As more and more parts of the country are being placed under community quarantine, many are taking the chance to shift to an online job. It’s a smart move, considering no one knows how long this will last.

There’s also some underlying concern if people will still have a job to return to once everything has settled down. Securing remote work now can be a way to prepare for the worst-case scenario of your city being placed under total lockdown.

Finding the perfect virtual role can be a huge relief, especially in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak. You won’t have to worry about your income even if you can’t go out of the house. Meaning, you’ll have funds to buy supplies or pay for amenities.

You’ll also have money to spend when the time comes for the world to try and go back to normal.

Applying for an online job is significantly easier compared to a traditional job application. There’s no need to print out and bring along clean copies of your resume. Neither do you have to worry about getting to the venue on time and without getting your professional outfit dirty.

However, be careful not to be lulled into a false sense of security. Interviews done through Skype must be handled with the same level of professionalism as those conducted physically.

Get Ready for Your Skype Interview

Follow these five tips to increase your chances of leaving a good impression on the hiring manager or your potential employer.

Find a quiet and private space

What’s going on behind you on-screen can be just as important as your answers to the interview questions. The last thing you’d want is your prospective client seeing your mum hanging your laundry in the background.

Fortunately, you’re able to control what can be seen or heard. Eliminate anything that might distract or interrupt your conversation by finding a quiet spot in the house.

If your place is packed with people because of the quarantine, inform them beforehand so they can make sure they are out of the way by then.

Wear clean and decent clothes

In the same way that you get dressed to the nines when you’re talking to someone face-to-face, you’ll want to ensure that you are wearing appropriate clothing on video too.

Put on those long sleeves and iron out the creases on your slacks. You might think that having a collared top is enough and you can just wear shorts underneath. However, you never know if you need to stand up to grab a document or close the curtains so be prepared for those scenarios too.

Check your internet connection

Don’t you hate it when the video you’re viewing keeps buffering? The same applies when you’re holding a Skype interview. A strong internet connection is a must-have for a smooth online conversation.

Conduct a test run with a friend or a relative, if possible. Have a backup plan in case your DSL or broadband line encounters problems. A pocket WiFi device is a good investment, although you can also try USB tethering with your smartphone with an LTE SIM.

Test your hardware and software

It can be a nightmare to discover that your audio equipment isn’t working just when your interview has started. Realising that your Skype needs to be updated 5 minutes before your scheduled call is a problem too.

This is why you must perform a test run at least a day before so you can address any issues that might arise. If possible, do another check 4 to 6 hours prior. Some driver might need to be updated to run the program or your dog might have chewed on your headset last night.

Rehearse answers to potential questions

Unless your potential employer provided the questions beforehand, it’s not possible to accurately predict what the interviewer will ask you.

However, there are some common queries you can prepare for, such as: “Why do you think you’d be a good fit for the job?” or “Why would you like to work for our company?”.

Think about how you would like to answer these questions, then practice it in front of the camera. This can help you maintain eye contact better during the actual video call so you appear more confident.

Are You Ready for Your Skype Interview?

Remote work has plenty to offer in this time of great need. Hence, you’ll want to increase your chances of being offered a position as much as possible. Acing your Skype interview is essential so we hope that the tips we’ve shared above can point you in the right direction.

If you’re wondering how else Remote Workmate can help you apart from providing guidance, we can connect you with prospective clients who can see your worth as an employee.

We post listings from clients who need a skilled or experienced professional like you. We will do the initial screenings, but the client conducts the final interview. We’ll also provide you with a brief overview of their business to prepare you for the video call.