Remote work is more popular than ever, and so are video interviews. When you’re applying for a remote job, chances are your interview will happen over Zoom, Teams, or a similar video platform. Why? Employers want to see the person behind the resume, even if you’re miles away. Video interviews let hiring managers assess your communication skills, professionalism, and personality without needing an in-person meeting. They’ve rapidly gone from novelty to the new normal – accelerated by global events and the rise of distributed teams. This means as a remote job seeker, being comfortable on camera is no longer optional; it’s a key part of landing the role.
But acing a video interview involves more than clicking “Join Call.” You have to deal with technology, present yourself well on-screen, and show you can thrive in a remote work setting. The good news is that with some preparation, you can turn the virtual format into an advantage. In this guide, we’ll cover everything: setting up your tech, choosing the right environment, video call etiquette, common mistakes (and how to avoid them), handling unexpected glitches, answering remote-specific questions, and even what to do after the interview. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to put your best foot forward on camera and convince employers you’re the real deal for that remote position.
Your first step to video interview success is nailing the technical setup. Nothing derails an interview faster than a choppy connection or a mic that doesn’t work. Here’s how to set yourself up for smooth sailing:
Internet connection: Use the most reliable, fastest internet you can access. Ideally, connect via Ethernet or sit close to your Wi-Fi router to ensure a strong signal. As a rule of thumb, you’ll want at least 10 Mbps internet speed so you don’t appear blurry or have audio lag during the call. It’s a good idea to run a speed test (e.g. on Fast.com) a day before and again an hour before the interview. If your internet is spotty, consider alternatives – could you take the call from a friend’s place with better internet, or use a phone hotspot as backup? Also, close other programs or streaming devices that might hog bandwidth. The goal is to minimize any chance of freezing or dropping out.
Computer and software: Choose a dependable device for the interview – preferably a laptop or desktop over a phone, unless instructed otherwise. Make sure your computer is fully charged or plugged in, and that all system updates are taken care of beforehand (nothing worse than a surprise reboot during the interview!). If possible, reboot your computer an hour before to clear out any issues, and quit any non-essential apps to free up resources. If the interview is on Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, or a specialized platform, install it ahead of time and do a trial run. Ensure you have the correct meeting link or software version. You might even do a quick test call with a friend to double-check that Zoom isn’t demanding an update or that your microphone permissions are set correctly. Being familiar with the software means you won’t waste time at the start of the interview saying “Hold on, how do I unmute…?”
Camera & microphone: These are your lifelines in a video interview. Position your webcam at eye level, if possible, so that you’re framed well – your face and upper shoulders should be clearly visible, not just your forehead or chin. You can prop your laptop on some books or adjust your chair to get the angle right. Do a test to see how you look: is the camera too low (giving your interviewer a view up your nose) or too high? Adjust it to a straight-on view. Also, check the lighting (more on that below) while testing the camera. For audio, decide whether to use your computer’s microphone or headphones/earbuds with a mic. Use whichever gives clearer sound with less echo. Often, a simple pair of wired headphones can greatly improve sound quality and prevent feedback. Test it by recording a short video of yourself or calling a friend – can they hear you well? Clear audio is critical; if an interviewer can’t hear your answers, it won’t matter how good they are.
Lighting and video quality: Good lighting can literally put you in the best light. Face a light source if you can – for example, sit so that a window or a lamp is in front of you, illuminating your face. Avoid having bright light directly behind you (like sitting in front of a sunny window), which would silhouette you in shadow. If natural light is insufficient or your interview is at night, place a lamp behind your webcam or monitor, aimed at you. This helps you appear clearly on video rather than as a dark, grainy figure. A quiet, well-lit room with even lighting on your face is ideal. You don’t need a professional studio setup – just make sure you’re not sitting in the dark. Adjust your environment and camera until your video is clear and bright. It might help to do a test call on the actual platform to see how you appear to others. Many video apps show you a self-view; use that to fine-tune your lighting and framing.
Pro tip: Consider doing a full test run. Dress up as you will for the interview, join a mock call (or record yourself via the video app), and review how everything looks and sounds. This dress rehearsal can catch small issues – maybe your chair squeaks loudly on video or the camera autofocus is jittery. You can then fix those in advance. By handling the technical details ahead of time, you’ll project competence and avoid preventable hiccups, letting your qualifications and personality shine through uninterrupted.
Where you take your video interview is just as important as how you take it. Your environment sets the stage and can either support you or sabotage you. The ideal interview spot is quiet, distraction-free, and professional-looking. Let’s break down the key factors in choosing your setting:
First, pick a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted. This might be a spare room, home office, or even a bedroom – anywhere you can close the door on noise. Inform anyone you live with (roommates, family members) that you’ll be in an important interview and not to disturb you for that period. A simple “Do Not Disturb – Interview in Progress” sign on the door can be helpful. Turn off the TV, music, or any other background audio. If you have pets, secure them in another room or have someone take care of them during the call to prevent surprise barks or meows. Think ahead to potential interruptions: if the mail carrier or a loud garbage truck usually comes by at a certain time, try to schedule around that or at least be prepared. The goal is to create a bubble of concentration for both you and the interviewer, so they focus on you – not on whatever is happening behind you.
Background matters: What’s visible behind you on camera should be tidy, neutral, and work-friendly. As one guide notes, an unmade bed or a cluttered room in view can leave a bad impression on your interviewer. You don’t need a perfectly staged office, but aim for a clean, uncluttered background. A blank wall or a bookshelf works great. If you’re in a multi-use room, take a moment to remove any personal items or mess that the camera might catch – no piles of laundry or distracting posters. Also be mindful of lighting here: if you have a window in the background, close shades or adjust your position to avoid being backlit. Many candidates choose to sit at a desk or table with their back to a plain wall. If that’s not possible, you can also use a virtual background as a last resort (something simple and professional, like a solid color or a subtle office setting), but test it first to ensure it doesn’t glitch or cover parts of your face.
Camera placement and seating: Set up your laptop or webcam on a stable surface (a desk or table is best – avoid doing the interview with your device on your lap or while lounging on a couch). Position yourself so the camera frames you well (we discussed ideal framing in the tech section). Check what’s around you in the frame edges too – if the camera is wide-angle, it might show more of the room than you realize. Tidy up any visible area. Sit in a comfortable chair that encourages good posture. You want to be able to sit upright, not slouching or sliding down. If using a swivel chair, be careful not to spin or fidget. And have everything you might need within arm’s reach: a glass of water, a notepad and pen for quick notes, and your resume or interview notes for reference. Having water handy is especially important in case your throat gets dry – you can take a quick sip (just don’t slurp loudly into the mic!). And absolutely silence your phone or any alarms so nothing pings or rings during the call.
Minimize distractions: Once your space is set, make sure it stays interruption-free for the duration of the interview. Close any windows if outside noise is a concern (sirens, construction, or even chirping birds can be surprisingly loud on a mic). If you live with others, kindly remind them when you’re about to start. Many candidates find it useful to lock the door, if possible, to prevent someone from accidentally barging in. Little things count too – for example, disable computer notifications that might pop up on your screen and distract you or the interviewer if you’re sharing your screen at any point. If you’ve prepared notes or have your resume printed, lay them out so you don’t rustle papers excessively. The idea is to create a controlled environment where nothing unexpected pulls attention away from the conversation. As one career coach advises, a quiet corner with a neat background and no chance of surprise interruptions shows your professionalism and seriousness about the job.
By carefully choosing and prepping your environment, you demonstrate to your potential employer that you’re thoughtful and equipped to work remotely. It shows that you understand how to create a productive workspace – a great sign for someone who will be working from home. Plus, when you’re in a calm, well-organized space, you’ll feel more calm and organized. It’s one less thing to worry about, allowing you to focus fully on the interview itself.
The way you present yourself on a video call speaks volumes. Even though you’re not in a physical room with the interviewer, standard interview etiquette still applies – with a few virtual-specific tweaks. From where to look to how to use your hands, mastering the unspoken rules of video interviews will help you come across as confident, engaged, and professional. Here are the keys to great on-camera etiquette:
Make eye contact (through the camera): This one is a bit tricky in a video setting, but it’s vital. In an in-person interview, you’d naturally make eye contact to build trust and rapport. In a video interview, direct eye contact translates to looking at your webcam when you speak. It might feel strange not to watch the person’s face on your screen while you talk, but looking into the camera lens gives the interviewer the impression that you’re looking at them. It’s an essential part of building connection; maintaining eye contact shows you’re engaged and listening. A handy trick is to position the interviewer’s video window as close to your webcam as possible – for instance, if your webcam is at the top of your laptop, move the video window up near there so your gaze naturally aligns more with the camera. You could also stick a small arrow or googly eye near the webcam as a reminder to look there. When the interviewer is speaking, of course, you can look at the screen to read their facial cues. But when you respond, try to frequently glance toward the camera. It makes a huge difference in helping you appear attentive and earnest.
Body language and posture: Sit up straight, with your shoulders relaxed and face aimed toward the camera. Good posture not only looks professional, but it also helps you project your voice more clearly. Avoid leaning too far back (which can make you look disinterested or too casual) or hunching way forward into the camera. Aim for a comfortable, confident pose – as if you’re at the interviewer’s conference table. Keep your hands mostly in your lap or using subtle gestures; if you tend to talk with your hands, that’s okay, just ensure your gestures are within the camera frame and not too distracting. You want your movements to look natural but controlled. For example, an occasional hand gesture to emphasize a point is fine, but constantly waving your hands around near the camera can be distracting. Also, remember to nod and show reactive facial expressions just as you would in person. Nod when the interviewer is speaking to show you’re listening, and smile (where appropriate) to convey warmth. A friendly demeanor can come through even via video. One tip from experienced remote interviewees: make sure there’s a little space visible above your head in the camera frame and that your upper torso is showing. This framing not only looks better but also allows the interviewer to see some of your gestures, making the interaction feel more natural.
Facial expressions and tone of voice: Because a video call can dampen some cues, be a bit more expressive than you might be in person. This doesn’t mean be cartoonish, but do smile when you’re talking (especially at the start when greeting the interviewer) – it helps you sound upbeat and engaged. Monitor your tone of voice to ensure you sound enthusiastic and clear. Avoid speaking in a monotone or too quickly. It’s okay to take slight pauses to let the interviewer chime in or to ensure you weren’t cut off by a lag. Also, be mindful of cross-cultural differences if applicable – speaking clearly and at a moderate pace ensures you’re understood even if there’s a slight delay or if either side’s audio isn’t perfect. Check in now and then (for example, after a longer explanation, you can ask “Does that make sense?” or “Can you hear me clearly?”) – this shows good communication and ensures you haven’t lost them due to a tech issue. And remember to breathe and keep your voice steady. Nerves can sometimes make us ramble or speak too high-pitched; practicing answers beforehand can help settle that. You want to convey confidence and friendliness with your voice.
Etiquette and politeness: Treat a video interview like a formal meeting because it is one. Start by greeting your interviewer with a smile and a friendly “Hello [Name], it’s great to meet you!” (If it’s a panel, greet each person if you can). Even a small wave at the start is okay if it feels natural, since you can’t shake hands over video. Throughout the conversation, listen actively – nod, give affirmations like “Absolutely” or “That’s a great question” before you launch into answers (just don’t overdo it or interrupt the interviewer). If you need a moment to think after a question, it’s perfectly fine to say, “Let me take a second to think about that,” rather than sitting in total silence. Because the interviewer can’t see everything going on in your space, if you need to do something like glance away to take a note or if something briefly distracts you, you might narrate that: e.g., “I’m just making a note of that,” so they know you’re not disengaged. Little clarifications help avoid misunderstandings. Towards the end, when the interviewer has finished their questions and asks if you have any, maintain that enthusiasm. And when wrapping up, don’t forget to thank them for their time. A final friendly smile and a confident “Thank you so much for the opportunity to chat – I look forward to the next steps” leaves a great impression.
Avoid common video etiquette pitfalls: Resist the urge to multitask during the interview – the interviewer can tell if you’re looking at your phone or checking emails (your eyes and hands give it away). So close any other browser tabs and put away your phone. Also, try not to interrupt the interviewer. Video calls sometimes have a half-second audio delay, so pause slightly longer than you normally would after they finish speaking, just to be sure they were done. If you accidentally talk over each other, just apologize and let them continue. Maintain professionalism: no eating, chewing gum, or obviously distracting behaviors on camera. It’s usually best not to use the interview time to complain about technical issues at length – if something small goes wrong (like a brief freeze), apologize and move on. By showing you’re courteous and adaptable on the video call, you prove that you can communicate well in a remote work environment. Being on a virtual interview doesn’t mean etiquette goes out the window – greet warmly, smile, and let your personality shine through so you don’t come off as overly frigid. When you combine strong etiquette with your skills and answers, you make it easy for the interviewer to see you as a future colleague.
Even seasoned candidates can slip up during video interviews. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make in virtual interviews – and how you can avoid them. Steering clear of these pitfalls will immediately set you apart from less-prepared applicants:
Awareness is half the battle. If you know these common pitfalls, you can take steps to avoid them and present yourself in the best possible light. A smooth, focused interview experience for the interviewer allows them to concentrate on your qualifications – which is exactly what you want. By avoiding these mistakes, you demonstrate preparation, professionalism, and adaptability, all key traits for a remote worker.
No matter how well you prepare, life (and technology) can throw curveballs. The true test is how you handle them. Employers understand that not everything is in your control – what impresses them is your composure and problem-solving when the unexpected happens. Here are some common hiccups that occur during video interviews and tips on managing them gracefully:
Technical difficulties (internet or software glitches): Perhaps your screen freezes, the audio cuts out, or you get abruptly disconnected. It’s panic-inducing in the moment, but it can be salvaged. First, if the video feed or sound is choppy, don’t pretend everything’s fine – politely mention “I’m sorry, the connection is a bit unstable. Could you repeat the last part?” if you missed something. If your internet drops entirely, try to rejoin the meeting ASAP. Many times, rejoining will put you right back in with the interviewer. That’s why having the meeting link (or ID and password) handy is important. Also, it’s smart to have the interviewer’s contact info (phone or email) saved beforehand. If minutes are passing and you can’t get back online, shoot them a quick email or call explaining the situation. For example, “Hello, this is [Your Name]. My internet just went down unexpectedly. I’m rebooting my router now. I will rejoin ASAP – thank you for your patience.”
Most interviewers will be understanding and may even switch to a phone call if needed. In fact, you can suggest it: if the video platform just isn’t cooperating after a couple of attempts, calmly say on reconnect, “The connection seems to be giving us trouble. I’m happy to continue this over a phone call if that works for you.” Offering a solution shows proactiveness. The key is to stay calm and communicative. Don’t let frustration get the better of you; these things happen. Apologize briefly for the inconvenience once the issue is resolved, then continue with the interview. Showing you can keep your cool under tech stress is actually a great sign for remote work resilience.
Sudden background noise or interruptions: Maybe a loud siren goes by, your neighbor starts drilling, or your dog decides to bark at a squirrel. If a disruptive noise occurs while you’re speaking, pause and politely acknowledge it: “Excuse me one moment – a loud noise is passing by.” Then mute your microphone until the noise subsides. If the noise is brief, you can then repeat the last thing you said (since the interviewer may not have heard it clearly).
If someone enters your room by mistake or another unexpected interruption happens (despite your best preventative measures), handle it with a quick apology and solution. For example, if your child wandered in, you could smile and say, “I’m so sorry – give me just one moment,” then briefly turn off your camera/mic to escort them out. Interviewers don’t expect your home to be a perfectly silent vacuum; what they look at is how professionally you respond. By apologizing and taking control of the situation swiftly, you demonstrate grace under pressure. Once you’re back, you might say, “Thank you for understanding. Working from home usually comes with the occasional surprise visitor, but we’re all set now.” Most people will chuckle sympathetically, and you can both move on.
You get a question you don’t know how to answer or lose your train of thought: This is more of an interview curveball than a technical one, but it’s amplified by the virtual format because there’s a temptation to frantically click around for answers. If you’re stumped by a question, it’s okay to take a breath. You can ask for a moment to think, or even say, “That’s a great question. Let me think about that for a second.”
This is far better than blurting out a disorganized answer or freezing. If you completely blank out, you can ask for clarification to buy a little time (e.g., “Are you looking for an example from my past experience related to that?”). In a worst-case scenario where your mind stays blank, it’s better to be honest than to ramble. You might say, “I’m not very familiar with that particular topic, but I would be eager to learn it. I do have experience with XYZ which might be relevant.” and then pivot to how quick you are at picking up new skills. The interviewer will appreciate your honesty and composure. What you don’t want is to pretend or make up an answer that you can’t support. Keep your cool, and remember, an interview is as much about demonstrating how you handle challenges as it is about the factual answers you give.
When all else fails, communicate and adapt: If a serious issue arises (for instance, your power goes out or there’s a major technical failure), notify the interviewer as soon as you can. You might send an email from your phone explaining the situation and proposing to reschedule. Employers would much rather reschedule due to an unavoidable problem than struggle through a disastrous call. The key is communication – don’t ghost them if something goes wrong. Remote work is all about adaptability.
By demonstrating that you can calmly troubleshoot issues – like switching to a phone call when video fails or quickly muting for a siren – you show that you’re resourceful and can handle the realities of remote work. One expert tip is to mention at the start of the interview, “In the rare event we get disconnected, I’ll be sure to rejoin immediately or call you.” This sets the protocol upfront and shows foresight. Ultimately, things happen that we can’t predict. It’s your reaction that matters. Stay calm, be polite, and find a solution. Interviewers will often be impressed by a candidate who navigates a mishap with positivity and determination, because it’s a great indicator of how they’ll handle remote work challenges in the future.
Video interviews for remote jobs often include a special set of questions aimed at figuring out how well you’ll work in a remote environment. Employers are not just evaluating your skills and experience; they want to gauge your remote work aptitude – things like self-motivation, communication, and reliability when working from home. Here we’ll discuss some common remote-specific questions and how to tackle them in your answers:
“Do you have any experience working remotely?” This is a very typical opening question for remote job interviews. Interviewers ask it to see if you’re already familiar with the rhythms and challenges of remote work. If you do have remote work experience, great – highlight it. Talk about where you worked, for how long, and what you accomplished remotely (for example, “I worked from home for 2 years in my last customer support role, handling client inquiries via Slack and Zoom”).
Emphasize successes: maybe you maintained or improved productivity while remote, or learned to use certain remote collaboration tools effectively. If you haven’t worked remotely before, don’t worry – lack of prior remote experience isn’t a deal-breaker these days. Instead, frame your answer around similar experiences or how you’ve prepared for remote work.
Perhaps you did freelance projects from home, or you managed group projects in college using online tools, or you’ve been working in an office but often collaborated with remote colleagues or clients via video calls. The key is to show that you understand what remote work entails and that you have the discipline and initiative to handle it. You could say, for example, “I haven’t had a full-time remote role yet, but during the pandemic our team shifted to working from home for several months, so I became comfortable using Zoom and project management software to keep up with my tasks. I actually found that I’m very self-motivated and organized when working independently.” By providing a concrete example or analogy, you reassure them that you can transition smoothly into remote work.
“How do you stay motivated and productive when working from home?” Employers love to ask this because self-motivation is the heart of successful remote work. Without a manager physically nearby or the structure of an office, can you keep yourself on track? In your answer, demonstrate that you have a strategy for staying focused. You might discuss how you structure your day – for instance, setting regular working hours, taking planned breaks, and having a dedicated workspace. Maybe you use to-do lists or digital tools to organize your tasks.
It’s great to mention any routine or habit that boosts your productivity, such as “I start each day by prioritizing my top 3 tasks and I use a planner (or Trello, Asana, etc.) to track progress.” If you’ve worked remotely or independently before, give an example of a goal you met or a project you completed successfully thanks to your self-discipline. If not, you can draw from other experiences: perhaps studying for a degree online or completing a personal project on your own time. The key is to convey that you won’t be slacking off just because a boss isn’t watching – you know how to motivate yourself.
Avoid generic platitudes; be specific. For instance, you could say, “I break my workday into blocks and assign each block a set of tasks. I also minimize distractions by working in a quiet area and using noise-cancelling headphones. This routine kept me on track when I was juggling multiple projects remotely during my last job.” If applicable, mention that you enjoy remote work because you can concentrate deeply – any positive spin helps. Remember, the underlying concern here is whether you can handle the freedom of remote work responsibly, so your answer should reassure them that you’re actually more productive in your home setting, not less.
“What communication tools have you used, and how do you communicate with a remote team?” Remote jobs hinge on communication. Since the team can’t gather in a conference room easily, they rely on chat, email, video calls, project management apps, and more. Employers will often ask about your familiarity with these tools and your communication style. In your answer, list the remote communication and collaboration tools you’ve used – common ones include Slack (or Microsoft Teams) for messaging, Zoom/Teams/Google Meet for video, Trello/Asana/Jira for project tracking, Google Docs/Sheets or other cloud collaboration suites, etc.
Mention the tools by name and briefly how you used them: for example, “In my previous role, we used Slack for daily team check-ins and quick questions, and Zoom for weekly team meetings or client calls. I’m also comfortable with Google Drive for sharing documents and have used Trello to track project progress.” This shows you have technical readiness. But beyond tools, emphasize your approach to communication. Remote work requires being proactive and clear in communicating.
You might say, “I make it a point to give regular updates to my manager and team, since we don’t see each other in person. For instance, I might send a summary email at the end of the day or update our project board so everyone knows what I’ve completed. I also ask for help or clarification promptly if I’m stuck, rather than staying silent.” This demonstrates that you won’t let yourself become a black hole.
Also, mention any etiquette you follow, like being responsive during work hours, keeping your calendar up-to-date for scheduling, and respecting time zones if it’s a global team. If you have an example, e.g., “When I started at my last job, I quickly learned their communication norms – like using specific Slack channels for IT support vs. general chat – and I made sure to adapt and even helped a new hire get used to our system.” That kind of anecdote can underline your communication skills. Essentially, you want to convince them that you’ll be an active, reliable communicator, which is crucial for remote teams where miscommunication can easily happen if someone isn’t communicative.
“How do you organize your day and manage tasks when working remotely?” This question is about your work habits and time management. Employers want assurance that you can handle the freedom of remote work without things slipping through the cracks. In your answer, describe your personal organization system. It could include maintaining a consistent routine (e.g., “I start at the same time each day, keep a schedule and a dedicated workspace”), using productivity tools (calendars, task apps, reminders), and setting goals or deadlines for yourself even if they’re not externally given.
If you have prior experience, you could mention how you successfully managed, say, multiple clients or projects remotely. “I’m a big fan of the Kanban method, so I use a Trello board to move tasks from ‘In Progress’ to ‘Completed’. It keeps me organized and my team can see my progress too.” This shows initiative in staying organized. Also talk about how you separate work and home life since that demonstrates you can focus (for example, “I treat my remote workday just like an office workday – I have a start time, a lunch break, and an end-of-day shutdown routine. This helps me stay disciplined and avoid procrastination.”).
The interviewer is listening for signs that you won’t be that remote employee who accidentally takes a four-hour lunch or loses track of a project because Netflix was on. If you can, give an example of a challenge you navigated: “One week we had a tight deadline and I was working remotely. I made a detailed schedule blocking out time for each key task, and used Slack to update my team at noon and day’s end on progress. We not only met the deadline, but I was able to catch a potential delay early because of those regular check-ins.” That kind of response showcases responsibility and proactiveness, which is exactly what they want in a remote worker.
“Why do you want to work remotely?” (or any question probing your motivation for a remote job) Sometimes, employers want to understand if a candidate is seeking remote work for the right reasons. The wrong answer here would be something like “Because I don’t like managers looking over my shoulder” or “I want to sleep in and work in my pajamas,” even if joking – avoid that.
Instead, focus on how remote work will make you an even better employee. For instance, you might say, “I find that I’m extremely productive in a remote environment – I can tailor my workspace for optimal focus and I save hours not commuting, which I can put into my work. Plus, working remotely will allow me to better balance deep work with timely communication, which is perfect for a job like this that requires concentration and collaboration.”
You can also express enthusiasm for the company’s remote culture if applicable: “I’m excited that this company has a strong remote work culture. I enjoy the discipline of remote work and I’ve thrived in it, so I’m looking forward to contributing to the team from here in [your city].” If there are personal reasons (like living in a location far from tech companies, or needing flexibility for family), you can mention them briefly but always bring it back to how you will meet the job’s requirements.
For example, “Working remotely allows me to live in an area that’s best for my family, and in turn I’m a happier, more focused employee. I’ve invested in a great home office setup and I genuinely enjoy remote collaboration. I believe remote work is the future, and I’m eager to be part of a team that embraces it.” Such an answer shows that you’ve thought it through and are genuinely motivated, not just looking for an easy way out of going to an office.
In all your responses to remote-centric questions, the key is to provide concrete examples and convey that you understand both the benefits and the responsibilities of remote work. **Show that you are self-motivated, communicative, proactive, and tech-savvy.** If you can do that, you’ll address the interviewer’s unspoken question: “Can I trust this person to work effectively when they’re not in the office?” The answer you want them to conclude is a resounding yes.
The interview isn’t over when you click “End Call.” How you handle the post-interview period can leave a lasting impression on your potential employer. Following up professionally demonstrates your continued interest in the role and your appreciation for the interviewer’s time – and it’s especially important in a remote job process, where all impressions are made virtually. Here’s how to follow up the right way:
Send a thank-you email promptly. The same day of your interview (or at latest, within 24 hours), send a concise, polite thank-you email to your interviewer(s). This is a standard professional courtesy that many employers appreciate – in fact, it’s highly recommended to do so even for virtual interviews. In your email, thank them for speaking with you, express that you enjoyed learning more about the role/company, and briefly reiterate your enthusiasm for the position.
You can also reference something specific you discussed in the interview that resonated with you – for example, “I particularly enjoyed hearing about the team’s agile workflow; it’s something I’ve experienced and liked in my past work, and it got me even more excited about possibly joining your team.” Keep the tone warm and professional. It doesn’t need to be very long – a few sentences to a short paragraph is enough. Double-check spelling (especially the interviewer’s name!) and grammar before sending. If you interviewed with multiple people, ideally send a personalized note to each person (in separate emails), if you have their contact info. Many candidates skip the thank-you note, so doing this can set you apart as courteous and interested.
Be patient, but prepared to follow up again. After your thank-you email, the ball is in the company’s court. They might have told you a timeline for next steps; if so, respect that timeline. For example, if they said “We’ll get back to you in a week,” give them that week. If that time passes with no word, it’s acceptable to send a polite follow-up email to the recruiter or hiring manager to inquire about the status.
Something like: “I hope you’re well. I’m following up on our interview from [date] and wanted to see if there have been any updates on the [Job Title] position. I remain very interested in the opportunity to join your team. Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you.” Keep it positive and succinct. This follow-up should typically be at least a week or so after the last communication, unless they gave you a different indication. One follow-up is usually enough; after that, you have to wait or assume they moved forward with someone else. It’s tough waiting, but multiple aggressive emails or calls can hurt your chances, so maintain professionalism.
Connect and stay professional: You might consider sending a connection request on LinkedIn to your interviewer after the process is fully concluded (either you got the job or someone else did). During the waiting period, though, stick to email for follow-ups rather than connecting on social media, which can be seen as too forward. If you do get a LinkedIn connection or a response, always reply graciously.
For instance, if you get a rejection email, you can respond with a brief thank you for their time and ask that they keep you in mind for future opportunities. This leaves a positive final impression – sometimes candidates who were polite and professional throughout (including in rejection) are remembered for later roles or referrals.
And if you get an offer – congratulations! Continue the professionalism by responding promptly, reviewing any details they send, and confirming your excitement. Remote hiring managers want to see that you communicate reliably via the written word (since so much remote work is written communication). Your follow-up etiquette is one more chance to show off that skill.
In summary, don’t overlook the follow-up phase. A thoughtful thank-you note and timely, courteous post-interview communication can reinforce the good impression you made in your video interview. It shows that you’re not only technically savvy and well-spoken, but also polite and diligent – exactly the kind of person any company would love to have on their remote team.
As a final tip for remote job seekers: where you search for jobs can be just as important as how you interview for them. While big job boards (Indeed, LinkedIn, etc.) list countless opportunities, you can often find higher-quality leads on niche job boards – especially for specialized fields or remote work. One great example is The SaaS Jobs, a job board focused on SaaS (Software as a Service) industry roles. Here’s why using niche boards like this can give you a leg up:
Targeted opportunities: Niche job boards curate positions that are specific to certain industries or work styles. In the case of The SaaS Jobs, you’ll find roles exclusively in the SaaS and software space – which means if that’s your field, every listing is relevant to you. You won’t have to wade through as many unrelated postings. Additionally, such boards often cater to remote-friendly roles. The SaaS Jobs, for instance, features many positions at tech companies that are open to remote workers (or even fully remote teams). Specialized platforms frequently attract companies that are built with remote work in mind, increasing your odds of landing a role on a distributed team. Similarly, other remote-focused boards (like those dedicated to programming, design, marketing, etc.) tend to have a high concentration of remote or flexible jobs. By focusing your search on these sites, you’re fishing in a pond stocked with exactly the kind of jobs you want.
Quality over quantity: Companies that post on niche job boards are often specifically looking for talent passionate about that niche. For example, a SaaS startup posting on The SaaS Jobs knows they’re reaching professionals who are interested in SaaS. These applicants (like you) are likely more aligned with their needs than the general population. This can mean less competition compared to a general site and a better chance that your background will stand out. Niche boards can also help you discover smaller or up-and-coming companies you might not find on larger job sites. Many startups and specialized firms use niche boards to attract exactly the right candidates. As a job seeker, finding a role through a niche board can sometimes lead to a more tailored fit – the job description, required skills, and even the company culture might align more closely with what you’re looking for.
Community and resources: Boards like The SaaS Jobs are often part of a larger community or run by experts in the field. They may offer additional resources: blog posts (for example, advice on landing remote SaaS jobs), newsletters with new job alerts, or forums/groups where you can network with other professionals in the industry. As a remote job seeker, tapping into these communities can provide valuable insights. You might learn which companies are going fully remote, hear about unadvertised openings through word of mouth, or get tips specific to your industry’s interview trends. Moreover, if you’re aiming for a career in SaaS, showing engagement with industry-specific platforms could indirectly benefit you – it keeps you informed about the latest tools, company news, and what skills are in demand.
In short, while you should cast a wide net in your job search, don’t ignore the power of niche job boards. They focus on what matters to you – whether that’s remote tech jobs, design gigs, content roles in a specific sector, etc. The SaaS Jobs is a prime example for those interested in software and SaaS roles, connecting job seekers with companies at the forefront of tech. By utilizing such targeted resources, you not only increase your chances of finding a role that fits your skills and remote work preference, but you also demonstrate initiative and industry savvy. It’s one more way to set yourself up for success in the competitive remote job market.
Good luck with your video interviews, and happy remote job hunting! With the tips in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to impressing potential employers through the screen and landing that remote dream job. Remember – preparation and professionalism are the name of the game. You’ve got this!