Part 1: Before the Call – Setting the Stage for Success 🎭

The best interviews are won before you even join the video call. Preparation is your secret weapon.

💻 Your Tech Check: The 5-Minute Pre-Flight Test

In a remote interview, your technology is your first impression. A bad connection can make you seem unprepared. Run this checklist 15 minutes before your interview:

• Internet Connection: Are you in a spot with the strongest Wi-Fi? If possible, use an Ethernet cable.
• Camera: Is it at eye level? (Prop your laptop on some books!) Is the lens clean?
• Microphone: Do you sound clear? Using headphones with a built-in mic is much better than your computer's microphone.
• Lighting: Is your face well-lit, with the main light source (like a window) in front of you, not behind you?
• Background: Is the area behind you clean, simple, and professional?
• Notifications: Silence your phone and close all other tabs and applications on your computer.

💡 Research is Your Superpower

US hiring managers love candidates who show genuine interest. Go beyond just reading the company's homepage.

• Research the Company: What have they been in the news for recently? What are their values? Find something you genuinely admire about them.
• Research Your Interviewer: Look them up on LinkedIn. What is their role? How long have they been at the company? Shared interests can be great conversation starters.

⭐ Prepare Your Stories with the STAR Method

Many US interview questions are behavioral. They want a specific story, not a general answer. Use the STAR method:

• Situation: Briefly describe the context.
• Task: What was your specific responsibility?
• Action: What steps did you personally take?
• Result: What was the outcome? Use data whenever possible.

Part 2: During the Call – Shining Through the Screen ✨

The First 5 Minutes: Small Talk & Building Rapport

Many US interviews start with small talk. It builds connection. Smile, make eye contact (look at the camera lens), and answer simple questions positively.

Answering Common Interview Questions

• "Tell me about yourself."
  What they want: A 90-second professional story.
  How to answer: Present (what you do now), Past (how you got here), Future (why this role excites you).
• "Why do you want to work here?"
  What they want: Proof you researched them.
  How to answer: Mention specific projects, values, or mission. Connect it to your career goals.
• "What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?"
  What they want: Self-awareness.
  How to answer: Back up strengths with a STAR story. For weaknesses, be honest but show improvement.
• "Tell me about a time you failed."
  What they want: Can you learn from mistakes?
  How to answer: Pick a non-catastrophic example. Take responsibility, then focus on what you learned.

💰 The Salary Question: How to Talk About Money

• Do Your Research: Use Glassdoor or Levels.fyi for salary ranges.
• Give a Range, Not a Number: Keeps room for negotiation.
• Let Them Go First: Deflect politely, or frame with flexibility.
• Magic Script: "Based on my research for similar remote roles in the US market and considering my experience in [Your Skill], I am seeking a salary in the range of $X to $Y. However, I am flexible and focused on finding the right long-term fit."

❓ Your Turn: The Questions You MUST Ask

Always have questions ready—it shows engagement. Good options:

• "What does a typical day look like in this role?"
• "How does your team handle working across different time zones?"
• "What is the biggest challenge the team is facing right now?"
• "How do you measure success for the person in this position?"

Part 3: After the Call – The Professional Follow-Up 📧

You're not done yet! A professional follow-up can make a huge difference.

Send a Thank-You Email: Within 24 hours, send a short, personalized thank-you email.

The Perfect Template:

Subject: Thank you - Interview for [Job Title]

Hi [Interviewer's Name],

Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me today about the [Job Title] position. I truly enjoyed learning more about the team and the exciting work you're doing at [Company Name].

I was especially interested in [mention something specific you discussed]. Our conversation made me even more enthusiastic about this opportunity and confident that my skills in [Your Skill] would be a great asset to your team.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

I look forward to hearing about the next steps.