Since the COVID pandemic remote and telephone interviewing has become more popular due to childcare settings such as nurseries, pre schools, Montessori schools all needing to practice social distancing and limiting the number of people visiting to limit the spread of the virus.
Childcare settings can call refer to this style of interviewing as “remote interview,” “online interview,” “video interview” or “virtual interview“. Whatever it is referred to as it can take place over a phone but most take place using a computer or laptop. It allows the interviewer and candidate to meet without meeting in person. In order to be successful it is best to prepare and these tips can help.
- If you have never used the app that you will be interviewed on download it the day before and test it thoroughly.
- Any phones around the house need to be on silent so as you will not be interrupted.
- If you are using a phone that it is set up securely and that you will not be holding it.
- Check the signal where you will be sitting as it needs to be a strong signal.
- If you have children where you are going to be interviewed please email the interviewer before hand to let them know.
- Look at where you are sitting and the background, make sure that it is uncluttered, personal items removed. A virtual background could be used instead and sit away from behind a window as glare will be an issue.
- Make sure you are dressed professionally, wear clean ironed clothes and definitely not your pyjamas!!
- Make sure you look clean and tidy with washed hair that is dried and brushed, the wet look is not a great look.
- Research the company that you have applied for, find out the hours that they operate, their Ofsted rating, are they family owned etc
- Any questions that you may have please write them down
- Listen to the questions that are asked of you and definitely do not interrupt. Do not rush to answer.
- Log on 5 minutes early so that you are not rushed and it is a good look to be early.
- Avoid distractions and make sure the door is closed, television and radio is turned off and all pets are elsewhere.
- At the end thank the person who is interviewing you for taking the time talking to you.
For more information on remote interviewing techniques please click on the link below