Truth is, learning how to prepare for a job interview isn’t always straightforward. Sometimes, it just feels weird. Especially remote ones. You’re staring into a webcam, checking your notes, and hoping your internet doesn’t glitch. Meanwhile, your neighbor decides now is the perfect time to vacuum.
But interviews don’t have to feel like a pop quiz. With a little prep, they can become what they’re supposed to be: a real conversation. A chance for both sides to figure out if working together makes sense — beyond just skills and experience.
Step one in how to prepare for a job interview: Understand what they’re really hiring for
Yes, you should skim the job post. But more importantly — ask yourself: what’s going on behind this hire?
Maybe the team is growing too fast. Maybe someone left, and they’re trying to fix a hole in the process. Or maybe priorities keep shifting, and they need someone who can bring stability.
Whatever it is, speak to that. Try something like:
“Looks like you’re scaling quickly — I’ve helped teams in similar spots get their workflow back under control.”
That one sentence says way more than just “I’m a fast learner.”
Practice like a human
You don’t need a script — but you do need to know how to prepare for a job interview in a way that sounds natural, like you’ve actually talked to a human before.
First, talk out loud. Then, run through your pitch with a friend — or your cat. Even a stuffed animal will do. Seriously.
Why? Because hearing your own voice helps. It smooths out those awkward pauses, trims the filler words, and saves you from the classic “wait, what was I saying?” moments.
If your cat doesn’t flee the room — that’s a win.
A big part of how to prepare for a job interview — especially remote ones — is taking the virtual setup seriously.
Just because the interview is online doesn’t mean it’s low effort. You still need to show up like you care. That means: check your mic. Wipe your camera. Close 17 tabs. Use headphones.
Most of all — be present. Remote interviews demand more clarity and connection than in-person ones. Because all they see is you, your words, and your background. No pressure!
And if the background is a little chaotic — no worries. Calm energy beats a perfect bookshelf every time.
Show them you get it
The best way to stand out when you’re figuring out how to prepare for a job interview? Start thinking like a hiring manager.
Don’t just list your skills. Tell short, real stories that show how you handled chaos. How you helped teammates. How you fixed something that was broken — even if it wasn’t your job to fix.
If you’re applying to a remote team, talk about how you handle async projects. How you follow up. How you stay in the loop without a calendar full of calls.
That’s what hiring teams remember: not just what you know, but how you show up.
Ask questions that matter
Forget the usual “What’s a typical day like?” line. You want to find out if this place actually fits you.
Here are three solid ones:
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“What does success look like in the first 90 days?”
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“How does your team give feedback during sprints?”
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“How do you manage shifting priorities in a remote setup?”
These questions do more than fill time — they show that you’re serious about the work and how it’s done.
Want more on that? Read our post on team prioritization
And when things get weird…
Yeah, sometimes interviews go sideways.
They might use AI to record your answers. Someone could interrupt the call and never return. The vibe might feel cold, transactional. The interviewer? Clearly multitasking. And yes — your toddler might stroll in mid-sentence wearing a superhero cape.
You’re not alone. These things happen.
Keep your cool. Keep it real. And if things feel off, ask yourself — would you even want to work there?
One key part of how to prepare for a job interview is not fading at the finish — end with clarity and confidence.
When the interview winds down, don’t just say “Thanks!” and close Zoom.
Instead, wrap up with intention:
“This role sounds like a good match for how I work. I’d love to hear what the next steps are.”
It’s simple. Direct. Respectful. And it shows confidence — not desperation.
By the way… this is just the start
Here’s the part no one tells you: the interview? That’s the easy part.
What comes after — new tools, new people, unclear processes — that’s the real test.
But lucky for you, there’s a tool for that.
Prep smarter with doBoard
doBoard isn’t just for task management. It’s your sidekick for everything interview-related.
Create a board for each company.
Track emails, calls, questions.
Prep for interviews and follow-ups like a pro.
Try doBoard — free for remote job hunters and overthinkers alike
Because planning your next move is half the battle.
Throughout my career, I’ve led projects in FMCG, retail, and e-commerce — from launching mobile apps to optimizing advertising and implementing CRM systems.
I’m passionate about data-driven marketing and enjoy turning complex challenges into clear, effective strategies.