Diane Gottsman | Leading Etiquette Expert | Modern Manners Authority

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Preparing for a Remote Job Interview

27 Aug 2020 By: Diane Gottsman

The job interview format has changed dramatically in light of the pandemic, but many of the same job interview tips, (previously posted on HuffPost), still apply. I have edited my original list to include virtual (remote) interview etiquette. Here are some things to consider when preparing for a remote job interview, or returning back to your current job.

remote job interview

Bad Lighting and Other Distractions

Bad lighting will prohibit you from “shining.” Make sure you have light to your face, wear a solid dress, shirt or coat jacket and keep makeup to a minimum. Sitting in a closet with low lights, or your kitchen counter, with glaring light behind you will be a distraction. Loud patterns on your clothing, busy pictures in the background or a virtual screen of a palm tree swaying in the breeze are not the optimum choice for a remote job interview. See more of my virtual tips here. 

Dress Clothes vs. Yoga Pants

Before you log on to the virtual meeting, take a good look in the mirror. If you had to leave your seat for a moment, would you be embarrassed for the interviewer to see what you were wearing? It might be a long distance conversation but the stakes are high. This is not the time to take any chances with your appearance. Even for a casual job, choose something business casual instead of grabbing your favorite workout gear. Always dress up instead of down.

Demonstrate Your Skills

This is the time to show your future boss you are not only well informed about the company but are up to date on the latest technology you will be using as part of the day to day work routine. Showcase your knowledge of the technology you are using for the interview. If you are struggling with logging on, scrambling for the password, struggling to share a screen, or failing to use the volume control properly, you will come across less professional.

Arrive Early

Always join the meeting before your interviewer. Making your interviewer wait for you is the last thing you want to do when attempting to show you are the right candidate for the job. Signing in 5 minutes early is better than joining 2 minutes late. A little preparation before the job interview will allow you to feel more relaxed and self-confident.

If you liked this post on embarrassment, you may also like 4 Tips for Overcoming Embarrassment. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on The Huffington Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.

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Diane Gottsman

Diane Gottsman is a national etiquette expert and modern manners professional, sought out industry leader, television personality, accomplished speaker, Huffington Post blogger, author, and the owner of The Protocol School of Texas, a company specializing in executive leadership and etiquette training. Diane is routinely quoted in national and international media including The New York Times, The BBC, CNN, Bloomberg Business Week, Kiplinger, Huffington Post Canada, U.S. News and World Report, and Forbes. She is the resident etiquette expert for two popular morning talk shows, SA Living and Good Day Austin. She has been seen on The TODAY Show, HLN Headline News, WGN Chicago, and CBS Sunday Morning. Her clients range from university students to Fortune 500 companies and her workshops cover topics ranging from tattoos in the workplace to technology at the dinner table and the proper use of social media.