Remote interviews: 12 practical tips

A remote interview is a technical production plus self-presentation. A failure on any one of the twelve points costs you impressions.

Equipment

• Internet. A cable beats Wi-Fi. A phone with mobile data is a good backup hotspot.
• Camera at eye level (a laptop stand). Looking up at the camera from below ruins the impression.
• Light in front of your face, not behind you. A window or a lamp, and you instantly look more professional.
• Headphones. The microphone in them is cleaner than the built-in one, and there is no echo.

Environment

• Background: a neutral wall or a tidy room. Use a virtual background only if you have no other option.
• Quiet: warn the people at home and turn off notifications on all your devices.

Behaviour

• Look at the camera when you answer. It is the equivalent of eye contact.
• A pause is fine. Take a breath before you answer. Rushing shows nerves.
• Keep at hand your resume, the job description and a notepad.
• Test for 15 minutes: record a 30-second clip in the same app you will use for the interview. Check the sound, the light and the frame.

A bonus for awkward pauses: live subtitles help you not miss a question when the connection stutters. Learn more →

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