1. Preparation
Preparation is not just about practising for the interview but it involves:
- Studying the job description and how your skills and experience match them
- Test your internet connection and prepare for the video call: set up your camera so it shows you fully facing the screen and find a spot with a wall behind you. If you must, blur your background to avoid distractions, but be aware that blurring uses bandwidth.
- Dress in interview clothes. Not only will this prevent any mishaps where a hiring manager sees your pyjama bottoms, but it will get you in the proper frame of mind.
2- Expect an initial phone interview:
Phone interviews are becoming increasingly popular in the era of remotework and freelancing
- You will be doing a lot of your work on the phone or on a video call, so get used to it and get prepared. This is a great way to show recruiters how professional you are, even in difficult circumstances. On the plus side, most screening interviews will be by phone, so you won’t have to worry about your work clothes right away. Until employers feel more comfortable with in-person interviews and face-to-face meetings, this will be the new normal.
- Thinking about potential phone interview questions and answers before the interview is important, but give yourself the space to respond to the actual question that has been asked and not the question that you have prepared for in your head. Pause before you answer and think about what they want to hear.
3- How to answer the questions in English:
- Speak slowly, maintain a sense of calm, and remember that your interviewer should be able to hear every word you say without difficulty. If you speak slowly and confidently, your words will be better absorbed, and your self-confidence will be admired.
- Consider writing down the information you want to share in your interview because the act of physically writing helps you remember. It can also help to have those notes in front of you if you are worried you will be too nervous.
- Practise answering the questions with a native speaker or an advanced speaker of English so they can help you formulate your answers better.
4- Leave a great impression when you go:
-Once your interview is over, it is important that you end well. You want your interviewer to think, “I’m putting that person at the top of my “Hire Them!” list.
- Smile, say thank you, and repeat your interest in the job if it’s possible. There may be a next interview on the horizon and you want to be at the top of the call-back list.