Yesss! That email you’ve been waiting for has finally arrived in your inbox—your prospective employer wants to arrange a virtual interview for that remote job you’ve always wanted! You do a little victory dance, perhaps even let out a whoop, before the gravity of the moment hits you.
The thought of acing this interview can seem daunting. After all, this is your dream job—a job you can do from the other side of the planet—and you only get one chance to prove to them that you’re the ideal candidate.
No need to get anxious, though! With proper preparation, you can enter that virtual interview with confidence and a willingness to impress. Below are nine expert-supported tips on how to make a real, lasting impression and secure that remote job.
1. Do Your Research on the Company
Prior to the interview, go in-depth into learning about your potential employer. Browse their website to get a feel for their products, services, mission, and corporate social responsibility commitment. Look at their recent endeavors or community engagement, and don’t miss the LinkedIn pages of important leaders or potential co-workers.
This information demonstrates the interviewer that you’re truly interested in their vision. And it’ll serve you well when forming thoughtful, original questions to ask at the end of the interview—perhaps even one that incites a lively conversation and makes them remember you long after the call.
2. Prepare a Professional, Memorable Interview Environment
Since this is a remote job, your interview setup is entirely in your hands. A cluttered or messy background can give the impression you’re not detail-oriented, so take a moment to scan what the interviewer will see behind you.
Clear the clutter and go for a clean, professional look—home office, not “I just woke up.” If it feels comfortable, you might even give a quick virtual tour of your space throughout the conversation. A professional setup communicates that you’re serious about the job and can concentrate, which separates you from applicants who have more relaxed settings.
3. Dress to Impress (Even on Zoom)
If you’ve been remote-living, you may be sporting a snuggly hoodie or not having shaved for ages. Yet, a virtual interview is a professional time, so it’s time to get dressed up.
Not sure what to wear? Check the company’s social media or website for clues about their dress code. Even if they’re super laid-back, aim for a polished look—pressed clothes, neat hair, and nothing too flashy or distracting. A put-together appearance shows you’re taking the opportunity seriously.
4. Double-Check Your Tech Setup
Nothing can throw off an awesome interview like technical problems. Prepare yourself for success by using a good webcam and microphone to appear and sound your best. Mute your phone, disable notifications, shut down any unused applications, and make sure your laptop is charged (or connected to power).
Alert your family or housemates to your interview schedule so as not to be disrupted by sounds such as a voice calling out your name or music playing in the background. If you have a friend, practice with them and use the opportunity to see how you appear on camera, how you sound, and where you should place your hands to achieve a relaxed atmosphere.
Pro tip: Skip a big meal right before the call to avoid feeling sluggish, and hit the bathroom about 10 minutes beforehand. Also, have your references ready and confirm they’re available in case the employer reaches out.
5. Show You’re Built for Remote Work
If your career has mostly been in traditional office settings, the interviewer might wonder if you’re ready for the unique demands of remote work. Be prepared to explain why you’re drawn to a remote role and how you’ll thrive in it.
Perhaps you can’t get enough of working and traveling, or you’re an independent worker who doesn’t require constant management. Maybe you’re seeking improved work-life balance to spend more time with loved ones. Regardless of your motivation, clearly define it and demonstrate that you’ve considered why remote work is an excellent choice for you.
6. Demonstrate That You’re Dependable and Responsive
One of the largest issues for employers who are bringing in remote employees is reliability. Can you be relied upon when an emergency occurs, such as when there is a sudden surge in clients or a website crash? Will you be accessible to contact when they need you?
Assuage their fears by stressing your dependability. Mention how you’re well versed with collaboration tools such as Slack, Zoom, Trello, or Google Meet, and ensure that you’re responsive, even working across time zones. Demonstrate that you appreciate extra efforts to stay in touch and keep the team informed, irrespective of where you’re working from.
7. Rehearse Interview Questions
You don’t want to sound robotic, but rehearsing answers to common interview questions will make you feel more at ease and confident. It’s easy to get tongue-tied when you’re caught off guard, so scribble down some thoughts and practice them with a friend.
Be prepared for standbys such as:
- Tell me about yourself.
- Why are you passionate about working here?
- What are your biggest strengths and weaknesses?
- Can you tell me a time when you surprised and exceeded expectations or went the extra mile?
- Tell me a time when you struggled with something or failed at something—what did you do then?
Those last two are behavioral questions, where the interviewer is looking for a specific anecdote about a professional success or failure and how you acted. These can be hard to come up with impromptu, so have one or two detailed examples prepared.
If they do ask about a hypothetical situation, pause for a moment before responding. And if you feel as though you botched an answer, don’t stress—just shoot a follow-up email with some further thoughts to explain or elaborate on your response.
8. Be Genuinely Enthusiastic
Beyond researching the company and role, let your excitement for the job shine through. Greet the interviewer warmly, be polite, and let your genuine personality come across.
Hiring managers want someone who’s not only qualified but also eager to contribute to the team and help move the company forward. Your enthusiasm can make a big impression and show you’re someone they’d love to work with.
9. Send a Considerate Thank-You Email After the Interview
Following the interview, take some time to write a personalized thank-you email to your interviewer. Thank them for their time, restate your interest in the position, and perhaps mention a specific point you talked about to remind them.
If you have some afterthoughts concerning something you discussed or ideas regarding how you’d tackle the position, add them to the email. This little act demonstrates that you’re a go-getter and that you’re actually interested in the opportunity, which might put you ahead of other applicants.
Preparation Is Your Secret Weapon
Getting ready for a remote job interview might feel like a lot, but you’re more than capable of crushing it. Plan ahead, troubleshoot any potential tech hiccups, and walk into the call with confidence.
You made it this far because they were already impressed with your skills and experience. The interview is simply an opportunity for the hiring manager to verify what’s on your resume, learn a little bit more about you, and determine if you’ll get along with the company culture.
With thorough prep, you’ll feel poised and ready to leave a great impression. For more advice on landing your dream remote job, check out this guide on finding a remote role you’ll love.
