By Ellie Stewart
For years now, applicants for jobs have been told that they should start with basic things like researching about the organization, preparing answers, dressing well, and arriving on time. Although these basics are still very important, there are some things that the process of remote interviewing has affected the way people get hired.
According to an Adobe study published in May 2026, which involved both hiring managers and job seekers, remote interviewing has formed a whole new set of expectations. Although the candidates try to give perfect answers during interviews, their interviewing styles, passion, and professionalism can be assessed by the hiring managers.
It turns out that there are distinguishable differences that people have to remember while going through a remote interview as opposed to in-person.
Nevertheless, face-to-face interaction allows one to pick up many non-verbal signals that would otherwise go unnoticed. That is why hiring managers use other types of signals while interviewing candidates remotely.
According to Adobe, remote hiring managers are 41% more concerned about a candidate's enthusiasm and energy at an interview, 30% more put off by communication problems, and 64% more troubled by typos in applications than their counterparts who conduct face-to-face interviews.
It seems to be one of the trends that is prevalent nowadays in terms of the modern corporate environment.
Indeed, most companies today work either in hybrid form or remotely, which means that workers need to constantly talk to each other using video calls, messengers, emails, and other collaborative tools. Therefore, communication cannot be considered an additional skill anymore but rather a vital component for a candidate.
According to the study, two out of three hiring managers believe that they can tell whether an interviewee fits the company’s culture in the first ten minutes of the interview.
This is not to say that employers reach their decisions instantly after the first ten minutes. The fact, however, remains that employers attach considerable significance to initial interactions during job interviews.
While candidates can spend many hours preparing comprehensive answers to complicated questions asked by hiring managers, the latter can already be evaluating more than just the technical part of the interview. Professionalism, confidence, communication skills, energy levels, self-awareness, and sincere interest in the position can play a role in forming impressions from the very start of an interview.
The first ten minutes can be critical in setting the tone for the rest of the interview.
According to the survey, job seekers spend more than five hours worrying about interviews, compared with only three hours preparing. Eighty-six percent of surveyed job seekers also report experiencing blank-page syndrome or freezing from nerves during interviews, often triggered by high-pressure questions.
However, according to the same study, many hiring managers do not automatically count brief pauses or hesitation against candidates. As the study states, "In many cases, how someone regroups and communicates can leave just as strong an impression, helping to humanize the interview experience."
Rather than focusing only on giving perfect answers, it could prove more useful for them to understand how to communicate well, express their genuine interest in the vacancy, study future employers carefully, and listen attentively. Moreover, it is always wise to ask questions, proofread documents, and behave professionally.
None of the listed strategies are particularly difficult to implement, but they are closely related to what employers seem to be looking for in remote recruitment situations.
For years now, applicants for jobs have been told that they should start with basic things like researching about the organization, preparing answers, dressing well, and arriving on time. Although these basics are still very important, there are some things that the process of remote interviewing has affected the way people get hired.
According to an Adobe study published in May 2026, which involved both hiring managers and job seekers, remote interviewing has formed a whole new set of expectations. Although the candidates try to give perfect answers during interviews, their interviewing styles, passion, and professionalism can be assessed by the hiring managers.
It turns out that there are distinguishable differences that people have to remember while going through a remote interview as opposed to in-person.
The Shift Toward Digital-First Hiring
Remote interviewing was thought to be a stop-gap measure before, but has now become an integral part of the hiring process in various industries. Employers get access to a broader range of candidates, solve problems related to scheduling, and can hire faster than usual. On the other hand, candidates are able to enjoy convenience and do not have to spend money on traveling.Nevertheless, face-to-face interaction allows one to pick up many non-verbal signals that would otherwise go unnoticed. That is why hiring managers use other types of signals while interviewing candidates remotely.
According to Adobe, remote hiring managers are 41% more concerned about a candidate's enthusiasm and energy at an interview, 30% more put off by communication problems, and 64% more troubled by typos in applications than their counterparts who conduct face-to-face interviews.
Communication Skills Have Become a Competitive Advantage
Research shows that the hiring managers that work remotely value better communication among candidates compared to those working on-site.It seems to be one of the trends that is prevalent nowadays in terms of the modern corporate environment.
Indeed, most companies today work either in hybrid form or remotely, which means that workers need to constantly talk to each other using video calls, messengers, emails, and other collaborative tools. Therefore, communication cannot be considered an additional skill anymore but rather a vital component for a candidate.
Hiring Decisions Happen Faster Than Many Candidates Realize
A further interesting aspect of the findings was the speed at which the interviewers formed their views.According to the study, two out of three hiring managers believe that they can tell whether an interviewee fits the company’s culture in the first ten minutes of the interview.
This is not to say that employers reach their decisions instantly after the first ten minutes. The fact, however, remains that employers attach considerable significance to initial interactions during job interviews.
While candidates can spend many hours preparing comprehensive answers to complicated questions asked by hiring managers, the latter can already be evaluating more than just the technical part of the interview. Professionalism, confidence, communication skills, energy levels, self-awareness, and sincere interest in the position can play a role in forming impressions from the very start of an interview.
The first ten minutes can be critical in setting the tone for the rest of the interview.
Candidates Are Worrying More Than They're Preparing
Interestingly enough, the study showed that the job hunters spend more time being nervous about the interview than getting ready for it.According to the survey, job seekers spend more than five hours worrying about interviews, compared with only three hours preparing. Eighty-six percent of surveyed job seekers also report experiencing blank-page syndrome or freezing from nerves during interviews, often triggered by high-pressure questions.
However, according to the same study, many hiring managers do not automatically count brief pauses or hesitation against candidates. As the study states, "In many cases, how someone regroups and communicates can leave just as strong an impression, helping to humanize the interview experience."
What Job Seekers Should Focus On
As remote interviews become a regular part of the recruitment process, it might be time for potential employees to reconsider their approach to them.Rather than focusing only on giving perfect answers, it could prove more useful for them to understand how to communicate well, express their genuine interest in the vacancy, study future employers carefully, and listen attentively. Moreover, it is always wise to ask questions, proofread documents, and behave professionally.
None of the listed strategies are particularly difficult to implement, but they are closely related to what employers seem to be looking for in remote recruitment situations.
The Future of Interviewing Is Increasingly Digital
Technology continues to shape the way companies recruit and hire. With AI tools and remote interviews becoming part of the process, candidates may need to show more than their qualifications and experience.
Employers may also value traits that are difficult to show on a CV, such as communicating well, connecting with others, and presenting yourself professionally.
To some degree, developing these skills may be as important as preparing for the interview questions themselves. This can be especially relevant in remote interviews, where communication plays an important role.
Fact-Checked by Irfan Ahmad.
Read next:
• As Bots Gain Authority Over Workers, Does Human Oversight Still Matter?
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Fact-Checked by Irfan Ahmad.
Read next:
• As Bots Gain Authority Over Workers, Does Human Oversight Still Matter?
• Perfectionistic leadership can affect employees beyond work, contributing to work-family conflict and presenteeism
