Jobhop Jobhop's blog : Remote Working: Benefits And Interviews

The Benefits of Remote Working

Remote working has become increasingly popular in recent years.

There is now a huge number of remote employees due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it looks like remote working isn't going away. People are now looking for ways to reduce transportation and office rental costs, which makes remote working an attractive option.

Today's technology has made the process of staying connected with work colleagues easier and remote working doesn't feel so isolated as it once was.

Since having to work remotely due to the pandemic workers have now realised the many benefits that this style of working offers and now many are choosing to work remotely. These benefits include an increase in flexibility, improved work/life balance, and lower stress levels.

● Remote work offers flexibility, which is one of its biggest advantages. If you have young children at home or other obligations that make keeping a 9-5 schedule difficult, you can start and finish work whenever is convenient for you.

● Working remotely also helps improve your work/life balance. Having less time to commute or work late nights at the office means more time for family, friends, and hobbies. As a result, you can live a happier, healthier lifestyle.

● Finally, research has shown that working from home can reduce stress levels. When you're at home, you can create a work environment that is ideal for focus and concentration. Plus, you don't have to deal with stressful commute times, delays or any office politics.

Nowadays it's increasingly common not to ever need to go into the workplace because so much can be achieved from anywhere and everywhere else. That also applies to job interviews; just as employers have gotten used to not having the workforce in the workplace, they are also used to hiring virtually.

So, how do you ace a remote interview?

Read on to find out the strategies for acing a remote interview.

In many ways, a remote interview is just like any other job interview. Hence, preparation for a remote working interview is essential. You must prepare how you will present yourself to the interviewer and conduct research about the company that you are applying for. However, there are a few key differences that you'll need to keep in mind.

How to Ace a Remote Interview

The job interview process can be frustrating, exhilarating, and stressful all at once. To nail an interview, practice makes perfect. A helpful tip is to put your screen record on and record your interviews.

Having a screen recording of the interview itself will serve as a great reminder of what was discussed and how you responded - both good and bad. It will help you be more prepared for any future interviews.

Things to do before your remote working interview:

1. Make sure your internet connection is strong and reliable.

Today, it is more important than ever to have a reliable internet connection, especially if you are applying to work remotely.

2. Always dress professionally, even if you're just interviewing from your living room.

In the age of Zoom, more and more people are conducting interviews from their living rooms, however, looking professional in your remote interview is still important.

3. Be aware of your body language and keep your energy up.

The way you carry yourself speaks volumes, often without you even realising it. Here are a few of the body languages that you must observe. If you’re slouching or crossing your arms, you look uninterested or bored. In these situations, you should also maintain a high level of energy. If you seem tired or disinterested, it will reflect poorly on you. On the other hand, standing up straight with an open posture conveys confidence and enthusiasm.

4. Be prepared to share your screen during the interview.

When you're interviewing for a job, the interviewers may want to see examples of your work. The interviewer might ask to view a portfolio, previous projects, or even just some screenshots. Sharing your screen is a great way to show off your work and give the interviewers a better understanding of what you do day-to-day. It also shows that you're comfortable using technology and are confident in your abilities. In these instances, make sure that your desktop is clean and organised.

5. Keep your environment clean, clutter-free, and silent from background noise.

When you're getting ready for a remote interview, it's important to make sure your environment is clean and clutter-free. That way, you'll be able to focus on the interviewer and the conversation, without being distracted by your surroundings. You must also keep any noise to a minimum, and if possible, mute any background noise sources. In addition to that, if you have any pets, make sure they are out of the frame and won't be a distraction.

6. Use a headset or earbuds to minimise any sound issues.

Before your remote interview, it's important to do a sound check to ensure that there will be no sound issues on the day. You can try using the built-in microphone and speakers on your computer, however, there is a chance that this way could produce an echo. Ideally use a headset or earbuds to ensure clear audio.

7. Have a few questions prepared to ask at the end of the interview.

The end of an interview is often when the interviewer asks if the interviewee has any questions. This is the time to ask any questions that you may have about the role, the company, or the interviewer's own experiences. Asking questions shows that you are interested in the role and that you have done your research. It also gives you a chance to clarify any points that may be unclear.

8. Follow up with a thank-you note after the interview.

It is always good etiquette to write a thank you note after an interview. This shows that you are grateful for the time the interviewer took to speak with you, and it also gives you one last opportunity to reiterate your interest in the position. The thank-you note should be sent as soon as possible after the interview, and it should be addressed to each person who interviewed you. In the note, you can mention something specific that you discussed with the interviewer, and why you are excited about the opportunity to work at the company. This also serves as a simple way to stand out from other candidates, so be sure to take the time to write one after your next interview.

Remote work isn’t all or nothing

Working remotely doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing proposition. While some people may thrive in a fully remote environment, others may find that they work best with a mix of remote and in-person interactions, otherwise known as "hybrid working". This is a mix of remote working and working in the office. Even though work-life can continue very well virtually, it can be nice to touch base with colleagues in real life a couple of times a week.

Many resources are available to help you make the transition, including books, websites, and online courses. With a little planning and preparation, you can find out if remote working or even hybrid working is right for you.

Tonie Rose Guevarra is a PR Outreach and Writer at VEED.

She loves to write content about travel, lifestyle, business, digital marketing, and SEO. Get to know more about Tonie.