How to Nail a Remote Interview

True story: Last month, I was in the middle of explaining my biggest career win to a potential employer when my cat decided my keyboard was the perfect place to nap. Remote interviews, am I right?

The work-from-home revolution has transformed how we land jobs, but it definitely throws some new curveballs into the interview process. Without that face-to-face connection, you need to work a bit smarter to make sure your true potential shines through the screen.

Wondering which fields offer the best long-term prospects? Check out my article on Best Careers For the Next 10 Years to guide your search.

I've been on both sides of the virtual interview table (sometimes with cats, sometimes without), and I've gathered seven battle-tested tactics that will help you stand out from the digital crowd.

1) Research Like It's Your Job (Because Soon, It Might Be!)

The difference between "meh" and "wow" candidates? Research.

When I landed my last position, the hiring manager later told me that mentioning their recent product launch (which I found buried in a press release) immediately put me in the top 5% of candidates.

Here's your action plan:

• Spend 30 minutes on the company website, focusing on their mission and recent news
• Look up your interviewers on LinkedIn (but don't send connection requests yet!)
• Check out the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for industry insights

Why this matters: According to TopResume, 53% of employers say they've eliminated candidates after an interview because they didn't have enough knowledge about the company.

Photo by Scott Graham on Unsplash

2) Craft a 30-Second Pitch That Actually Works

I used to ramble for 2+ minutes when asked "Tell me about yourself" until a mentor timed me and cut me off. Ouch. That harsh lesson transformed my interview success rate.

Your elevator pitch should be the perfect blend of your relevant experience, current skills, and specific value you'll bring to this company.

Try this formula:

1. One sentence about your current role/expertise
2. One achievement that's relevant to this position
3. One reason you're excited about this specific opportunity

Pro tip: Record yourself and listen back. Does it sound natural or rehearsed? Keep refining until it feels conversational.

3) Internet Issues = Instant Bad Impression

Last year, I was interviewing a candidate who froze mid-sentence for 30 seconds before disconnecting entirely. When she rejoined, she seemed flustered and never fully recovered her confidence.

Don't let this be you! Take these steps today:

• Test your connection speed at Speedtest.net — you need at least 10 Mbps for video
• Connect via ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi when possible
• Have a phone hotspot ready as backup
• Close all unnecessary applications and browser tabs before the interview

Remember: Technical difficulties signal to employers that remote work might be challenging for you.

4) Do a Full Tech Rehearsal (Not Just a Sound Check)

The night before my interview for my current job, I discovered my webcam had mysteriously stopped working. Imagine if I'd found out five minutes before the interview!

Your pre-interview tech checklist:

• Test the exact meeting link they sent you
• Check camera position and lighting (avoid backlight that makes you look like a shadow)
• Verify your microphone works clearly (and isn't picking up background noise)
• Arrange your space so it looks professional (or use a simple virtual background)
• Bonus: Have a phone or tablet ready as backup in case your computer fails

Remember that 93% of communication is non-verbal — make sure your tech setup lets your body language and expressions come through clearly.

Photo by Chris Montgomery on Unsplash

5) First Impressions Happen in Milliseconds

Research from Princeton University found that people form judgments about you within the first 1/10th of a second. Remote interviews actually amplify this effect.

Nail your digital first impression by:

• Logging in 15 minutes early to settle your nerves and test everything once more
• Looking at the camera (not at yourself) to create "digital eye contact"
• Sitting up straight with shoulders back (I literally put a Post-it note by my camera that says "POSTURE!")
• Using hand gestures deliberately to emphasize points (but keep them in frame)
• Smiling naturally — it actually changes how your voice sounds

Quick confidence boost: Right before connecting, stand in a "power pose" for 2 minutes. It sounds silly, but studies show it reduces stress hormones and increases confidence.

6) Speak With Conviction (Even If You're Nervous)

I once bombed an interview because I kept qualifying everything with "I think" and "maybe" — even when discussing my proven skills!

Ways to project confidence through the screen:

• Replace "I think" with "I believe" or simply state your point directly
• Eliminate filler words like "um" and "like" (practice with a friend who counts them)
• Speak slightly slower than your normal pace
• Use concrete examples: "When I implemented this solution, it increased efficiency by 27%" beats "I'm good at solving problems"
• Pause before answering complex questions (silence feels longer to you than to them)

Remember: The company wants you to succeed! They're investing time interviewing you because they already see potential.

7) The Questions You Ask = The Job You Get

The interview is winding down, and they ask: "Do you have any questions for us?" This isn't just a courtesy — it's your secret opportunity to stand out.

I once turned an iffy interview around completely by asking about their approach to a specific industry challenge I'd researched beforehand. The interviewer literally said, "That's a great question that most candidates don't think to ask."

Questions that make you memorable:

• "What would success look like in this role after 90 days?"
• "What's the biggest challenge the team is currently facing?"
• "How does this position contribute to the company's mission of [specific mission]?"
• "You've been with the company for X years — what keeps you there?"

Avoid asking about:

• Basic information found on their website
• Salary and benefits (save this for after they've decided they want you)
• Vacation time or work hours (unless they bring it up first)

Put It All Into Action Today

Remote interviews might feel strange at first, but they actually give you unique advantages — like having your notes right off-camera!

Your immediate next steps:

1. Block 1 hour tomorrow specifically for company research
2. Write and practice your 30-second introduction
3. Schedule a tech rehearsal with a friend for honest feedback
4. Prepare 3-5 thoughtful questions based on company research

Remember, landing a new job usually means financial changes. Check out my 10 Tips to Improve Your Personal Finances to make the most of your new income.

The average job seeker spends 11 hours a week searching for jobs but only 1 hour preparing for interviews. Be the candidate who flips that ratio, and you'll start collecting offers instead of rejections.

Now go get that job! You've got this.

Hero image: Photo by Chris Montgomery on Unsplash