Top tips for conducting interviews remotely

I'm helping more and more companies to conduct their interviews remotely. Although some people find it less personal, it has its advantages.

However, a lot of job-seekers and interviewers alike are still uncomfortable with remote interviews. Here are my top tips to feel better about them.

1. Practice - make sure you feel comfortable on camera.
2. More practice - make sure you are familiar with the technology. Are your camera and microphone working properly? Do you know what app you're going to be using? If it's one you haven't used before, make sure you try it out before you connect with the person interviewing you.
3. Check the camera angle - you want the interviewer to see you as clearly as possible, so make sure that you're sitting square on, with the camera at approximately eye-level. This will make it look like you're looking directly at the other person and making good eye-contact. Sit close enough so that your entire head and shoulders can be seen on screen.
4. Switch off "self view" as it just makes you self-conscious (but make sure you've got your camera on and checked your camera angle first).
5. Remove distractions from your workspace, so you can stay focused.
6. Dress appropriately and polish your shoes. It really helps you to feel at your best, even if the person at the other end of the camera can't see everything. OK, so I don't literally mean polish your shoes - but the ritual of dressing is an important part of your mental preparation.
7. Have a glass of water on hand.
8. Smile

What other suggestions do you have?

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