The rise of remote work and advancements in technology have led to an increased prevalence of remote and video interviews in the financial services industry. At eMFusion Global, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities presented by virtual interviews, and we’re here to help you succeed. In this blog post, we share our top tips for candidates on how to excel in remote and video interviews, ensuring you make a strong impression on potential employers.
- Test Your Technology
Before your interview, make sure your computer, internet connection, and video conferencing software are functioning correctly. Conduct a test call with a friend or family member to check your audio and video quality and familiarise yourself with any platform-specific features. This will help you avoid technical issues during the interview and allow you to focus on showcasing your skills and experience.
- Choose a Professional Background
Select a quiet, well-lit area for your interview, with a clean and professional-looking background. Avoid clutter or distractions that may detract from your appearance or the interviewer’s focus. Ensure your camera is positioned at eye level to maintain natural eye contact throughout the conversation.
- Dress Professionally
Just as with in-person interviews, your appearance plays a significant role in forming a first impression. Dress professionally and appropriately for the financial services industry, even if you’re interviewing from home. This demonstrates your commitment to the role and respect for the interview process.
- Minimise Distractions
Before your remote interview, inform household members of your plans and ask them to avoid making noise or interrupting you during the call. Silence your phone and close any unnecessary applications on your computer to minimise potential distractions.
- Practice Active Listening and Engage with the Interviewer
In a virtual interview, it’s essential to maintain active listening skills and display engagement with the interviewer. Nod in agreement, maintain eye contact, and use verbal cues to indicate you’re paying attention. Remember that body language is still crucial in video interviews, so maintain good posture and use gestures to emphasise your points.
- Prepare and Refer to Notes
One advantage of remote interviews is the ability to keep notes nearby for reference. While you should avoid reading from a script, having key points or examples readily available can help you feel more confident and prepared. Just be sure to keep your notes out of the camera’s view and maintain eye contact with the interviewer while speaking.
- Ask Insightful Questions
As with in-person interviews, prepare thoughtful questions to ask your interviewer about the company, role, or team. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the position and allows you to gather valuable information to help you determine if the opportunity is a good fit for you.
- Follow Up with a Thank You Email
After your remote interview, send a thank you email to the interviewer, expressing your gratitude for the opportunity and your interest in the role. This simple gesture can leave a lasting impression and set you apart from other candidates.
Conclusion
Remote and video interviews present unique challenges, but with the right preparation and strategies, you can excel in the virtual financial services job market. By following these tips from eMFusion Global, you’ll be well-equipped to make a strong impression on potential employers and secure your ideal role. For personalised support and guidance throughout the job search process, contact our experienced team at eMFusion Global today.
