Remote Interview Prep

Mastering Remote Video Interviews

Remote interviews introduce technical and environmental variables that in-person meetings don't have. Test your setup 30 minutes before the interview: check your camera, microphone, internet connection, and the video platform (Zoom, Teams, Google Meet). Do a test call with a friend if possible to confirm everything works and that your audio is clear. Have a backup plan ready — a phone number to call if the video fails, a mobile hotspot if your Wi-Fi is unreliable. Technical problems happen, but being prepared to troubleshoot quickly shows professionalism and composure under pressure.

Your visual setup matters more than you might think. Use a clean, uncluttered background — a plain wall, bookshelf, or Zoom virtual background if your space is messy. Ensure good lighting: natural light from a window facing you works well, or use a desk lamp positioned in front of you (not behind, which creates silhouetting). Position your camera at eye level or slightly above — placing your laptop on a stand or stack of books prevents the unflattering "looking up your nose" angle. Frame yourself so your head and shoulders fill most of the screen, leaving a small margin above your head.

Look at the camera when speaking, not at the screen. This simulates eye contact and makes you appear more engaged and confident. It feels unnatural at first because you can't see the interviewer's reactions, but it makes a significant difference in how you come across. Place the video window as close to your camera as possible to minimize the disconnect. Dress professionally at least from the waist up — while it's tempting to wear pajama bottoms, dressing fully helps you mentally prepare and avoids embarrassing moments if you need to stand up unexpectedly.

You can discreetly use notes during a video interview in ways you can't during in-person meetings — but don't abuse this advantage. Having a bulleted outline of your STAR stories, key talking points, or questions to ask can be helpful. However, don't read directly from a script or constantly look down at notes — it's obvious and off-putting. Maintain natural energy and gestures; video can flatten your presence, so slightly amplifying your enthusiasm and expressiveness helps you come across as engaged. Finally, close unnecessary browser tabs and silence notifications to avoid distractions. Treat the remote interview with the same seriousness as an in-person one — the format may be different, but the stakes are identical.