The purpose of this guide is to ensure that you have the best possible virtual interview experience.
OfferZen is revolutionising the tech recruitment industry, so it’s only fitting that our interview process is a reflection of that. We’re bold, dynamic, and ready to embrace change so without further ado, let’s get into it! Here are a few handy tips to ensure your interview goes smoothly:
Technical Set-Up 👨🏾💻👩🏻💻
Make sure your technology is ready to go.
⏬ Download necessary software: We generally use Zoom or Google Meets which are quite similar. Be sure to check your calendar invite and familiarise yourself with how to use virtual platforms.
🐛 Dial in early and test your technology: Surprises and tech glitches right before your interview can throw you off your A-game, this is why testing or dialing in early is a great way to prep. Dial in at least 5 to 10-minutes before your interview to navigate any technical difficulties. This ensures your session(s) with us aren't rushed and we have enough time to speak.
📽 Turn your Camera On: This helps the rest of your group see your face and not just a letter or static picture on a screen.
🎥 Make sure the camera is at eye level: It puts your face in frame and helps everyone on the call see your full face clearly. To avoid shaky camera syndrome, we encourage you to use a desktop, laptop or propped-up tablet rather than a smartphone you will need to hold throughout the conversation where possible
💻 Charge your laptop: Always ensure your battery is charged and/or close to a charging point (a happy battery is a charged battery).
Some guidance on Google Meets
Tips for remote interviews 🔥
👘 Get dressed
Just because you’re working from home, doesn’t mean that pants are optional. Dress comfortably and as if you're meeting the interview team in person. It also puts you in the right state of mind for the day, preparing you to get your game face on.
✏️ Take notes
Make sure you have a notebook and pen, water bottle and your schedule nearby. This will help you prepare for upcoming questions and enable you to take notes during the interview and quickly confirm your availability for next steps with ease.
⭐ Star method
As much as you can, try answer behavior-based questions using the STAR Interview Technique
Situation. Describe the situation or set the scene. Explain the place you were working for or the task you were given.
Task. Describe the issue or problem you were confronted with.
Action. Describe the action you took to intervene in the situation or solve the problem. This should introduce the key asset you would like to illustrate.
Results. Describe the results your action generated. Explain how you helped solve the problem or improve the company in some way.
Consider your own successes and failures in relation to the OfferZen values. Have specific examples that showcase your expertise, and demonstrate how you’ve taken risks, succeeded, failed, and grown in the process. Keep in mind that some of OfferZen’s most successful initiatives have risen from the ashes of failed projects. Failure is a necessary part of innovation. It’s not optional. We understand that and believe in failing early and iterating until we get it right.
⁉️ Ask questions
We welcome all questions and urge you to engage with the OfferZen team you'll meet throughout the process. During the interview, remember that it's an opportune time for you to get to know OfferZen, the role you've applied for and the team you may be joining a bit better.
Normally, your interviewer(s) will set time aside for questions (or welcome them throughout the interview).
📚 Do your research
Read. Read. Read some more.
There’s no better way to prepare yourself for interviews than to research about the company, the role, and the team you'll be meeting. Here is our careers page and here is our company About Us page for more information.
🏡 Choose your location ahead of time
Answering a video call (or any other work-related call) at home has its challenges. To ensure there are minimal distractions throughout the call, we ask that you set yourself up in a quiet area (appearances by pets are encouraged). Consider using headphones if you cannot attend from a quiet, private location.
Troubleshooting:
If you experience technical difficulties during your interview, close out and re-enter the Google Meets link.
If you still have trouble connecting, dial in from your mobile phone using the toll-free number in the interview invite.
Email your recruiting contact immediately if you are unable to connect.