How to: Interview in Lockdown
Most of us have had at least one ‘traditional’ interview and know the rules… firm handshakes, look smart - (depending on role - wear a suit), make eye contact with interviewers etc. but what do you do now when interviews are taking place on Zoom or Teams? What are the new rules for interviewing?
As a people manager for a global IT company I am really familiar with interviewing, and have interviewed for anything from entry level support positions to higher level management positions and very technical consultant roles. I am lucky that despite the lockdown and the economic downturn that is being experienced all over the world, our company is hiring instead of downsizing - and interviews continue all the time.
Here are my key tips when interviews on video calls:
It is important to still look smart - no one expects you to be in a suit in your bedroom but you should be washed, clean clothes, tidy facial hair or regular hair. Make up is up to you - but less is usually more… it is best not to look like you are on your way to a club (especially when there is nothing like that open at the moment).
Speaking of looking well kept - inspect the area which will be in view of the interviewer. If the interview was physically happening in your bedroom you would make your bed, tidy away your clothes and dirty laundry! Same for a video interview - no one has to know your dirty clothes are under the desk - they just shouldn’t be in view!
It should go without saying but definitely no eating in interviews - just because you can, doesnt mean you should. Have a glass of water handy to sip if your mouth gets dry or to give yourself a chance to take a breath if the interview is challenging - but definitely no food.
Despite the fact that we live in the 21st century, not everyone’s connections are reliable so it is important to talk slower than you might do in person! Being nervous can mean you talk faster than normal anyway, and this added to a poor internet connection is a recipe for misunderstanding, and your key points being missed. Speaking more slowly ensures your points are clear and understandable.
Following on from the last point, it would also really help if you recorded yourself giving typical interview answers. I know it’s horrible - I hate listening to any videos or recordings of myself. I can just about stomach the footage but I cringe so bad when I hear myself! However, it is very helpful. It will give you a good idea of how you sound, your tone, pitch and speed at which you talk and will be invaluable as you prepare for your interview.
Don’t be afraid of the pause - if you have finished a point, and there is a pause don’t feel obligated to keep talking especially if you have covered everything. Give the interviewers a chance to digest your response, make notes and formulate the followup questions. If after 10-15 secs there is still dead silence - (& in order to make sure your connection hasn’t frozen) you could follow up with something like ‘was that clear? or were there any points that you wanted me to elaborate on?’
Body language - in a face to face interview, it is much easier for an interviewer to see and interpret your body language. If you are someone who gestures a lot this could be distracting for an interviewer watching you on a small screen - try to keep your gestures to ideas that you are very passionate about or when being emphatic about a point that means a lot to you! I gesture a lot when I talk so I tend to keep my hands on my lap so I can gesture there without being seen! :)
Let me know if you agree or disagree! And let me know if you have had any remote interview experiences.
Sho xxx