The top 5 mistakes that can cost you a remote job

Over my +10 years working remotely, I have not only been interviewed for remote companies, but also helped my clients to land remote job interviews all over the world.

I have collected (and studied) the most common questions asked in those interviews, and also the replies that were more successful and helped my clients to move forward with the process.

In this article, I want to share with you 5 big mistakes that professionals searching for a remote job tend to make (so you ensure you won’t be the next one repeating those mistakes).

Mistake #1 in a remote job interview:? Saying you want the job "mainly because it's a remote job"        

While it’s understandable that remote work is a huge appeal, saying this in an interview can give the impression that you’re more interested in the flexibility than the role itself.

Employers want to know that you’re excited about the company, the team, and the specific challenges of the position.

Also, you need to meet most of the requirements for the job anyways, and be able to demonstrate that you are a good fit for the position, so just “wanting a remote job” will never be enough to “convince” the employer that you are the right fit for the position.

Remote work is a bonus, but it shouldn’t be your main selling point. Focus on the value you can bring to the role and how your skills align with their needs, not just the location flexibility.

Oh, and of course, if you have previous remote work experience, you should highlight that, share your specific learning and skills you developed while working remotely that will be also useful to the new job.

Mistake #2 in a remote job interview: Talking too much        

In a remote job interview, clarity and conciseness are key. It’s easy to get carried away and give long-winded answers, especially when you’re passionate or nervous. However, this can backfire.?

Employers want to see that you can communicate effectively in a remote environment, where clear and direct communication is crucial. Practice giving concise, structured answers that highlight your skills and experience without overwhelming the interviewer with too much information.

Don’t? feel like you need to justify every 3 months career gap in your resume, go over every single task you did in every job, or go round and round “just to avoid awkward silences”. If the recruiter needs to know something else about your experience and profile, they will most likely ask for more details, so be precise and share the highlights that are relevant to the position you are applying for - nothing else.

Mistake #3 in a remote job interview: Not having powerful examples ready to share        

This mistake is directly related to the previous one. Remote job interviews often focus on how well you can work independently and manage your time. Not having specific examples to back up your skills can weaken your interview performance. Make sure you’re ready to share examples of how you’ve successfully worked remotely, solved problems, or contributed to projects with minimal supervision.?

The good news is: you can prepare those examples upfront (and very few job seekers do it, so by doing that, you are already standing out from other applicants). Read the job description carefully, understand the main requirements and skills, and find (real) examples you can share to demonstrate that you have those requirements and skills.

You don’t need to wonder what recruiters and hiring managers will ask you about or be interested: just read the job description and identify what is important for the position.

The examples you’ll prepare upfront and provide will be a concrete proof of your capabilities and help build trust with potential employers. You can also use the STAR methodology to structure your idea and ensure you’re not missing any important part of it.

Mistake #4 in a remote job interview: Selling yourself short        

In remote interviews, especially for those transitioning from traditional roles, some candidates undersell their abilities. They may focus too much on what they haven’t done yet rather than emphasizing the strengths they bring. Don’t fall into this trap.

Highlight your accomplishments, skills, and adaptability, especially the ones that are directly related to remote work skills and experience. Employers are looking for confident, capable candidates who can thrive in a remote setting - so don’t be afraid to showcase your value.

Selling yourself in the right way in a remote job interview has nothing to do with having previous remote work experience. Of course it will be great if you do have the experience (and, in this case, you should highlight it in the best way possible). But even if you never worked remotely, you can still find ways to promote yourself in a confident and impressive way during the job interviews, to cause the right impression in the recruiter.

Mistake #5 in a remote job interview: Not dedicating enough time to prepare for the interview        

One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is underestimating the importance of preparation. I like to say that there is no “over preparing” for a job interview. Don’t assume that dedicating 10 minutes to “quickly check the company’s website” should be enough - you can do better than that.

Remote job interviews are often more focused and challenging, as companies want to ensure you’re self-motivated and can handle the responsibilities without constant oversight.

Take the time to research the company, understand the role inside and out, and rehearse your answers. Also, a great strategy is connecting on LinkedIn with professionals working in the company in similar positions than the one you are applying for, and chatting with them before the interview.? A well-prepared candidate stands out, especially in a competitive remote job market, and you want to be one of them.

Securing a remote job isn’t just about having the right skills, it’s about presenting yourself in a way that resonates with what remote employers are looking for.

Avoiding these 5 common mistakes can significantly improve your chances of landing the role you’re after. Remember, the key is to focus on preparation, clear communication, and showcasing the value you bring to a remote environment.?

Do you want to know how I can help you in this journey? Start here .

Who is Juliana Rabbi?

Juliana is a recruiter-turned-career coach. She is also a keynote speaker for international audiences.

Over 15 years experience in Human Resources and Recruitment in multinational companies, Juliana has been working remotely since 2014 (yes, way before the pandemic).

For + 4,5 years, Juliana has managed her own career coaching business, providing services, coaching, consulting and mentoring to +430 clients in +2.700 consulting/coaching sessions.

She helps senior professionals to land a flexible job faster, make better career choices and create the lifestyle they want.

Her background is in Psychology, with a Master Degree in Human Resources.

She is also a Digital Nomad who has been to 56 countries, can't resist playing with dogs, tries different animal poses in yoga and enjoys acting in improv comedy.

+72.000 candidates interviewed as a Recruiter over 15 years.

+190 recommendations and 5 star reviews on LinkedIn.

76 nationalities impacted from different continents over her career.

14 companies (mainly multinationals) directly benefited from her services.

+440 clients in +2.500 consulting/coaching sessions.

Bachelor Degree in Psychology with a Master in Human Resources.

Trilingual (English-Spanish-Portuguese).

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YouTube | Instagram

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