Preparing for Remote Job Interviews: Tips and Strategies

Remote job interviews are becoming more common as the trend towards remote work continues to gain traction. If you’re looking for a remote job, you must prepare for your remote job interviews just as you would for in-person interviews. Remote job interviews may occur over the phone, video conference, or email. Each format requires different preparation. Here are some tips and strategies to help you prepare for remote job interviews.

Being prepared for your remote job interview is a vital part of remote job hunting. After all, you’ll never get the job if you don’t pass the interview.

Do Your Research Before Your Remote Job Interview

A part of preparing for remote job interviews is to research the company and the position you’re interviewing for. Look at the company’s website, social media pages, and other online resources to learn about its products, services, culture, and mission. Use this information to prepare answers to questions about why you’re interested in working for the company and how you can contribute to its goals.

Pay special attention to any big news the company has released recently. Big news in the industry as a whole may also be relevant. It shows that you are interested and keeping up to date on things that matter to the company.

Your Appearance Matters

This is more than just your physical appearance. It’s not uncommon for employers to consider your social media presence. People have been fired for things that have come up about them on social media. Do your best to prepare your social media for the possibility that employers will look it over. The legality of asking for your social media account information varies from state to state as well as country to country, so know what applies in your area.

Of course, your physical appearance matters too. Dress appropriately for the position you’re seeking, not as if you’re lounging at home. It doesn’t matter if you’re able to work in your pajamas after you get the job. Interview time is the time to impress.

Test Your Equipment

If your remote job interview will take place over video conference, test your equipment beforehand. Confirm your computer, webcam, and microphone are working correctly, and that your internet connection is stable. Download whichever video conferencing software you need before the interview, such as Zoom. You don’t want to be late for your interview because the installation is running slow.

Choose a Quiet, Private Location

Find a quiet, private location for your remote job interview. This could be a home office, a quiet room in your home, or a private room in a library or coworking space. Make sure the location is free from distractions and that you won’t be interrupted during the interview.

Some software allows you to change your background for the call. This can be helpful if your surroundings aren’t entirely professional in appearance. Don’t replace your real background with something unprofessional during your job interview. There’s a time and a place for that Star Wars cantina background, and a job interview isn’t it.

There may be times when you have little choice about where you interview. I once had to interview in my garage, because we were having emergency work done in our bathroom. The garage was the quietest place available, as I couldn’t leave with the workers in the house. I apologized in advance for any distractions, as my cats were out there with me to keep them out from underfoot for the workers. Somehow, I even kept a straight face at the end of the interview as one cat started to attack my hair from behind my chair. I didn’t get the job, but it wasn’t because I gave up.

Turn Off Distractions

You need to show that you understand the interview is the priority. This isn’t just a rule for in-person interviews – it matters for virtual interviews as well. Potential employers can tell if you’re not giving them your full attention, and they certainly don’t want to hear your cell phone ring or other inappropriate background noises.

If you have small children, you can’t turn them off, but you can plan ahead so that they aren’t a distraction. Having a family member or friend watch them is ideal, but not possible for everyone. This may well be the time for using electronics as a distraction, so long as the sound doesn’t interfere with your interview. Do the best you can; after all, you’ll have to deal with kids as distractions if you get the job too.

Practice Your Responses

Practice answering common interview questions, as well as questions that are specific to the job you’re applying for. You may also want to practice answering questions over video conference or phone, as these formats can be different from in-person interviews. Practice speaking clearly and concisely, and avoid using filler words such as “um” or “like.”

I like to look up common interview questions for a given job title online and type up my own responses. I keep this open during the interview – obviously, a dual monitor setup is helpful for this. The main thing is to put some thought into your responses, and it’s easier to do so well in advance.

Some people have found it useful to practice for remote job interviews with ChatGPT. Let’s say you’re applying for a remote customer service position.You might ask it “What are some common questions I might be asked in an interview for a remote customer service position? Use this job description as a guide.” and then use Shift-Enter and paste the job description from the employer’s site. Don’t use just Enter, or ChatGPT will start answering before you get the job description in. Hit Enter once you have all of the information added in, and ChatGPT will start to answer.

Here’s a simpler prompt and response as an example:

What are 5 common questions for remote customer service job interviews?

Certainly, here are five common questions that you might encounter in a remote customer service job interview:

Can you describe your experience with remote work or telecommuting?
This question helps the interviewer gauge your familiarity and comfort with remote work setups. Highlight any previous remote work experiences, your ability to manage time and tasks independently, and your proficiency in using remote communication tools.

How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration while working remotely?
This question assesses your communication skills and your ability to work as part of a remote team. Discuss your strategies for staying connected with colleagues, sharing updates, and addressing potential challenges that can arise from not being in a physical office.

Can you provide an example of a challenging customer interaction you’ve handled successfully?
Interviewers often ask behavioral questions like this to evaluate your problem-solving abilities and customer service skills. Share a specific situation, explain the issue, the steps you took to resolve it, and the positive outcome achieved.

How do you manage your time and prioritize tasks in a remote environment?
Remote work requires strong time management skills. Describe how you organize your tasks, set priorities, and maintain a productive work routine. Mention any tools or techniques you use to stay on track and meet deadlines.

What steps do you take to maintain a high level of customer satisfaction in a remote customer service role?
This question assesses your customer-centric approach and your ability to provide excellent service despite the physical distance. Discuss how you personalize interactions, actively listen to customer needs, and ensure they feel valued and supported throughout their interactions with you.

Remember, in addition to preparing answers to these questions, it’s a good idea to research the company and its customer service philosophy. Tailor your responses to align with the company’s values and the specific requirements of the role.

Interview, Even If You Don’t Think You’ll Get The Job

Insecurity and imposter syndrome can hit anyone. It’s especially true when you’re interviewing for a job you’re just barely qualified for.

Remember, however, that they chose to interview you for a reason. They saw something in your cover letter and resume that they found appealing. You don’t have to reject yourself for the job – let them reject you if you aren’t what they’re looking for.

Every failed interview is practice for the one that will get you a job. Remember that, and do the best you can no matter how unqualified you feel. Act confident. Look confident. You might be surprised by what happens.

Follow Up

After your remote job interview, send a follow-up email or message to thank the interviewer for their time and express your continued interest in the position. This shows that you’re professional and interested in the job, and can help keep you top of mind as the company makes its hiring decision.

Preparing for remote job interviews takes time and effort, but it’s essential to help you stand out as a candidate and increase your chances of getting the job. Use these tips and strategies to prepare for your next remote job interview and set yourself up for success.