Tips for Successful Job Searching While Utilising Remote Interviews

While online job interviews have been an effective, cost-saving method for companies even before COVID-19, the impact of the pandemic has seen an exponential rise in the use of it. According to a survey conducted by Robert Walters Japan in May 2020, 90% of global companies in Japan responded that they are holding online interviews for mid-career recruitment.

More companies are taking advantage of staggered commuting and shifts to transition back to the workplace but using meeting rooms is discouraged to maintain social distancing. Since job interviews will continue to be conducted remotely for the time being, here are six tips to successfully land a job even without meeting your interviewer face-to-face.

1. Keep in touch with your recruitment consultant

Job-seeking in these challenging times can feel stressful, so be proactive by checking in regularly with your recruitment consultant as they have first-hand access to a stream of available roles which may be best suited to you. They are ready to support you and assist you through your job search so do reach out as often as possible.

2. Familiarise yourself with online interviews

Get vital face time with employers and recruiters. Even if they cannot meet you in person, they will still be available to meet you via a video call. Let your recruitment consultant know you are open to online interviews and identify which applications you have available to you (e.g. Zoom, Microsoft Teams) and which you are most comfortable using. If you are unfamiliar with a certain application, your recruitment consultant can support you to work towards your successful interview.  

Unlike face-to-face interviews, online interviews require you to exaggerate your expressions to adequately convey emotions. Practice with a friend on video to determine what level of tone, volume and body movement is needed to appear natural to the other person. 

3. Test technology in advance

Before any online interview, always test your Wi-Fi connection and audio settings to ensure you have minimal disturbances during your video call. Be sure to have switched off any pop-ups or downloads that might interrupt your call. Chances are that you will know in advance what platform the interview will be conducted in. Take time to familiarise yourself with its features and functions and have a back-up method of communication with the interviewer in case technical issues arise. Demonstrating that you have planned for contingencies will let the interviewer know that you are competent and adaptable. 

4. Give your LinkedIn profile a boost

Don’t underestimate the value of networking when it comes to securing a job. Use this time to be as active as possible on networking platforms such as LinkedIn. Switch the settings on your LinkedIn profile to let recruiters and employers know that you’re actively open to job approaches – this means your profile will turn up on active searches related to your field. This way it is far more likely that a recruitment consultant will reach out to you with new jobs. Additionally, try reaching out to connections for advice or any job leads. 

5. Create a digital CV

Robert Walters’ digital recruitment technology allows candidates to record themselves from mobile, laptop, desktop or tablet, all in your own time, by answering pre-determined questions. With your consent, our recruitment consultants can send your digital CV to multiple prospective employers for review, speeding up the recruitment process for you.

6. Explore contract work

In an uncertain job market, cautious employers are more likely to invest in temp-to-perm hires. Contracting is a fantastic opportunity for you to take control of your career, and for some people, it’s the best decision they’ll ever make. Contracting can also be an excellent way to gain experience and get a foot in the door with a great company.

Robert Walters consultants are on hand to support you and assist you through your job search so reach out to gain access to the latest jobs and unrivalled career advice.