A remote interview is still an interview, but it's also a small test of whether you can work independently and communicate clearly without being in the same room. That changes what you should prepare for.
Treat the tech check as part of the interview, not prep for it
Test your camera, microphone, and the specific video platform they're using at least a day ahead — not five minutes before. Close every tab and app you don't need. A smooth, glitch-free call signals the same thing a firm handshake used to: that you're prepared and you take this seriously.
Light your face, not your background
Sit facing a window or lamp, not with it behind you. A dim or backlit video feed is distracting and makes you harder to read — and in a remote interview, how you come across on camera is the whole first impression.
Over-prepare your "how I work remotely" answer
You will very likely be asked how you stay productive, communicate, and manage time without supervision. Have real, specific examples ready — tools you use, how you handle being unreachable for a stretch, how you flag blockers. Vague answers here stand out, because this is the actual job skill they're screening for.
Write down your questions in advance
It's easy to go blank at the end of a video call. Keep a short list of real questions nearby — about the team's communication norms, how often they meet, what "remote" actually means day to day at that company (fully remote vs. hybrid-with-occasional-travel vs. remote-in-name-only).
Watch for scam signals
A real interview process involves a real person, a real company you can verify, and no request for money, gift cards, or sensitive financial details before you're hired. If an "interview" is just a chat app exchange with no video, ever, or asks you to buy your own equipment upfront and get reimbursed later, treat it as a red flag.
Follow up the same day
A short, specific thank-you message — referencing something actually discussed, not a generic template — goes further remotely than in person, because it's one of the only additional data points they get on your communication style before deciding.