Remote interviews are just as, if not more important than face-to-face interviews. They're your first opportunity to make an impression and connect with the company you hope to work for. Traditionally, this would have meant picking out your fancy interview outfit and making your way to the company’s head office for a face-to-face interview. However, now this can all be done from the comfort of your own home. 

But, how do you replicate that connection and make that impressive first impression just as well virtually? Here, we share some top tips to help you.

This blog will cover:

• How to prepare for a remote interview and make a great first impression
• What to check before your interview to avoid common tech issues
• How to introduce yourself and answer “Tell me about yourself” confidently
• The best questions to ask your interviewer to show genuine interest
• When and how to follow up after a remote interview

How do you prepare for an interview?

1. Do your research

For a successful remote interview, thorough preparation is needed. Start by researching the company and familiarising yourself with its values and mission. Additionally, understand the format of the interview, whether it's one-on-one, panel-style, or involves any specific assessments.

Start by creating a document where you can capture everything you have researched about the company. Think about the areas that relate to the role you have applied for. For example, if it is a marketing role, look at their current marketing channels, and get familiar with the tactics they use. 

It's also good to think about all the competency based questions you may be asked.

2. Check your tech

Make sure your laptop is in good working order and your internet connection is stable. It’s also always best to do a test run of the video conferencing software that you will need. This could be Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, or another platform. Don’t assume it’s software you use all the time. Check the interview notes or reach out if you’re not sure. Doing these checks will help you have a smooth interview experience without any technical glitches. 

3. Look presentable and think about how to introduce yourself

Appearance matters even in a virtual setting, so dress professionally as you would for an in-person interview. Beyond just looking professional, dressing appropriately can also boost your confidence during the interview. When you feel confident in your appearance, you're more likely to project confidence in your communication and body language, which can positively influence the interviewer's perception of you.

It might sound like a simple question, but “Tell me a bit about yourself” can catch a lot of us off guard. Where do you even start? Should you keep it strictly professional, or is it OK to share something more personal? Do they want to hear about your job history… or your dog?

It’s easy to overthink it, but the key is to keep it simple. Start with your most recent role, a bit about how you got there, and what’s brought you to this opportunity. Think of it as telling the story of your career so far—with a clear link to why you’re excited about this role.

"I’m currently a Marketing Executive at (company name) , where I’ve spent the last two years working on content strategy and campaign planning. I actually started out in PR, but over time I realised I was most excited by the creative side of marketing—especially when it comes to storytelling and brand building.

That shift led me into my current role, where I’ve been able to really develop those skills and lead some great projects.

Now I’m looking for a new challenge where I can continue to grow—ideally in a company that values creativity and autonomy. That’s what really drew me to this role, and why I’m excited to be here chatting with you today.”

4. Have your questions ready

By asking the interviewer questions you're demonstrating your interest in the role and company. It's important to remember that it's not just an opportunity for the employer to assess your fit for the role—it's also your chance to figure out if the company aligns with your career goals and values.

Ask questions about the company culture, team dynamics, and opportunities for growth and development within the organisation. You can inquire about the company's values, mission, and vision to gauge how well they align with your own beliefs and aspirations. Additionally, ask about the specific responsibilities of the role, performance expectations, and any potential challenges or opportunities you may face.

Here are some example questions to ask the interviewer:

• What will my main KPIs be in this role?
• What do you expect from this role in the next 3-6 months?
• What personal learning and development opportunities do you offer?
• Can you tell me more about the team I'll be working with?
• How would you describe the company culture and values?
• What are the biggest challenges facing the team/department/company right now?
• How does this role contribute to the overall goals of the organisation?

5. Ask about the next steps and follow up after the interview

Before you end the interview ask about the next steps in the hiring process so you know what to expect following the interview. You can ask about the expected timeline for decisions, such as when you can expect to hear back regarding the status of your application or when the next round of interviews may take place.

Knowing when to follow up after an interview can be tricky. You don’t want to come across as too keen, but you also don’t want to seem disinterested. When in doubt, it’s always better to show enthusiasm—so send that follow-up!

If you haven’t heard back after a week, it’s a good time to drop a quick email asking when you might expect an update.

If they gave you a timeline during the interview (for example, “we’ll get back to you by the end of next week”), wait a day or two after that date before reaching out. But if no timeline was mentioned, following up after about a week strikes the right balance—it’s polite, professional, and shows you’re genuinely interested.

Here is a quick template you can use :

Hi [Interviewer's Name],

I hope you're well! I just wanted to follow up and say thank you again for the opportunity to chat about the [Job Title] role last [day you interviewed]. I'm really excited about the possibility of joining the team and contributing to [mention something specific about the role or company].

Please let me know if there's any additional information I can provide. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Best,
[Your Name]