Remote Interview Tips

Mike Cole

@colemike

About Me

Started working remote full time in 2014.
Worked for three remote companies: Scottsdale, AZ; Austin, TX; Denver, CO.
Have done over a dozen remote interviews.

Stats

Working remotely is culturally becoming a viable option more and more as time passes, increasing by 140% since 2005.
In 2017, Austin, TX had over 60% of its tech job offers going to workers outside of Texas.
Remote companies have almost four times as many women CEOs as S&P 500 companies.

Pros

Cons

Comfortable at home

Too comfortable at home

Not restricted geographically on your job search

They are not restricted geographically on their candidates

Convenient and can save on travel costs

Less of an opportunity to make a positive impression

Equipment

vs

vs

Preparation

Check the camera angle

Check the microphone

Make sure the conferencing software is already installed

Know the settings

Background

Check the cam before the meeting

Look for lighting, reflections

Is your desktop visible?

Is your keyboard/mouse visible?

Dress the part

Wear at least a collared shirt

Groom, shave, etc.

Be aware of your posture, facial expression, and tone/volume of voice

Headset professionalism

Interruptions

Make sure you won't be interrupted

Not just people, but also pets

Find alternative locations

Questions?

Slides: https://slides.com/mikecole/remote-interview-tips

@colemike

#RemoteLife