Strategies for Effective Remote Job Interviews

Prepare and Rehearse

To maximize the success of any job interview, preparation is key, and this is especially true for remote job interviews. Before your designated interview day, research the job description, refresh yourself with the company background, and familiarize yourself with common interview questions and answers. Once you feel prepared, consider rehearsing with a friend or family member to become more comfortable with the process.

Maintain Professionalism

In a remote interview setting, it’s critical to maintain a professional attitude and appearance. Dress in professional attire, even from waist up, and make sure your surroundings are tidy. Be mindful of your volume, as an interviewer might not be able to hear you clearly if you’re not projecting. Speak clearly and demonstrate your enthusiasm.

Be Conscious of Timeline

Particularly in a remote job interview, you want to demonstrate your respect for the interviewer’s time. To accomplish this, it’s important to have a good understanding of the timeline for the job interview, including when the interviewer wants to receive updates, when they would like to set up a follow-up call, etc. Often, the interviewer will provide this information upfront. Being conscious of their timeline shows respect and consideration for the interviewer.

Be Resourceful

As with any job interview, be prepared to answer questions about your qualifications and experiences. To ensure that you are presenting the strongest and best version of yourself, resources like your resume, portfolio, and accomplishments database are valuable tools. Additionally, use corporate websites, social media profiles, industry-specific magazines, and other sources to research the company and the company culture to ensure you’re familiar with the basics.

Listen Carefully and Ask Questions

Remote job interviews aren’t any different than in-person ones when it comes to listening. It’s important to not just be an active listener, but be engaged during the interview. Pay attention to the interviewer’s questions and phrasing. During the interview, you should also be ready to ask questions and provide thoughtful responses. Ask relevant questions that can give an insight into the working environment — this can be a great way to prepare for the role if an offer is made.

Be Responsive

Responsiveness to the interviewer is a key element of successful job interviews, and this is especially true with remote job interviews. Be sure to answer questions promptly and accurately, and make sure to let the interviewer know that you appreciate their time. Expressing interest and enthusiasm for the role and the company is also important. Show that you’re engaged in the conversation by nodding, smiling, and being affable.

Follow Up

Just like with in-person interviews, a follow-up after the job interview is critical. This will help to show the interviewer that you are interested in the role and that you are serious about the hiring process. Follow up with a thank-you note, either via email or postal mail, to the interviewer expressing your appreciation for their time and for the opportunity to interview for the role. Further, this is an excellent opportunity to provide any additional information or clarifications that may have come up during the course of the interview.