The Remote Interview Revolution:
Like almost everything in the world of HR, the humble job interview has undergone a quiet revolution in recent years.
We now live in the age of remote interviews - and it’s been a long time coming. Beyond the obvious convenience of interviewing from the comfort of home, remote interviewing has fundamentally changed how employers and candidates connect.
It opens the door to a much wider and more diverse talent pool - people who were once out of reach due to geography or circumstance. Employers now have the power to connect with talent faster, reduce time-to-hire, and scale their hiring efforts digitally.
But while the technology has evolved, behaviour and attitude sometimes lag behind. That’s where companies like Evolve add real value - helping both candidates and employers get up to speed with best practice in this new recruitment landscape.
The Challenge: Communicating Through a Screen
Remote interviews bring their own unique challenges - especially when it comes to communication.
With body language constrained, nuance reduced, and the natural flow of in-person conversation flattened into a two-dimensional exchange, candidates often wonder:
How can I make an impact through a screen?
Fortunately, there are a few simple, tried-and-true rules that can help you stand out for all the right reasons.
1. Still Dress to Impress
First impressions matter - even on camera.
Yes, the cliché of someone interviewing in shorts and a suit jacket is probably more common than we’d like to admit, but professionalism still counts. Dressing appropriately shows respect for both yourself and your interviewer.
While lighting, camera angle, and internet connection are all important, attire remains the simplest way to communicate confidence and readiness.
2. Check Your Lighting
This one’s easy but often overlooked: don’t sit with a bright light or window behind you.
A strong backlight will throw off your camera’s balance and turn you into a silhouette - not a great look.
Instead, light your face from the front with soft, even lighting. If possible, position yourself near a window facing the light source or use a front-facing lamp.
3. Create a Neutral Space
Your interview background tells its own story. Aim for a space that’s clean, calm, and distraction-free.
Background: Avoid anything risqué, personal, or overly busy. A tidy shelf or neutral wall works best. If using a virtual background, go for something subtle and professional.
Pets: As much as we love them, keep furry friends out of earshot.
Housemates or family: Give everyone a heads-up about your interview time to prevent interruptions.
Devices: Silence your phone and mute all notifications. Unless you need another screen for reference, close everything else and keep your attention focused.
4. Be Punctual (No Excuses)
You can’t blame traffic for being late to a remote interview.
Join the meeting early, sit in the waiting room, and be ready to start on time. It’s a small act that leaves a big impression.
5. Check Your Tech
Finally - and crucially - test everything.
Confirm your internet connection, meeting link, webcam, and microphone beforehand. Do a quick trial run to avoid last-minute glitches.
If something’s unclear - say, the interview platform or link - don’t hesitate to ask ahead of time. It’s far better than being caught troubleshooting live.
Remember, even though you’re not hosting the interview, you do share responsibility for making sure it runs smoothly. Treat it as a partnership - you and your interviewer working toward the same goal: connection.
The Takeaway
Remote interviews are here to stay - and that’s a great thing. They make hiring more accessible, more efficient, and more inclusive.
But success in this new format requires more than just showing up on camera. It’s about preparation, awareness, and presentation - the same fundamentals that have always mattered, just adapted to a digital stage.
If you’d like to learn more about mastering remote interviews - as a candidate or an employer - contact Evolve for expert guidance and tailored advice.
