By Laura Vondenhuevel, BS, RHIT, CTR
Have you ever considered
consulting or contracting work as an alternative to a 9 to 5 office job? If
you’re not used to working from home, it can be frightening to make this type
of transition. Often times you’re very first interaction with a potential
employer will be a remote interview via the phone or
WebEx. This can be overwhelming! Should you prepare differently than you would
for an in-person interview? As someone who has 10 years of experience working
and teaching from home, I have had my share of remote interviews and business
interactions. Hopefully my tips can help you feel more confident during your
first remote interview.
1. Smile!
Even though employers can’t always see your face during a remote interview, I strongly believe they can hear you smile on the other end. If it’s a video interview, make sure you look professional - just like you would for an in-person interview - and treat the camera as your interviewer. And make sure you are in a quiet area.
Even though employers can’t always see your face during a remote interview, I strongly believe they can hear you smile on the other end. If it’s a video interview, make sure you look professional - just like you would for an in-person interview - and treat the camera as your interviewer. And make sure you are in a quiet area.
2. Be clear
and concise.
I learned once that just 20 percent of communication comes from the words you say and how you say them. The other 80 percent comes from nonverbal cues. Being clear and concise during your remote interview will ensure your message comes across appropriately.
I learned once that just 20 percent of communication comes from the words you say and how you say them. The other 80 percent comes from nonverbal cues. Being clear and concise during your remote interview will ensure your message comes across appropriately.
3. Understand
your industry.
Make sure to research what your industry requires for home office needs. If you’re in the healthcare industry like myself, make sure you are aware of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) or other compliance standards that will apply to the location of your future home office (e.g., the ability to secure your computer when you are not using it, screens not facing a first floor window, or needing a cross cut shredder).
Make sure to research what your industry requires for home office needs. If you’re in the healthcare industry like myself, make sure you are aware of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) or other compliance standards that will apply to the location of your future home office (e.g., the ability to secure your computer when you are not using it, screens not facing a first floor window, or needing a cross cut shredder).
4. Know your
tech. If you are going to be working
from home, even with IT support from your company, be prepared to describe your
technical skills and familiarity with a computer. It is also good to know your
internet service provider name and your connection speed.
5. Ask questions.
Find out how the company supports its remote workers. Do they offer remote opportunities for interaction with co-workers? If there are on-site and off-site employees, are activities available companywide? How do they support a connected remote workplace?
Find out how the company supports its remote workers. Do they offer remote opportunities for interaction with co-workers? If there are on-site and off-site employees, are activities available companywide? How do they support a connected remote workplace?
Hopefully these remote
interview tips will spark some ideas and help you feel more comfortable as you
venture into the world of working outside of the office. My final piece of
advice is to talk to someone who has already done it and have them walk you
through what they did before they started working remotely. I promise if you
are the right kind of worker for remote work, it’s not as scary as it may seem.
This article was originally
featured on the CHAMPS Oncology Outlook blog on June 22, 2017. https://champsoncology.com/blog/5-tips-for-a-remote-interview
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