How To Prepare for a Remote Job Interview

For anyone new to remote interviews, welcome! So, you’re moving further into the hiring process to get an interview, congratulations! The remote interview is a quick virtual gateway to your exciting new remote job. We all get nervous, you’re not alone in these jitters about how to convince the gatekeepers you’re the right person for this job. We’ve been there and we’ve got you covered with our step-by-step guide on how to prepare for a remote job interview. Topics include etiquette, greetings, handling nervousness, answering tough questions, and concluding the interview professionally.

Step 1: Do your research:

• Learn about the company and the role before the interview to be more knowledgeable about the position. Show your interviewer you are genuinely interested in the position and the company. You can drop a few things you’ve learned into the conversation when it feels natural and not forced or awkward.
• Research the company’s values. Do they believe in and practice their core values and mission? Be prepared to share what characteristics you value at work. Support, growth opportunities, respect, and ethical standards are important to employees.
• Know your interviewer’s name and know exactly how to pronounce it. This goes a long way with someone who has a hard name to pronounce.

Step 2: Set the Stage – Literally.

Consider your space and its surroundings:

• Select a Professional Environment: Choose a well-lit and peaceful room as your background. Your bedroom is probably not the ideal choice.
• Declutter: Hide away any distracting items. Your action figure collection shouldn’t steal the show.
• Use Free and PRO Features on your Platform: Your most professional option is available to you on Zoom and Skype. They each have a feature that blurs out your background for a more polished and professional impression.
• Check Lighting and Camera Angle: Be certain you have adequate lighting and your camera is at eye level. Avoid the “up the nose” shot.

Step 3: Test Your Tech

Don’t leave the tech setup to the last minute. Here’s what to do:

• Test your internet connection: Ensure that your internet speed can support the call. Nothing ruins an interview like constant buffering.
• Tried and True: It’s best to use a computer or laptop for a stable connection rather than a mobile device.
• Get familiar with your software: If you have an interview on a specific platform, such as Zoom or Skype, install the required software beforehand. Know how to use it.
• Greenlight: Verify that your microphone and camera are working properly. Run a test call with a friend if needed.
• Are All Systems a Go? All equipment, including the laptop, has a full charge for the entire duration of your interview. Have your cords near you and sit by a nearby plug-in/wall outlet just in case.

Step 4: Practice Etiquette and Greetings

It’s time to master the interviewing etiquette now that you’re all set up.

• Punctuality: Arrive early by logging in a few minutes before your scheduled time to interview. Being fashionably late isn’t acceptable here!
• Dress for Success: Even though you’re at home, dress professionally and that includes wearing pants, not pajama pants. You never know when you might have to stand up.
• Greet with Enthusiasm: When you join the call, smile, and greet the interviewer with eye contact and a warm “Hello, _____ nice to meet you.”
• Take your time: There are split-second to longer delays online, so after an interviewer asks a question, pause for a moment in case he or she still has something to add. Doing this, you will avoid speaking over them.

Step 5: Dealing with Nerves

Interview nerves are entirely normal. Here’s how to handle them:

• Breathe Deeply: Take three deep breaths, inhale, and exhale slowly before your interview starts. If you become anxious during an interview, take a deep breath, maintaining a confident expression to gather your thoughts.
• Silence Isn’t a weakness: It’s okay to take a moment to think before answering. Silence is better than rambling.
• Get enough sleep: You need to be sharp on interview day. Get a good rest the night before, drink lots of water, and use the restroom before the interview!
• Trust yourself: Your positive self-talk says you are meeting another human being who will like you and really want you to have this job. You are enough and you are worthy for this job to be yours and they will know this after meeting you. You’ve got the experience and the skills, you’ve done the hard work, and you earned this interview. Give yourself permission to let go of all that fear and worry before your interview and after. What you cannot control is all going to work out in your favor. Repeat as necessary.

Preparing for What Questions to Expect in an Interview

There are tough questions most interviewers ask and here are a few below. I’ll share more interview tips soon, including a list of tough questions and simple answers that will help you make a good impression and increase your chances of getting hired.

Tough Question 1: “Tell Me About Yourself”

This question usually kicks things off. Try to keep it professional:

• Do Say: Share your professional background and relevant experience. Keep it concise.
• Avoid: “Well, I have three cats, and I once ate a whole pizza by myself.”

Tough Question 2: “What’s Your Biggest Weakness?”

They’re not interested in your most profound and shadowy secrets. Be honest but strategic:

• Do Say: Example of a positive weakness- I can take on many tasks at a time but I’m working on just focusing on quality more than quantity.
• Avoid: “I’m always late, and I hate waking up early.”

Tough Question 3: “Why Do You Want This Job?”

Tailor your answer to the company and role:

• Do Say: Highlight how your powerful skills and qualifications align with the job and your enthusiasm for their mission.
• Avoid: “I really need a job right now.”

Tough Question 4: “Where Do You See Yourself in Five Years?”

Be realistic, show the company your dedication and ambition:

• Do Say: Talk about how you hope to grow within the company and contribute to its success.
• Avoid: “On a beach somewhere, sipping a cocktail.”

Step 5: The Closing Act

As the interview winds down, make sure you leave a good lasting impression:

• Ask Questions: Show your interest by asking thoughtful questions about the role or company.
• Thank the interviewer for their time and consideration in the interview opportunity.

Step 6: The Follow-Up

After the interview, you don’t have to just sit and wait for a response:

• Send a thank-you email Within 24 hours, send a brief thank-you email to the interviewer expressing your appreciation for the opportunity.
• Relax and reflect after the interview. You did your best, and that’s what matters most. Take note of reflections on what you think you could have done better. Use these interview lessons in the future if needed.

Conclusion

It might feel awkward, but online job interviews can be simple with good preparation. From setting up your virtual stage to facing those tough questions with brilliant answers and leaving a lasting impression, you have all the tools you need. So, look sharp, sit up, use eye contact, breathe slowly, be yourself, and remember if your dog starts barking, they’ve heard that before. They know it sometimes comes with the work-from-home setting on the job. One more thing, remind everyone else in your home to keep their noise level down while you’re acing the interview for your dream remote job!

Best wishes,

Your HomeBiz Partner, Mel Jacobs

mel@homebizpartner.com