Congratulations on securing an interview! Now, the real work begins: interview preparation. Whether it’s your first interview or your fiftieth, being truly prepared is the key to showcasing your best self and landing your dream remote job.
This guide will walk you through essential job interview tips, from mastering technical challenges to perfecting your virtual presence. We'll show you how to prepare for an interview that will set you apart from the competition.
1. Conquer Common Interview Questions (and Your Story)
You'll encounter standard questions designed to understand your experience and personality. Don't memorize answers, but do prepare compelling stories.
- "Tell Me About Yourself": Practice a concise, engaging 60-90 second pitch that highlights your relevant experience, key skills, and career aspirations, connecting them to the role.
- Behavioral Questions: These explore how you've handled past situations. Prepare using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for questions like "Tell me about a challenge you overcame" or "Describe a time you failed." When an interviewer asks a question like this, they are looking for specific details around the outcome (Action / Result in STAR). Be sure to include these details in your answer.
- "Why This Company/Role?": Show genuine interest in the business and team. This leads to our next tip: researching a company for an interview.
2. Research, Research, Research: Show Genuine Interest
Interviewers want to see that you’ve done your homework. Your research should cover:
- The Company: Understand their mission, products, recent news, and values.
- The Role: Know the job description inside and out. How do your skills directly align?
- The Interviewer: A quick LinkedIn search can help you find common ground or areas of interest.
This preparation allows you to ask insightful questions at the end, which is crucial!
3. Excel in the Virtual Space: Video Interview Tips
Since many opportunities are remote, virtual interview preparation is key. Your remote presence is your first impression.
- Technical Check: Always test your internet connection, camera, and microphone well before the interview. Know how to prepare for a Google Meet interview or whichever platform is being used. .
- Environment: Choose a quiet, well-lit space with a clean, uncluttered background. Look directly at your camera, not just the screen, to make eye contact.
- Body Language: Sit up straight, smile, and nod to show engagement. Even though you're remote, your energy comes through. Remote job interview tips often emphasize non-verbal cues.
- Note Taking Apps: Ensure that you do not add any note taking apps to the meeting. These are typically against companies’ security protocols unless initiated by them. Sometimes it can be difficult to disable them in the moment, which can cause a distraction.
4. Ask Thoughtful Questions (and Follow Up)
If time allows, you may have the opportunity to ask questions of the interviewer. Come prepared with a few questions to ask, or jot down something that comes up earlier in the conversation.
- Team & Culture: "How do you foster collaboration in a remote setting?" “What is important to your team culture”
- Growth & Impact: "What are the biggest challenges this role will face in the first 90 days?" or "How do you measure success for this position?"
- Beyond the Interview: Always send a personalized thank-you email within 24 hours, reiterating your interest and referencing a specific point from your conversation. You should have the interviewer’s email address from the calendar invite.
5. Navigating Salary and Benefits Questions
We know that compensation, benefits, and time off are incredibly important parts of any job offer. Here’s a pro tip to ensure your interview goes smoothly: save all of these important questions for your hireworks representative. Think of us as your career partner—we handle all the HR and contract specifics so you can focus 100% on showcasing your talent to the interviewer. This keeps the conversation centered on your value and helps you build the strongest connection with your potential new team.
You're Ready to Go
The journey to your next remote role is within reach. By focusing on these essential tips, you'll not only answer common interview questions effectively but also convey your passion, professionalism, and readiness to make an immediate impact.
The team at hireworks believes in your potential, and we're here to support you every step of the way. Go ace that interview!
