Remote Interview: 15 Common Mistakes To Avoid
What shouldn’t you do during a remote interview? Here are the most common remote interview mistakes that candidates can make when trying to land a work at home job.
Unfortunately, it’s very easy to make some of these common mistakes if you don’t take the time to prepare before your interview.
Here are the top remote interview common mistakes to avoid
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#1. Arriving late for your remote interview
Yes you can even be late for a remote interview. This is probably one of the top pet peeves of employers. First impressions are everything when trying to land a job. Being late can cause an interviewer to have a negative opinion of you before the interview even begins.
Being late for a remote interview or any interview for that matter, suggests poor time management skills. It also gives the impression that you do not respect the interviewer’s time and that you aren’t serious about the job.
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#2. Not researching the company
Many fail to realize that company research is needed when having a remote interview.
It’s important to know background info about the company such as company history, products and services, locations, and mission statement. Also take the time to view the company’s social media pages to get further insights.
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#3. Not being ready with your own questions
Remember that a remote interview is also a time for you to ensure that the job is actually a good fit for you. Take this opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the position, company, and other pertinent factors.
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#4. Putting too much on social media
Employers can and will search for you on social media. Keep your profiles up to date, but be careful about what you put online. Don’t make posts that can cast you in a negative light. Definitely don’t talk about past jobs or your remote interview on social media.
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#5. Badmouthing past employers
Do not ever badmouth a past employer or boss. You don’t want the interviewer to feel that you might one day speak ill of them or the company.
It’s important during a remote interview, that the employer feel confident that you can work well with others and handle conflicts in a respectable manner.
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#6. Not paying attention
While you may not have any problems keeping focused in a one-on-one interview held in a private office, it’s often much harder to pay attention during a remote interview. Try your best not to zone out. Be sure to get plenty of rest the night before so you are as alert as possible.
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#7. Being too personal about yourself
It’s important to not be too friendly and share too much personal information about yourself during your remote interview. You have very limited time during an interview. Use it wisely to make the best impression. Keep your focus on the company and how you can be the best asset to the employer as possible.
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#8. Asking personal questions of the employer
Never ask your employer personal questions about themselves. This can come off as just plain creepy. Personal questioning of the hiring manager can make them feel uncomfortable and no longer interested in you as an employee.
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#9. Bringing up salary and benefits too soon
During a remote interview, never be the first to bring up salary and benefits. Wait for the employer to do so. Then and only then is it alright to talk about salary. If it isn’t brought up by the employer, it’s usually best to save this conversation until after you’ve been offered the job. Doing so after the offer, gives you greater negotiating power.
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#10. Not selling yourself enough
During a remote interview is not the time to be humble. More than likely the interviewer will not remember all the details from your resume. You will need to remind them of your accomplishments. Sell yourself. Show the employer how you’re the best person for the job.
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#11. Selling yourself too much
Also don’t make the mistake of coming on too strong. Don’t talk about yourself to the point that it seems arrogant.
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#12. Not taking the question “what’s your biggest weaknesses” seriously
If an interviewer asks you to tell them about your “biggest weakness”, don’t say something like “My biggest weakness is I don’t have one” or “I’m too nice”. Answers like that make you seem like you are not taking the interview seriously. Prepare an answer to this question ahead of time. Many interviewers ask it. Also prepare an answer on how you’re going to improve.
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#13. Neglecting to ask about what’s next
At the end of the remote interview, don’t forget to ask the interviewer about what comes next in the hiring process. This will emphasize that you’re interested in the job.
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#14. Forgetting to send a timely thank you note
Sending a thank you note is a very important part of the interview process. It’s usually best to send an emailed thank you letter within 24 hours. Be sure to tailor it to the job you interviewed for. It re-emphasizes that you are professional and interested in the position.
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#15. Contacting the hiring manager too much
After sending out a thank you note, don’t contact the company again for a few weeks. If you haven’t heard anything after a few weeks, it’s then alright to send a follow up email.
It’s important to understand that what’s appropriate for a remote interview is the same thing that is appropriate for an in-person job interview. Going into the remote interview prepared will help you to do your best and increase your chances of getting the job. Plus doing better will also help you to figure out if the job really is for you.
We hope you found our Remote Interview: 15 Common Mistakes To Avoid article beneficial to your remote job search!
To find a remote job, view our Remote Jobs page at www.RemoteJobNetwork.com/remote-jobs.
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What are other remote interview mistakes to avoid? Let us know in the comments.
Professional Development, Resume & Interview Tips, Working From Home Tips
