Use These Tips to Conduct a Remote Interview

Remote interviewing has gone from a pandemic necessity to a permanent fixture of the hiring process. And while it comes with clear advantages—wider talent pools, scheduling flexibility, reduced costs—it also introduces challenges that in-person interviews don't have.

The good news? With the right preparation and approach, remote interviews can be just as effective (and sometimes better) than face-to-face meetings. Here's how to nail them.

Test Your Tech Before Every Interview

Nothing kills a first impression like five minutes of "Can you hear me?" and "Your screen is frozen." Before every interview, test your camera, microphone, internet connection, and the video platform you're using.

Have a backup plan. Know how to quickly switch to a phone call if the connection drops. Send the candidate clear instructions about which platform you'll use, and suggest they test it beforehand too.

Create a Professional Environment

Your background matters. A cluttered, distracting environment sends the wrong message—even if you're working from home. Find a quiet, well-lit space with a neutral background. Face a window or ring light so your face is clearly visible.

Close unnecessary tabs and apps to avoid notifications. Put your phone on silent. Give the candidate your full attention—they'll notice if you're distracted.

Structure Your Interview

Remote interviews benefit from more structure than in-person ones. Without the natural flow of being in the same room, conversations can meander or feel awkward. Prepare a clear agenda with specific questions and time blocks.

Start with a warm introduction and small talk to put the candidate at ease. Walk them through the interview structure so they know what to expect. This reduces anxiety and helps the conversation feel more natural.

Ask Better Questions

Remote work requires different skills than office work—self-motivation, communication, time management, and comfort with technology. Tailor your questions to assess these competencies.

Ask about their remote work experience, how they structure their day, how they handle communication across time zones, and how they stay motivated without in-person oversight. Behavioral questions like "Tell me about a time when..." are especially effective.

Read the Room (Even Through a Screen)

Body language is harder to read on video, but not impossible. Pay attention to eye contact (are they looking at the camera or away?), energy level, and how they handle pauses or unexpected questions.

Give candidates space to think. Silence feels longer on video calls, so resist the urge to jump in if they take a moment to formulate their answer. Patience shows respect and often yields better responses.

Follow Up Promptly

Remote candidates can feel disconnected from the process. Send a follow-up email within 24 hours thanking them for their time and outlining next steps. If you're moving forward, be clear about the timeline. If not, deliver the news promptly and respectfully.

A good candidate experience—even for people you don't hire—reflects well on your brand and can lead to future referrals and positive reviews on platforms like Glassdoor.

Build a Winning Remote Hiring Process

Remote interviews are an opportunity to showcase your company culture and find incredible talent from anywhere in the world. With the right process, they can be just as personal and effective as any in-office interview.

Need help refining your employer brand or building a hiring process that attracts top talent? We help businesses show up authentically across every touchpoint. Let's connect.