Online communication is the new norm. The world of recruitment is no different, face to face interviews have turned to virtual interviews through platforms such as VidCruiter, my interview and Zoom. Implementing the following tips will put you on track to having a successful interview.

Arrange your interview space carefully

Arranging the space where you want to execute your interview is vital. You don’t want any distractions grabbing the interviewer’s attention. Create a clean, professional-looking background. If you don’t have a home office this can be done by simply choosing a clean and clear wall, then placing a chair and table in front of it. Make sure there is no clutter, as you want to be the focus.

Dress for Success

Dress for the role that you want. The dress code for virtual interviews isn’t any different to face to face interviews. You want to present the best version of yourself by dressing in a professional manner. This will also help you feel confident throughout the interview.

Eliminate Distractions

Make sure you have informed your house mates or family about your scheduled interview. You do not want any background noise that will distract you from delivering a great interview. Choose a quiet spot in a closed off room (if possible). Another important tip is to shut down any programs on your computer that may interrupt the interview. These programmes can also interfere with your connection and you don’t want any disruptions during your call.

Interviewing Rules Still Apply

Prepare in the exact same way as you would when heading to a face to face interview. Spend time researching the role you are applying for. Know the company’s background and how you will add value to the business. Preparation is just as important. Make sure you have prepared answers to potential interview questions. You’ll find lots of useful information on interview preparation on the web. The interview rules still apply!

Practice makes perfect!

Becoming familiar with virtual interviews is key. You want to feel and therefore look comfortable and confident to the interviewer. Doing some trial runs is a great idea. Practising your interview ahead of time means you can make yourself a list of any necessary reminders. You want to be fully set up and ready to go!. Ask your friend, partner or a family member to help by doing some practice runs. You can also screen record your practice and watch it back to improve.

Working from home, while not an entirely a new concept for some, has become the new normal for most of us. However, it’s not an ideal choice for many, especially when trying to maintain that perfect work life balance. It may surprise us to find however that, according to some studies, WFH can in fact increase productivity; providing workers with increased flexibility. So, as many of us have not yet returned to our work- places and perhaps have experienced lows in our motivation levels, here are some ways to stay productive.

Reclaim your work boundaries

Since your work is now in your own home, you may have already found yourselves doing more hours. For those of you who have been struggling, it’s not too late for you to reclaim your work boundaries; working normal office hours and having a definitive cut-off point in the evening will prove a great help. This approach allows you to be productive in your work hours but also allows you a guilt free exit at the end of the working day. Allowing yourself time to relax and recharge your batteries in your down time, is essential for maintaining high productivity levels in the long term.

Confine your workspace

Create a designated space of work. Ideally this would be a home office or a separate room in your house. However, if this isn’t possible, it’s still important to mark out even a section or corner of a room, however limited. Working from the space, where you eat or socialise, is hard when creating the divide between leisure and work. If you can, only go to your designated space when you need to work and keep your work- space out of sight when enjoying time to yourself. Out of sight out of mind, giving your brain time to relax from work.

Take breaks and avoid “cabin fever”

Take breaks away from your workspace during the work- day. We all need that headspace. This is proven to increase productivity. Take yourself outside as much as possible. Commutes to and from work are now cut out; so, if you haven’t already, make up for the loss of the walk to the bus, by doing some laps around the block.

Follow an accountable schedule

It’s important to continue to follow a set routine as you would do in the office. This continuity will help you sustain your motivation and focus. Hold more regular meetings with colleagues, to better hold yourself accountable for the completion of unfinished tasks. Establish daily targets to measure your productivity. Meeting your goals for that day will increase your sense of well-being as well as adding value to your business.

Collaboration/Communication 

It’s very important to avoid isolating yourself, and to stay connected. You may have been working at home for so long now that you have lost touch with work colleagues. Maintaining maximum contact with your fellow employees, helps foster creativity, enhances productivity, helps keep you motivated and let’s face it, even keeps you sane. Holding virtual meetings and even catch-ups, during your lunch break, will remind you that you are still part of a team.

A company’s culture is derived from the core values and beliefs of the organisation and it impacts and defines the environment in which employees work. Companies that maintain a healthy culture during times of uncertainty, but also move towards an innovative and flexible approach in line with great change, can become the leaders when it comes to growth and recruitment.

A transparent approach

Implementing a transparent approach is key to keeping an employee’s loyalty. Addressing changes and anxieties with an open and honest approach will reassure employees that the changes are being acknowledged and dealt with, which in turn can reduce the feeling of uncertainty. It’s important to remember a strong culture that flourishes is based on an amalgamation of the individuals who make up the organisation. Keeping these employees up-to-date with current developments within the business increases their confidence in the security of their roles, which in turn positively impacts their motivation and productivity.

Implementing a strong communication structure

Encourage listening. It is important to ensure that employees’ voices are heard. In uncertain times people want to know that their fears and worries are being listened to, recognised, and considered when important decisions are being made. Create a safe space to allow individuals to air their opinions. It may prove beneficial for a director to listen from a different standpoint. Fostering effective communication between employees can bring a positive, united environment and encourage collaboration. It can be a lonely time for staff who are working from home during this pandemic. Staying connected is important; using effective technology to allow employees to communicate easily will ensure good levels of productivity. Staff catch ups and brainstorming ways to stay connected are good ideas to keep positivity levels up. A Zoom quiz is always a good way to raise spirits!

Get creative and adapt with change

Keeping core values and beliefs as a benchmark but developing them in line with change, with a creative, flexible approach is important to keeping a business on top. Consider the ways you can keep the spirit of your culture alive. It may not be within budget to keep some of the programmes running that you use to maintain the culture. However, it’s beneficial to think outside the box to bring in new ideas. For example, rewards and recognition schemes may not be feasible but you can practise recognition at work through other approaches. Having a modern, up-to date culture will give you a competitive edge when attracting top talent.