8 Practical TIPS on How to Nail Your Remote Job Interview

"I just received an invitation to interview for my dream job. How do I prepare for the remote job interview process?"

Congratulations!
You have just received an invitation for an interview for your dream job. Now, It’s time to prepare. Learn how to successfully ace your remote job interview and move further in the selection process.

1. Ensure a fast internet connection 

Remote work is only possible, obviously, via a good and stable internet connection. Employers use this as the first criteria to decide whether they will move on with you to the next rounds. It’s prioritized over tech skills and job competency.

Tip: If the situation is critical and you have problems with your connection, finding a nearby place with good internet might help you get that job! Try a coworking space or a close friend’s home. 

2. Find a quiet place

Make sure that you find a quiet room or space with zero distractions and limited background noise. 

Tip: Although great for work, coffee shops, public libraries and parks aren’t that suitable for an interview. 

3. Check your camera & microphone

Nowadays, showing up to your interview with a camera is a must. Sometimes the  downside of working remotely is the lack of face-to-face communication. That is why it is of utmost importance that your presence is felt in every way possible in order to increase the effectiveness of the conversation. 

Tip: Prior to the meeting, check that your camera & mic are properly set up and you’re ready to start.

4. Study your resume and know it well

As a candidate, you should know your resume like the back of your hand. In any job interview, anything on your resume is at the interviewer’s disposal. 

Tip: You need to be aware of what information you’ve presented under each of your experiences and only add to it during the conversation in a way that enhances the interviewer's impression of you. Implementing this strategy will definitely help you ace your job interview. It is your responsibility to convince the interviewer that you can come in and do the job. 

5. Know the job description of the position for which you’re applying

Tip: After the interview date is set, you need to study the job description to truly understand what the interviewer is looking for. Knowing this, you can navigate the interview and discuss examples from previous jobs that will exemplify the traits they’re looking for in a candidate. 

6. Be honest about who you are!

Transparency is highly valued! Be ready to genuinely answer questions concerning your education, experience, projects, career interests and hobbies. 

Tip: Display your skills with concrete examples. Describe how your contributions impacted the projects you worked on. Make sure that your contributions are heard and your failures are seen as anchor points from which you derived the motivation to improve.

7. Ask questions

Interviewing is a two-way process. You’re interviewing the company as much as they are interviewing you. 

Tip:  Frequently asked questions (FAQs) include: topics concerning your job specs, job type and duration, team composition, methodologies and workflow, time zone working schedule, paid time off (PTO) policies. Even though the job is remote, it may involve some personal meetings, conferences, team building, etc. “Is travel required?” might be one of your questions.

Tip: Ask about the hardware allowance, national holiday compliance policy, employment type, and terms. 

8. Follow up

E-mail and written communication is fundamental in fully virtual environments. After the interview, a follow-up from your side confirms whether you’re interested in continuing further or not. 

Tip: Check your spelling and grammar before you send any messages.

Here you go!

Wish you all the success in your next job interview!

Your Remote IT World Team!