Tips on How to Pass a Remote Job Interview

Many companies seek new employees via online job interviews as the world transitions to a more remote work environment. While interviewing remotely differs from meeting face-to-face, it doesn’t mean you can’t make a positive impression. 

We’ll share some top tips on how to pass a remote job interview successfully. From preparing for the interview to using the right technologies and knowledge of best practices, read on to find out how you can ace your remote job interview!

The Do’s of a Remote Job Interview

You can do a few things to ace your remote job interview. First, research the company and the specific role you’re interviewing for. This will help answer questions about your interest in the position and how your skills fit. 

Second, practice your answers to common interview questions out loud so you’re comfortable with them when it comes to interviews. Third, dress professionally for your video call, even if that means wearing a nice shirt and putting on some makeup if you usually don’t wear any. 

Finally, make sure your surroundings are clean and distraction-free so that the focus is on you during the interview.

The Don’ts of a Remote Job Interview

1. Don’t be late. This is one of the cardinal sins of any interview, but it’s even more critical in a remote job interview. If you’re not punctual, your potential employer will think you can’t be relied on to do the job.
2. Don’t be unprepared. Another surefire way to fail a remote job interview is to go into it without doing homework. Be sure to research thoroughly to answer any questions confidently and intelligently.
3. Don’t be unprofessional – just because you’re not meeting face-to-face doesn’t mean you can relax and let your guard down. Remember that potential employers are still assessing you. Act and dress appropriately and always keep your language clean and respectful.
4. Don’t be forgetful – finally, don’t make the mistake of forgetting critical details about yourself or your experience during the interview. This will only make you look disorganized and flustered, neither of which are qualities employers are looking for in candidates!

Tips on How to Prepare for a Remote Job Interview

Before your remote job interview, take the time to prepare so you can make a great impression and increase your chances of being hired. Here are some tips on how to prepare for a remote job interview:

1. Research. Learn as much as possible about the company and the specific role you’re interviewing for. This will help you understand their needs and what they’re looking for in a candidate.
2. Prepare your answers. Consider common interview questions and craft thoughtful responses highlighting your skills and qualifications. Practice answering these questions out loud, so you’re comfortable with them when it’s time for your interview.
3. Create a professional environment. Choose a quiet, well-lit spot in your home where you won’t be interrupted during the interview. Set up your laptop or camera, so it’s at eye level, and consider wearing business casual attire to help get you into the professional mindset.
4. Test your technology. Ensure your internet connection is strong enough to support a video call, and test your webcam and microphone beforehand to ensure they’re working correctly.
5. Relax and be yourself! The best way to ace any interview is to simply be relaxed, confident, and ready to show why you’re the best candidate for the job.

Tips for Answering Common Interview Questions

1. When answering common remote job interview questions, be clear and concise in your responses.
2. Be prepared to discuss your remote experience and how you successfully managed your time and tasks.
3. Have examples of times when you had to troubleshoot or solve problems independently without supervision.
4. Be prepared to talk about the collaborative tools you are familiar with and how you use them to stay connected with team members while working remotely.
5. Finally, express your interest in the company, the remote position you are interviewing for, and why you believe you would be an excellent fit for the role.

How to Follow Up After

If you’ve had a remote job interview and want to ensure you stay top of mind for the hiring manager, you can do a few things. First, send a thank-you note within 24 hours of your interview. You can email it or snail-mail it, whichever you think will make more of an impression. 

Second, follow up with the hiring manager or recruiter about a week after your interview to check in and see if there are any updates on the status of the position. Finally, if you have not heard back after a couple of weeks, it’s okay to reach out again to see if there is any new information.

Apply Now

With the proper preparation and understanding of what to expect from a remote job interview, it is possible to ensure that you make a good impression. We hope our tips have given you confidence in preparing for your upcoming virtual interviews and put you on course for success.

Remember, being organized, practicing answers, staying calm during the interview, researching the company beforehand, and having a reliable technology setup are all essential to ace your remote job interview. Good luck, and Get started with your application here.