Stand Out in the Digital World: Mastering Remote Interviews

Remote positions are no longer just a trend in the tech industry; they’ve become the new normal in the business world. What started as a big shift during the pandemic is now a lasting preference for many companies and employees. Starting your day sipping coffee in your pajamas, without worrying about the morning traffic, is a huge comfort for many. However, behind this comfort lies a balancing act that requires attention: showcasing your performance, maintaining team harmony, and, of course, leaving a great impression in the hiring process.

We’ve gotten used to working from home, and many of us have become firmly attached to the flexibility it provides. Today's talented workers are not just looking for a job; they are choosing a lifestyle that suits them. But there's another side to the story: Taking the first step toward that job. And that step is the interview.

When you step into a remote interview, the environment might seem comfortable—you're at home, in a familiar space, maybe even with your favorite coffee mug in hand—but the process is anything but comfortable. There are screens between you and the person conducting the interview. Your gestures are limited, your tone of voice is more critical, and there are more distractions.

Presenting yourself on screen and making a strong impression in that short period of time can be tough. It's not easy, at all. And let's be honest: Mistakes made during this process can sometimes result in the door closing just before you get the position. Unfortunately, most of these mistakes happen without us even realizing it.

That's exactly why I'm here. In this article, we'll look at the most common mistakes candidates make in remote interviews. But we won't just say what's wrong—we’ll also provide practical, actionable advice on how to fix or avoid each mistake from the start.

Because every interview is an opportunity, and it's up to you to make the most of it.

1. Showing Up Unprepared Thinking "It's Just at Home, It'll Be Easy"

This might be one of the most common and dangerous misconceptions.

Thinking a remote interview = easy interview is very natural. After all, you're at home, your favorite mug is on the desk, and you might even be wearing pajamas underneath. The environment is comfortable, sure. But if this comfort leads you to be mentally "too relaxed," things can quickly go awry.

The person on the other side of the screen may have spoken with 5-6 other candidates that day. The position you’ve applied for might have received hundreds of applications. So, if you appear unprepared while they’re trying to get to know you, it could place you in the same category as everyone else in an instant. Worse, it could make you seem disengaged or careless. But that’s not your intention, right?

So, what should you do? How should you prepare?

Step 1: Really get to know the company you’ve applied to. But not just a quick Google search.

• Understand what the company does, its industry, its current projects, or products.

• Look into their mission and values. Maybe browse their company blog or social media accounts. How do they communicate, and what kind of culture do they have?

  
  

Step 2: Check out the person you're interviewing with.

• If you've found their name on LinkedIn, take a look at their profile. Which department do they work in? What's their background? Maybe you have mutual connections, or you can find a common topic from their posts. This can give you something to talk about during the interview. And trust me, those small connections can make a big difference.

  
  

Step 3: Understand the role inside and out.

• Read the job listing carefully again. What skills are they looking for? What kind of person would be successful in this role? And which examples from your experience can you share?

  • What have you done in similar situations?

  • How have you collaborated with a team?

  • How did you solve a challenging situation?

    
    

Having these examples ready will give you both confidence and fluency. Because when the moment comes, instead of trying to think on your feet, you’ll have a clear story to tell.

Preparation won’t eliminate all the stress, but it will calm your mind. When you know what you want to say, the words flow more clearly. Your nerves start shifting: you’ll feel more like sharing than being anxious. And that will reflect on the other side of the screen.

2. Leaving Technical Issues to “Chance”

The camera doesn’t work. The sound echoes. The video freezes. The internet connection is spotty...

These technical glitches have become the "classics" of remote interviews. However, just because they happen often doesn’t mean they can be tolerated.

Imagine this: you’re about to meet someone for the first time, but they can neither see you clearly nor hear you properly. Before you even say "Hello," there’s already a sense of uncertainty and chaos. And without realizing it, this brings up the question:

“How ready is this person for remote work?”

Remember, working remotely isn't just about making your home an office; it’s about using digital tools effectively, having your own system in place, and being able to solve problems independently.

This first impression is formed within just a few minutes.

What should you do?

First, don’t leave technical checks to the last minute. Make sure to check your computer, headphones, and microphone at least 15-20 minutes before the interview. If the platform is new to you (e.g., Google Meet, Zoom, Microsoft Teams), always run a test first.

• How is your microphone’s sound quality?

  
  

• Does the camera angle make you look good?

  
  

• Is the background too messy? Is the lighting adequate?

  
  

Here’s quick, effective step: Call a friend and do a 2-minute trial. This allows you to check whether your voice is clear, your image is visible, and your connection is stable. This way, when the interview starts, you won’t panic or lose focus due to technical issues.

Extra tip: If you anticipate internet connection issues, set up a backup connection through mobile data. Or, download important documents (like your resume) to your desktop, so if the platform crashes, you can send them right away via email. These are small but effective details that show you’re prepared.

In short:
None of us are tech wizards, but a 5-minute check before the interview can save you from a lot of problems. And this makes the interview flow more smoothly, stress-free, and professional.

3. Looking at the Screen or Yourself Instead of the Camera

One of the most subtle yet impactful details of remote interviews is eye contact.

In face-to-face meetings, looking into someone's eyes is instinctive. But when it comes to screens, things get a bit tricky, right? We tend to find ourselves either looking at the person's face in the center of the screen or focusing on our own image in the small box in the corner.

But here's the thing: When you look at the screen, the person on the other end can’t feel the eye contact. In their view, your eyes are either looking down or to the side. This can unintentionally create the impression that you seem "distant" or "disengaged."

What should you do?

During the interview, especially while speaking, try to look at the camera as much as possible. This may feel unnatural because you’d like to see the other person’s reactions, but you can create a balance:

• While listening, look at the center of the screen.

  
  

• While speaking, glance at the camera for a few seconds.

  
  

This small change gives the other person the feeling that “I’m really here with you.”

Tip: Adjust the camera’s position to eye level. Placing a few books under your laptop is enough to get a more natural angle. This will give you a more energetic posture as well.

And if your own image is distracting you (which is totally normal), some platforms allow you to hide your own video. Simply close your box and focus solely on the person on the other end.

Remember: In remote interviews, eye contact is one of your most powerful tools for showing focus and energy. Even a small habit change can make a big difference.

4. Not Asking "Is Everything Okay?"

The interview is over, and you think it went well. But later, you realize the sound was a bit muffled... or your face wasn’t clearly visible because of the lighting. Worse, the other person might have missed some of your answers but politely didn’t mention it.

That’s where a simple yet powerful move comes in: Asking during and after the interview, “Is everything okay, is the sound and video clear?”

This simple question immediately makes you appear more conscious and attentive as a candidate.

Because this phrase isn't just a courtesy—it also shows, “I understand the nature of remote communication, I care about the other person’s experience, and I’m aware of digital environments.”

When to ask:

• At the beginning of the interview, after introductions: “By the way, is my sound and video clear?”

  
  

• If a technical glitch occurs during the interview, immediately after: “There seems to have been a small interruption, can you hear me clearly now?”

  
  

• At the end: “I hope everything was clear, I hope we didn’t have any issues with the connection.”

  
  

These phrases aren't just about communication quality—they show empathy and concern for the other person's experience. Small but intentional actions like this will set you apart from other candidates. And honestly, this is what remote work is all about: communication awareness, clarity in digital environments, and thinking of the other person.

5. Thinking “Body Language Is Unnecessary in This Interview”

Body language is an integral part of in-person interviews. But dismissing the importance of body language in remote interviews is a big mistake.

A common misconception is that remote interviews are all about what you say and how well you communicate. However, body language is just as crucial, even in a virtual setting.

What should you do?

• Sit up straight: Sitting with a posture that shows confidence can be heard even through a screen.

  
  

• Avoid crossing your arms: It might seem like you’re closed off. Keep your arms relaxed.

  
  

• Use hand gestures (if it feels natural): Hand gestures help emphasize points and make you come across as more expressive and enthusiastic.

  
  

• Smile often: A smile can transcend all barriers. You might not realize it, but a genuine smile softens your presence and makes you appear approachable.

  
  

In the end, body language plays an important role in showing your enthusiasm, engagement, and personality. While technical aspects and words are essential, the way you appear can influence the interviewer’s impression of you.

Confidence Is Key!

If you follow these simple steps, you’ll show not just that you’ve done your homework, but that you’ve taken the interview process seriously.

Here's a tip: If you pay attention to all of these steps, you'll present the best version of yourself in a remote interview. Keep in mind that remote work isn't just about physical settings but also about mental and digital readiness. These small yet effective steps will not only make you stand out in the interview but will set you up for success in the remote work world.

Prepare for the interview, show your best version in front of the screen, and most importantly—believe in yourself!

Best of luck!