If you’re hunting for a remote job there are four psychology-back tips you can incorporate into your interview strategy and increase your chances of getting a job offer.
Gesticulate
Keep your hands above the table and gesture as much as you can, without being unnatural or forced. Seeing an open palm makes people like and trust you more. This is an evolutionary thing and people aren’t even conscious of it. If you’re on zoom you may have to sit further back to get in the frame. Either way, sitting with your hand in your lap under the desk looks weird, so try to avoid that if you can remember.
2. A Warm Culture Fit
Start the interview by saying why the company would be a great place to work. This signals to the interviewer that you are a culture fit, even if they don’t know anything about you. It also shows that you know something about the company. Research has shown that comments like this show warmth which people automatically favor.
3. Color Psychology
Wear a blue shirt or dress. Stats show that people are more likely to get hired when wearing blue because blue is associated with being trustworthy, tranquil, or calm. If you are already a digital nomad and interviewing via video chat, just make sure that your background isn’t also blue or you’ll blend in. Not feeling blue? Optimal apparel colors vary by industry, check out a more detailed breakdown here.
4. Neurolinguistic Programming
Finally the Jedi mind trick. When the interviewer asks if you have any questions, ask: “In a year from now how will you know that you have hired the right candidate for this role?” The interview will then go on to (hopefully) list key success factors and those success factors are now subconsciously associated with you.
5. Read the Job Description
This last one isn’t psychology, but just good practice. Before going into an interview, in-person or over Zoom, re-read the JD to make sure you haven’t missed anything and don’t ask questions that you should know the answer to.