Preparing for a job interview can be daunting. There is much to consider - from what you decide to wear, to making a good first impression, to how you communicate why you are the best candidate for the job. Add the stress of having to conduct the interviews over Zoom, and it can be a recipe for disaster. But not to worry - we’re here to share our top tips to help you crush your remote interview. And let me assure you, we have a lot of experience in this area. In 2021 alone, SoFi received over 100,000 candidate applications!
So what’s our best advice? We’ve broken it down into four easy-to-remember tips:
Tip #1: Be yourself! Be authentic. This may sound obvious, but a lot of times interview jitters or our desire to get the job can make it hard to bring your true, authentic self to the interview. This can often impact your answer to the standard first interview question - “So tell me about yourself”.
To help you start off with a bang, SoFi Career Coach Ashley Stahl breaks down her tips: The best way to answer this question is to have something prepared! Don’t just talk through your background and resume, but develop an elevator pitch that has four key elements: your story, your cuff, your golden skill, and your goal.
- Your Story: what brings you purpose in life? What are your passions?
- Your Golden Skill: how is your skillset applicable to the job? Or, more simply said, why are you the best candidate for the role?
- Your Cuff: take the opportunity to address any gaps in your resume or job history that may leave the interviewer with questions.
- Your Goal: this should be rooted in sharing what you are looking for, so you and the interviewer are on the same page from the get-go . This could sound like, “At the moment, I am looking to transition into [insert industry/job function]”. Your goal should also aim to show how connected you are to the company’s mission.
- Make sure you have reliable internet access. If you do not, your local library, an office-share space, or the home of a family member or friend could be good options.
- Test the video platform and your camera/microphone before your live interview. Make sure you are able to log in seamlessly (you may need to create an account or download an application to your desktop or phone). This is to ensure you aren’t late to your interview. Avoid sitting in front of a door where there could be a passerby, and try to be in a quiet place with a neutral background.
Tip #3: Don’t let your nerves get the best of you. It’s totally normal to get nervous - it shows you’re invested and that you want to put your best foot forward during your interview. One of the best ways to calm the adrenaline running through your veins is to quiet your mind. Here’s a quick 5-minute meditation to calm pre-interview jitters.
Tip #4: Prepare, prepare, prepare. There is no such thing as over-preparing for an interview; but you can under prepare. The saying “practice makes perfect” really is true. Here are our best tips to come prepared to rock your interview.
- Research the company and the people you’re interviewing with. Look at the company’s mission and values and find your own connection points. Be ready to share those synergies. Search for your interviewers on LinkedIn; get to know them, see if you have any connections, and reference their background in the interview! It will help establish rapport or break the virtual ice.
- Search for the most common interview questions, or ask your recruiter what you can expect. At SoFi, we use behavioral interviewing to understand a candidate’s experience and fit for the role. Come prepared to share examples of your achievements, how you solved complex challenges, and how you work collaboratively with others. The more examples you can share from your professional experience, the better you’ll prove you are the best candidate for the job.
Looking for more interviewing support? Check out our candidate resources, which helps take the guesswork out of interviewing at SoFi, and can give you the tools to bring your best self to your interviews.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your job search, explore open roles at SoFi. We’re hiring!
Good luck!
