I wanted to share some thoughts and advice for job seekers during this pandemic. I’m personally in the process of recruiting a new team in Manila. With the impact of Covid-19 the usual practice (fly out and spend 1-1 time with each candidate) has gone out the window. So now as we adjust to remote working, we also need to adjust to remote interviewing. Both from an ‘interviewer’ and an ‘interviewee’ perspective.

As an interviewer I’ve been noticing and jotting down the challenges that interviewees are facing. Some of this can be mitigated, and some cannot. For the purpose of this let’s cover the items that can be mitigated.

1: Timing IS everything

Before the pandemic it was easy to accept that there may be certain circumstances which prevent interviewees from making their appointment on time. For example: Car breaking down, Tube taken out of service, Taxi caught in traffic. There are a number of unforeseen circumstances that can crop up when attending an interview in person. If a person was late for an interview PRE-pandemic I would always ask them what happened and 99% of the time there was a genuine excuse.

However with most of us now working from home there are very few circumstances that can arise which prevent us from being on time, and whilst I will still ask you why you are late, just remember that unless you have a bloody good excuse we will not be as forgiving.

I personally recommend you arrive early for your call. You can get comfortable, check your lighting and centre yourself before the interviewer joins.

2: Ensure your technology is in order

If you know in advance (and 99% of the time you will have several days notice) that you are having a video interview. It is crucial that you test your technology in advance. As an interviewer who today alone waited over 20 minutes for an interview to start because the interviewee couldn’t get into teams you will thank me for this advice. You need to be a forward thinker… trust me.

If your interview is on teams, install it, test it, make sure your camera works, check your microphone. Get everything ready to go in advance of your interview. In other words regardless of platform whether its Skype For Business, Zoom, Blue Jeans, Google or any other software make sure it is installed and updated.

In addition check your username. You will want to look professional. Whilst your friends may call you ‘Crazy Ass Pete’ you do NOT want your prospective employer to see your personal nickname. (Disclaimer: I have not interviewed anyone called ‘Crazy Ass Pete’)

And also – If you are taking your laptop into a different room for the interview make sure you have internet and a sufficiently charged battery.

3: Make an effort

Obviously this will very much depend on the role you are applying for. I work in technology so I am absolutely not expecting my candidates to be suited and booted. But at least ensure your clothes are clean and ironed, your hair is styled and you look presentable. In other words turn up as if you were being interviewed in person. Don’t turn up looking like you just rolled out of bed after a night on tequila and KFC.

4: Set the stage

Many of us have had to adapt our homes to facilitate working from home. Some of us have home offices, others are at the dining table, some have set up desks in any available space they can find. All of this is fine, and no-one is going to judge you if they see a dining table behind you. But do ensure the space around you is at least clutter free. If last nights dirty dishes are on show, or if you have a huge pile of laundry then move it out of the way (or wash up in advance) and move your laundry out of the way.

Now you have your background clear try and ensure anything that could distract is turned off or muted. All alerts should be on mute (email, text, WhatsApp, updates etc) and whatever you do please don’t set that laundry off in the washing machine if your washing machine is within ear shot of your workspace.

Finally try and ensure you have good lighting. As an interviewer it’s really important to see your facial expressions and body language during the call. Good lighting is key and remember natural light illuminating you from the front is best.

5: Be Prepared

As an interviewer I like to prepare for each candidate in advance. I will cross reference their resume against what I see as the critical elements for the position I am hiring for. I will highlight any grey areas and any questions that come to mind.

As an interviewee you should also do your prep work. Have your resume to hand, if you have several versions ensure you have the ‘correct’ version to hand. Print out the job description and highlight any areas that you want to discuss. Gather a list of questions. Do a little due diligence in regards to the company and position.

By being prepared you will find the process less stressful, giving you the time and energy to present the best version of yourself to your potential employer.

6: Relax and be yourself

As hard as it is to relax on camera, do try. IF you are nervous about being on camera then do some test runs with friends. This will help you acclimatise to being on camera and thus relax when the interview comes. If you are not relaxed you may not be able to project yourself correctly. In addition being relaxed means that you will be able to communicate not only your suitability for the role, but also your personality and suitability for the team. Interviews are about far more than ‘just being a technical fit’

In Short:

DO – Turn up early for your interview

DO – Test your technology in advance

DO – Ensure you look presentable

DO – Clear your space

DO – Silence your technology

DO – Ensure you have good lighting

DO – Due diligence on the position and company

DO – Prepare any questions you may have in advance

DO – Some test runs with friends if you are camera shy

DO – Be yourself

I’m sure there are many other things you can do in addition to my advice, and I’m certain that as time progresses I will have other advice to share/add to this also. But in the meantime good luck out there and stay safe!