Test the technology
Get your necessary equipment and software ready and tested beforehand. Ensure the microphone and speakers are working and your internet connection is strong. Perhaps try a test call to ensure all is ready. You may wish to use a professional screen name that so that the interviewers recognise you easily. Consider having back up available, in case you have a connection or battery issue. Maybe have an extra device to hand, which is ready and set up. The use of ear buds may be preferred, as you may hear the interviewers more clearly?
Select the location
It goes without saying but in advance of the call, you should select a quiet, private space (definitely not in a coffee shop or public area) and somewhere without background noise. You may also wish to consider where you are sitting and what the background (behind you) is. Remember you want to present a professional atmosphere. If you are at home, remember to tell others in the house that you cannot be disturbed.
Practice
Do you feel a practice interview may help you? Will a friend or family member ask you some interview questions? Practice listening carefully, speaking clearly, not rushing and giving yourself a moment to prepare your response. This may just make you feel more at ease for the call itself.
Presentation
Although you may be interviewing from home, wearing professional attire can help you focus and give you confidence. Do treat the interview as a formal, business-like face-to-face interview. Remember, the interviewers will be eager to see how you would present yourself to their clients, if successful.
Have resources to hand
This will depend on you – you may wish to have a copy of your CV/resume to hand, in case you need to refer to it? You may have some questions jotted down, that you may wish to glance at? You may wish to take occasional notes? Don’t let any of these distract you from the task in hand though and you want to maintain screen contact. Materials to hand may distract you, or you may like them to lightly refer to.
Be interview ready!
Preparation is key – it will give you the confidence to give it your best shot! In advance of the interview, you should have researched the organisation – and know as much as possible, including any recent news articles. Know who is interviewing you, conduct any research, ei what is their background? Know the role you are applying for and ensure you are ready to discuss your background and experience in relation to that. Just because the interviewers have your CV, do not expect that they know you. You really need to showcase your ability, remember it could be a competitive field and you really need to “sell yourself!”
Consider some scenario based questions in advance of the interview and have some answers in your head, which just may crop up!
Other points to consider
Remember communication and personality are big factors in any interview – be yourself, show your personality (though also remain professional). If you like what you hear, show your enthusiasm and your commitment. This goes a long way. Interviewers want to see that you want it! At the end of the interview, it can often be good to finish with an “affirmation” – perhaps thank the interviewers for their time and reiterate how keen and committed you are.
