Top 3 tips for interviewing during a pandemic

Over the coming weeks and months of this crisis, many of you are going to be applying and interviewing for new jobs.

If interviews make you nervous during the best of times, the thought of having to do a remote job interview may be a little stressful.

In today’s blog, I’m going to give you my top 3 tips for interviewing during a pandemic so that you have the best shot at getting that position.

But first…

How video interviews can actually work in your favour

If you saw my Facebook video on nailing a video interview a couple of weeks back, you would have heard that even before this crisis they were beginning to surge in popularity.

This is because employers want to see your personality.

More and more companies are now hiring for culture-fit rather than skillset, and a video chat is a great way to let your unique set of personal attributes shine.

In fact, you have far fewer reasons to be nervous for a video interview than you do a face to face one. Here’s why…

Tip 1: Be prepared

Don’t forget that conducting video interviews is also probably new for your potential employer. This is new territory for all of us! This is why it’s now even more important that you are prepared.

Remember that the interviewer will only be able to see what is in view of the camera. So…

• Dress professionally (at least up top!)
• Make sure you’re in a well-lit area of the house
• Give yourself a background that is interesting but that isn’t too distracting – perhaps a bookshelf or a nice painting
• Have notes!

That’s right – notes! There are no rules saying you can’t. So grab a copy of the job description and write out some bullet points of topics you’d like to cover.

Take the pace and tone of the interview into your own hands and show them what you are capable of.

Tip 2: Be yourself

This goes without saying and is really the same advice I would give for a regular in-person meeting.

BUT

A video interview has far more opportunities for this.

You will be well prepared and feeling relaxed and comfortable in your own environment – the perfect chance to be confident and let your true self show. Remember, employers right now are really interested in finding the right personality fit, so make sure to show them what makes you, you!

Tip 3: Interview them

Gone are the days of employers running the show when it comes to interviews.

Right now, so many people are without jobs and do not have the luxury of being picky. But to stand out from this crowd, it’s time for you to do the interviewing.

Interviewers love being asked well planned and thought out questions.

Even if you find yourself going for roles that are outside of your previous career trajectory, it is a great opportunity for you to find out more about this new industry or business.

Next steps…

As you can see, each of these tips for interviewing during a pandemic are inextricably linked, but each important in their own right.

If you’ve got a remote interview coming up and you’d like some guidance in preparing, or even if you’ve been applying for roles with no luck…