perfect way to give an interview, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. In this article, we will give you a few tips on how to nail an interview, whether it is remote or otherwise.

Read: How to find work during lockdown: A Detailed Guide

Use your Network

In these unprecedented times, your network may be your most crucial asset towards finding a job. Hence, to even get to the interviewing stage, you need to expand and capitalize on your network. LinkedIn is a great tool to do this. In these tough times, your network will be able to help you get that job interview at their current or old company through their connections. That is why networking is so important everywhere you go. You never know who may be useful when. hence, start reaching out to old classmates, seniors and instructors. Post on LinkedIn that you are open to new opportunities. Reach out through alumni groups and meetups. the options are plenty, so take advantage!

Brush up your Resume

Your resume is the key that gets you to the interview room. It must catch the eye, and stand out from the rest. For this, you need to hone your skills, get relevant experience, and display it simply but efficiently on your resume. You can build your skills through various online resources that include courses, certifications, and so on. With lockdown in effect, the likes of Coursera and Udemy are giving great deals on online courses and certifications. Moreover, you must also have relevant references available upon request. This is another place where your network will come in handy.

Be ready for Remote Interviews

The biggest change in job hunts due to COVID-19 has been remote interviews. With social distancing in effect, companies have been forced to take interviews online, and many candidates suffer as a result. So, how do you nail an online interview? Here are a few tips to keep in mind for video interviews:

• Dress formally. Just because you are at home does not mean you do not have to be formally dressed. These things are very important, so be vigilant.
• Choose your background wisely. Blank and white backgrounds are preferred, but if not available, please choose a simple, presentable one. No one wants to see a pile of undone laundry in your background!
• Be prepared for mishaps. Choose a stable internet connection and be prepared for any problems that may arise. Have your interviewer’s phone number with you so you can call them and have a conversation over the phone if need be.
• Look at the camera, not on the screen. While answering questions, look at the camera rather than the screen, as it may give the interviewer the impression that you are not being attentive.

Prepare in Advance

Every interview requires you to prepare in advance. Researching about the company you are applying at can go a long way in inducing confidence in the interviewer. If you have done your research well, interviewers will get a good impression of your commitment. Furthermore, prepare for every possible question that may be asked of you. There are several resources online talking about the most common interview questions. Look into the mirror and practice. The more you practice with these questions the more confidently you can tackle them, and other questions, during the interview.

Relevant Follow-up Questions

This is a part very few candidates take advantage of. Almost every interview with end with the same question: “Do you have any questions for us?”. Many candidates say no. Do not make the same mistake. Have a relevant question ready beforehand. Ask about their recent policies, advertisements, their future plans. Ask them about any confusions regarding your job description, or clarification regarding anything they may have said in an interview. A good follow-up question will give the interviewer the impression that you are observant and enthusiastic about the opportunity at hand. Make the most of it.

Those were a few tips regarding how you can score and nail an interview. Do you have any other tips we may have left out? Let us know in the comments below!