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If you’ve got a job interview in this pandemic-stricken economy, chances are you’re doing it through a video conferencing tool like Zoom or Google Meet. But even if you’re a friendly guy who thrives on the organic energy of face-to-face interaction, the remote interview format can work to your advantage.

While you can’t instill this sociable IRL attitude, you can use a tactic that is invisible to the people on the other side of your screen. Notes are referenced that only you can see. I’m talking, of course, of literally having off-camera notes that you can subtly refer to in case you deviate from course.

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There’s nothing wrong with that

For some reason, referencing notes during an interview is often viewed as gauche, like a way of cheating by not remembering the perfect script to perform in front of an audience. Fuck it all. It is impossible to know everything an interviewer is going to ask you. So using various general off-camera instructions can give you peace of mind when a curveball is thrown in your direction.

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Of course, don’t rely too much on the notes you’ve prepared, but rather consider them as additions that merely aid in the larger topics of conversation that you are already proficient in. The notes may include facts about the person (or people) you interviewed, information about the company, and reminders to talk about specific accomplishments and attributes that you believe will improve your chances.

Position them outside the camera

In practice, you want these notes – whether they are post-its, small pieces of paper, or whatever format – to be out of sight of your webcam. This is pretty easy as you can stick them on a wall behind your computer or just lay them out on a table to the left or right of your screen. Another important note: always use a marker that is easy to read at a glance. You don’t want to rely on them like some sort of teleprompter, so keep the instructions big and bold enough to include discreetly.

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Think about the basics too

It’s always good to gloss over the basic etiquette of nailing an interview over a video. If you don’t take a look at your notes every now and then, remember, don’t make it too obvious! –Make sure you are looking at your webcam. The webcam projects the image that the other callers actually see, and it makes more sense to fix your gaze on them than to have a wandering eye.

Also, make sure you are in a quiet place with good lighting as people obviously need to see you. Wear clothes that you may wear to a face-to-face interview. If it’s a group interview, mute your microphone if you won’t speak for a long time. When it’s time to thank them for their time and sign out, Do that with a waveThis is the clearest way to show that you know the interview is over.

We’ve been through this marathon pandemic for over a year, so we all understand the basics of video conferencing. However, if you have notes on hand that are away from the camera, the only way to improve your chances is by speaking virtually for your next interview job.