Remote Interview Tips: Ace Your Next Video Job Interview

Congratulations! You’ve overcome the first hurdle and received an invitation for your first remote job interview, which will take place over a virtual call. Let’s get you prepared!

In this guide, we’ve included answers to frequently asked questions, so scroll through our remote interview tips and prepare. Do you have a question that you do not see listed below? Get in touch, and we will answer this for you. The Remote Hive is here to help your remote career thrive, and we love helping people succeed in interviews.

Remote Interview Tips That Actually Help

How Do I Set Up My Space for a Video Interview?

Pick a quiet, well-lit room where you won’t be disturbed. A plain background works best—nothing too busy or distracting. Try to set your webcam at eye level so it feels like you’re making eye contact.

Do a quick test of your microphone, camera, and internet connection the day before. Keep a glass of water nearby and any notes or documents you might need. Some people like sticking a small reminder on their screen—something simple like “breathe” or “slow down”—to stay grounded during the call.

What Should I Do to Prepare Technically?

Tech issues can throw you off, so it’s worth doing a run-through ahead of time. Check your Wi-Fi, camera, and audio gear, and make sure your computer isn’t running anything unnecessary in the background.

If you’re not familiar with platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams, take a few minutes to explore the one you’ll be using. You don’t need to be an expert—just know where the mute and camera buttons are.

What Should I Wear?

Dress the way you would for an in-person meeting. Choose something neat and professional that looks good on camera. Stick to solid colors and avoid patterns that might be distracting.

Make sure you’re fully dressed—not just from the waist up. If you need to stand or move unexpectedly, you won’t be caught off guard.

When Should I Log In?

Give yourself a 15-minute buffer. That gives you time to fix any last-minute tech hiccups and get comfortable before the call starts. It also shows that you’re reliable and prepared.

What If Something Goes Wrong During the Interview?

Stay calm. It happens to everyone.

Let the interviewer know what’s going on—whether it’s a frozen screen, audio drop, or Wi-Fi blip. If you can’t fix it right away, suggest rescheduling or switching to a phone call. Having your phone fully charged and nearby is a smart backup.

How Do I Connect With the Interviewer Through a Screen?

It’s not always easy, but there are ways to make it feel more natural. Look at the camera when you’re speaking (not just the screen), and use your expressions—smile, nod, and show you’re engaged. A bit of friendly small talk before or after the main questions can also help break the ice.

How Do I Talk About My Experience in a Remote Interview?

Speak clearly and with intention. Share specific examples of your work using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

Take your time. If English isn’t your first language or you have a strong accent, speaking a little slower helps make sure your answers come through clearly.

What Body Language Should I Be Mindful Of?

Sit up straight and keep your hands visible if you’re using gestures. Avoid fidgeting or looking around too much—it can be distracting. Simple things like smiling or nodding when someone else is speaking go a long way.

What If Something Interrupts the Interview?

Life happens—dogs bark, kids wander in, delivery folks knock. If that happens, mute yourself, handle it quickly, and return with a calm apology.

If you live with others, let them know ahead of time that you’ve got an important call. A “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door helps too.

Should I Send a Thank-You Message After the Interview?

Yes, definitely. A short email later that day or the next morning is a nice way to follow up. Thank them for their time, mention something you enjoyed about the conversation, and let them know you’re still really interested in the role.

If there was something you wish you’d said differently—or forgot to bring up—this is a good moment to include it. Just keep it casual and sincere.

How Can I Get a Sense of Company Culture Without Visiting the Office?

Ask about the team dynamic, what remote work looks like day to day, and how they handle communication and collaboration.

Outside the interview, check their website, social media, and any employee reviews online. You can pick up a lot from how they talk about their people.

What Are Smart Questions To Ask About Remote Work?

Ask what tools they use (like Slack, Notion, Zoom), how performance is tracked, and how often the team meets. This helps you understand how organized they are and whether their setup works.

How Can I Let My Personality Show Through a Screen?

Just be yourself. Don’t over-rehearse or try to sound perfect. Speak like you would if you were chatting with someone in person—honestly, warmly, and clearly.

What Helps Me Stand Out in a Remote Interview?

Preparation and curiosity go a long way. Learn as much as you can about the company and the role. Tailor your answers to show you understand what they need and how you can help.

Tech-wise, make the interview as smooth as possible—no glitches, good lighting, clear sound. And when they ask if you have any questions? Ask thoughtful ones. Show you’ve done your homework.

How Do I Deal With Time Zone Differences?

Always double-check the time zone when scheduling. Don’t assume—it’s easy to get wrong. Tools like World Time Buddy are helpful. Try to be flexible, especially if the team is based in a different part of the world.

How Should I Talk About Gaps in my Resume?

Be open. You don’t need to over-explain. Share what you were doing during that time—whether it was caregiving, upskilling, travel, or personal health. The key is to highlight what you’ve learned and how it makes you stronger now.

Are There Red Flags to Watch For in Remote Interviews?

Yes. If they’re vague about job responsibilities, unclear about remote work expectations, or dodge questions about team culture, take note. Also, watch out for jobs labeled “remote” that turn out to be hybrid or location-bound. It’s okay to ask directly.