Managing your time, collaborating from a distance, and troubleshooting technical difficulties are valuable skills. Don’t be afraid to talk about all the tools and strategies you use to keep track of what you need to do, decide what takes precedence, plan how and when you’ll get it done, and follow through. That might mean calling out specific apps you live by or talking about your color coding system for prioritizing to-do items in your planner. Employers don’t hire people who seem dishonest in the interview. That was untrue, and the hiring manager probably knew… from my body language, tone of voice, etc.

Abstract interview questions

Typically, these will be sent via email and follow a template that the company uses for these communications. At some point during the interview process, the employer may also ask you for your location—even if your job is entirely remote interview process remote. This is because some jobs are location-specific due to legal or tax requirements, among other reasons. Emphasize your job-specific skills such as project management, administrative skills, or your familiarity with software packages.

Recruiting Metrics to Improve Hiring Outcomes Using Data-Driven Decision-Making

It’s important to understand the types of questions you might be asked in your interview. Technical questions test your knowledge and skills, and behavioral ones require you to describe your approach to different scenarios. Jobs in more traditional industries like finance or law might require more thoughtful planning. If you’re not sure how far you need to go with your attire, it doesn’t hurt to ask.

What’s the Key to Making Sure a Project Is Successful When Working Remotely?

I make sure that these tasks are on the project management software, so my team can see what I’m working on. However, I’m fully aware that remote work does come with its set of challenges. I’m confident that I’m the type of person who’d strive in a remote work environment.

I’m a self-starter and don’t need a lot of sync calls or catch-ups – once I know what my tasks, KPIs, and goals are, I can work independently and make sure that everything gets done. I also make sure to set specific blocks of time in my calendar for each task, ensuring that I can handle all the tasks I set for the day. If you end up in a situation where you simply can’t attend the interview, make sure that you have a way to reach the interviewer, explain the situation, and ask them to postpone the interview. And don’t hold any tech issues against them – they may not have fast internet or the most modern devices at home. When you’re hiring, it isn’t something that you do in isolation from the rest of the team.

1. Plus, your temporary job may evolve into a full-time role, or give you the remote work experience that other employers are seeking.
2. Remote interviews have become the norm, even in situations where the job itself is on-site or hybrid.
3. Give them background introductions, tell them about your company culture, what values you hold.
4. For a more comprehensive list, check out our article on questions to ask during the interview.
5. It’s a way to truly set yourself apart to the interviewer, so spend time thinking about this area when preparing for your remote interview.

How to Ace a Remote Job Interview

So have a standard process of how this could work and make sure that everyone knows when in the interview process this will take place. If the peers aren’t usually in on interviews, educate them about how to do remote interviews and let them know what the agenda is and the order of events. If you’re feeling nervous, remember that’s normal, especially if you’re not used to interviewing remotely. Even if you are, a remote job interview is still an experience very few candidates will have mastered. Default to positivity and assume things are going well, even if you think you’ve made a mistake or said something you weren’t happy with. Many employers conduct pre-employment skills assessments or ask employees to complete a sample project during the interview process.

Markman recommends that you follow the lead of the interviewer on small talk, but it may be appropriate to ask the interviewer how they and their loved ones are doing right now. And you should have a good response prepared for the same question should it come back to you. I’m doing as well as possible under the circumstances.” You don’t need to go into unnecessary detail. Remember that during the interview, you won’t be getting the same level of non-verbal information from the interviewer. And as Fernández-Aráoz points out, there’s lots of research that shows when we don’t have feedback, we tend toward a negativity bias.

If you plan on conducting interviews that include whiteboarding, you can find a tool with that capability. “Employers are going to be evaluating you based on your behavior,” Leech says. Do you answer challenging questions clearly and forthrightly, and disclose your flaws? Do you help facilitate a successful interview through attention to the allotted time and by bringing prepared questions? This signals initiative.” Finding ways to demonstrate these traits throughout the interview process “will make you a significantly stronger candidate,” Leech says. So spend some time reflecting on how you’d like to answer these questions, then ask a friend to join you on a video chat to practice your responses.

Check with your recruitment contact via email before the call. A question like this shows that you pay close attention to detail and are committed to filling the role. Before your interview, put some thought into your attire and setting. It might feel a bit ridiculous to show up to a Zoom interview from your living room in a suit jacket, but it’s important to convey professionalism through your choice of clothing and setup.

Employers also want to hear from each candidate why they want this job and why they want to work for this company (the specific job is the most important topic to discuss). In a video interview, I acted like the remote work aspect wasn’t one of the reasons I applied. You can mention work-life balance, the fact that you’re more productive in a home office, or any other reason you want to work remotely. Do not let a decision, which you have no control over, stop you achieving your goal.

How the Remote Hiring Process Works

1. Emphasize your job-specific skills such as project management, administrative skills, or your familiarity with software packages.
2. Not all companies ask you to complete a personality test, but some will.
3. That’s why the interviewer is going to be concerned if you can’t think of a single question to ask them.
4. Of managers assess culture fit by observing behavioral cues during an interview.
5. Another option is seeking out quiet public places with good Wi-Fi, like a library, cafe, or hotel lobby.

You learn about the company from someone who already works there and assess how your personal goals and values align with the company’s own. You may be the one being interviewed, but it’s also an opportunity for you to ask questions of the interviewer. Asking the right questions can really demonstrate your interest in the role.

How to Nail a Job Interview — Remotely

For example, Markman suggests asking others in your household to not stream TV while you’re doing the interview. You can also reach out directly to former colleagues who you’ve lost touch with. You could send them an invitation on LinkedIn or an email asking how they’re doing, explain your situation, and ask if they have any advice as you’re looking for your next position. It can be tough when you’re out of work and don’t have good news to share — and people might be more overwhelmed than usual at the moment — but remember that people want to help when they can. I recently reconnected with a former colleague who is looking for work and it felt great to be able to offer her advice and even a few job leads. While many aspects of the interview process are the same, whether in-person or virtual, there are aspects unique to remote interviews that might trip you up.

Apply for Remote Jobs

Is the relative solitude of remote work a natural fit for your work style because it allows you to get into deep focus? Be extra careful if your interviewer is located in a different part of the country, and if in doubt, just ask. That’s why the interviewer is going to be concerned if you can’t think of a single question to ask them. When interviewing, always aim to show how your experience will be relevant and helpful in the job you want next. Beyond this, think about how your past work demonstrates that you’re the right candidate for this company and position. You’ll be better prepared for all of the above if you remote interview process review your resume and make sure you’re familiar with your work.

Before you can land the remote job you’ve always dreamed of, you need to pass the remote job interview. Remote interviews can be an effective employee selection method if conducted right. But remember that you’ll need to pay extra attention to building connections with your candidates as you have to do it without actually meeting them face to face.

Dressing the part will put you in a more professional mindset, too. This is also why it’s so crucial to minimize distractions during the interview… from pets, children, street noise, etc. This is one of those tips that can get you hired even if another candidate has more experience than you.