What's being interviewed remotely like?

Online interviews make communicating harder. You don't get to read the micro-movements that happen in in-person conversations that inform many ways we react. To compensate for this, the following helps

1. Modulate your voice to sound interested and confident - your voice is the best tool you have for online interviews so make sure you take full advantage of it. Sound confident, project it even if it comes across as slightly fake. Definitely sound interested - you have to put in extra effort here to engage with the person interviewing you

2. Pay careful attention to listening - it is harder to do when staring directly at a screen. Try your best to listen attentively and take excellent notes - feel free to reach out to me on templates for note taking

3. Be okay with silences - just because it is online doesn't mean you need to be uncomfortable with silence

4. Lastly, put in extra effort to come across as attentive - use body language to your advantage such as nodding whenever you agree with something, leaning forward to express interest etc.

All the best,

Udayan

Dear A,

On the top of what have been already said, I would like to pay your attention on the following things to make your online interview work:

- good internet connection

- good light, headset

- quiet place to avoid disctruction of the inerviewer and for you to concentrate

As for the cases, after the COVID crisis you may get more cases on restructurisation or calculation the influence, or even digitalisation. 

Hope it helps,

Best,
André

Hi Anonymous A,

Thanks for asking your question on our Consulting Q&A! I'm sure our coaches will have some great advice for you. 

Please also check out our article which may be useful for you: 10 Tips for a Successful Online Interview

All the best for your upcoming interviews!

Astrid

PrepLounge Community Management

 Follow us on: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | twitter

Hi there,

It's definitely tricky and requires practice!

1) Everything you need to demonstrate/know in "normal" times stays the same. Meaning, don't change any of your prep just becuase it's online. You will still get a prompt, you will still need to read/interpret charts, you will still need to be hypothesis driven, create a solid framework, drive the case, communicate clearly, think in a structured manner, etc. etc.

2) Specific tips for being well set-up

• Make sure you have a good internet connection AND be prepared to hotspot with your phone
• Test the videoconferencing platform/tool a day before (to make sure it's installed, compatible, etc.)
• Login 10 minutes before to prevent any issue
• Make sure you'll be in a quiet space with no distractions - Tell everyone in your household you have an important call and to not interrupt or make loud noises
• Make sure your sound works - get a headset
• Make sure your video works
• Setup a space without distracting items/activity behind you
• Get multiple monitors so you can look at 3 things at once (1 screen makes thought linear which is tough),
• Have a good desk space and keep using paper for solving the case,
• Still dress for the occasion

​3) Think about COVID-19 implications to your case

You might either be given a COVID-19 case directly, or need to consider its impact. Clara and I have create a few cases to help you feel prepared with this!

https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/brain-teaser/beginner/coronavirus-times-covid-19-brainteaser-194

https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/candidate-led-usual-style/intermediate/chinese-chess-airline-business-during-covid-19-191

https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/candidate-led-usual-style/intermediate/covid-19-impact-on-heathrow-airport-197

Hi Anonymous,

In terms of interview procedure it's the same - no change because of remote interviews.

On top of the regular preparation just make sure your tech setup works - just use common sense and prepare like having any important business meeting online .. and it's the same for all candidates, so don't worry about it too much.

On top of that just a few seeming small points to consider, which make a huge difference at the end and are oftenly underestimated:

• Having a high-quality headset filtering out background noises (much more relaxed for your interviewer without hearing constant voices or distortions from a poor microphone on the other end) - this stuff can get expensive, and if you don't want to invest the money try to borrow it for that occassion from someone, it really makes a noticable difference
• Having a high-speed internet connection and ideally even a backup line (e.g. cable internet + 4G connection to switch)
• Try to have a private quiet locations - you can never guarantee any sudden construction works in any neighbor's flat, but try to control whatever you can

Hope that helps - if so, please be so kind and give it a thumbs-up with the green upvote button below!

Robert

To add to what's been said, always ask for clarification or offer clarification more than you usually would in case something was lost in transmission!

Hi there,

Online interviews have both pros and cons. It depends on the different factors. You need to prepare your interview before and check that techniques, internet, video and audio works. Also, it’s harder to understand the recruiter’s reactions and feelings.

But it could be easier if you prepare everything before the interview. It also could be more comfortable as you sit at your home in safety.

So, as I wrote before, it depends on the people and technique equipment.

Was it helpful? 

All the best,

GB