Essential Remote Job Interview Tips for International Candidates
by Kelsey Arrington on Dec 07, 2022 Remote work has opened up job opportunities for candidates around the world. Are you an applicant searching for a job in different country? Getting through the virtual interview process can be difficult. The good news is that we have curated a list of tips to help international candidates land the remote jobs of their dreams. Keep reading for 10 practical tips you can apply today.
1. Test Your Internet Connection
During a virtual interview, it is imperative that you have a stable internet connection. A poor connection could greatly impact your audio and video quality during a remote job interview, making it difficult for a prospective employer to understand what you’re communicating.
2. Check Your Equipment and Lighting
In addition to testing your internet connection, it’s also important to test your other electronic equipment. Make sure your web cam and microphone (or headset) are working properly. And while you’re at, make sure you have adequate lighting as well. See how you look on camera then adjust your lighting or add an additional light source if needed.
3. Dress Professionally
With all interviews, it’s important to dress the part. So, keep that in mind when interviewing virtually. Dressing professionally will demonstrate to the interviewer that you are focused and that you take the role seriously.
4. Interview in A Quiet Space
Whenever possible, secure a quiet, clean, and well-lit space to take your zoom calls. Try your best to eliminate distractions and extraneous background noise.
5. Be Punctual
Virtual interviews are just as important as in-person interviews. So, it’s imperative to be on time. To ensure you are punctual, double-check time zones prior to the day of your interview. And, if possible, log into the video call a few minutes prior to your start time.
6. Be Aware of Your Body Language
Communication skills go beyond verbal language. During your remote job interview, practice staying aware of your body language. Why is this important? Well, while the interviewer can’t see you in person, they may pick up on nonverbal cues. So, make sure you maintain good eye contact, good posture and friendly facial expressions – just as you would if you were meeting face-to-face.
7. Try to Combat Language Barriers
As an international candidate, you may encounter language barriers if your first language is different from the person interviewing you. However, don’t let that discourage you from applying to any remote job. If you have concerns, talk to the hiring manager ahead of your interview (or send an email). They may be able to have someone who speaks your native language assist with the interview process. If that is not a possibility, just do your best to speak clearly and concisely.
8. Think About Your Desired Work Schedule
Ahead of the interview, it may help to think about what hours you would like to work. This is especially important for those applying for job positions in countries outside of their current time zone. Your prospective employer will want to know what hours you’ll be available and what to expect from your work schedule should they decide to move forward with you as an applicant.
9. Address Concerns Around Hiring Internationally
As a general rule of thumb, you should bring a few questions to every interview. For international candidates, it may be beneficial to center some of those questions around the interviewer’s (or company’s) concerns. Addressing potential concerns during the hiring process, may help quell your fears, in addition to showing the employer that you are proactive.
10. Follow Up After the Interview
If you want to stand out from the crowd of other international candidates, it might be a good idea to follow up with your interviewer a day or two after your job interview. Doing so will demonstrate professionalism and keep you at the top of their mind as they make their hiring decisions.