I recently offered tips for successful interviewing in the virtual world from the employer’s POV. Here I’m flipping that discussion around to focus on remote interviewing tips for job seekers. As COO of Base Beauty Creative Agency, a digital marketing and creative agency based in New York, I’ve definitely interviewed dozens, maybe hundreds, of candidates over the years. Base Beauty was a hybrid agency long before COVID protocols made all businesses rethink their physical operations and conduct work remotely, so I’ve had lots of experience with virtual interviews. I’ve seen major mistakes interviewees have made; here are five ways to avoid them:
- Prepare. Take a few minutes to show a potential employer you’re interested in the opportunity. I am disappointed when a candidate has not done their homework on our company, our industry, or even knows the name of our founder and CEO, Jodi Katz. When someone hasn’t bothered to visit our website or do minimal research on our business, they let us know they are not for us.
- Listen. Really listen. Pay close attention to what the interviewer is asking you and offer a focused response that doesn’t sound canned. My first question is often, “Tell me why the beauty industry feels like a great fit for you?” Candidates sometimes respond by telling me about their background or favorite beauty products when that’s not actually what I asked. That doesn’t bode well for responding to a client’s needs.
- Be professional. Show respect for your potential employer by presenting yourself in the best possible way. Even though it’s a virtual interview, that doesn’t mean you should take the meeting from your bed in your pajamas. Dress as you would for an IRL interview, at least above the waist. Look into the camera. Use an appropriate background that won’t be distracting. Don’t have music or the TV going. Demonstrate that you mean business.
- Ask thoughtful questions. Show that you have really thought about the company and studied their work. Ask specific questions about clients or projects you have seen on the company website. It’s also OK to comment on work you’ve seen (e.g., “That rebrand you did for client X really clarified their messaging.”) Don’t hesitate to mention people you both may know, not in a name-dropping way but to make a connection and show that you have built relationships in the industry.
- Show pride in who you are. In person, chemistry and connection come across as you look someone in the eye and shake an actual hand. These vibes are much harder to express through a camera. But you can still reveal what you want through your words, voice, smile, and focus. Don’t be afraid to be yourself and to speak conversationally as you would in person. Sit in a comfortable chair so you can be physically relaxed. Remember, you’re not just showing a potential employer your skills and experience; you’re helping them to determine if you would be a good fit for their team.
Interviewing is an art. A delicate art. For both participants. And it has become ever more challenging as we’ve all had to adapt to remote and hybrid work. As you prepare, consider past interview experiences and reflect on things you wish you had not said or had said differently. With thoughtful prep and sensitivity to the nuances of remote communication, you can ace that next interview.