I’m a manager that hires white collar fully remote entry level roles. Most people do not know how to make a resume, interview or stand out.

So, I’m only 31 so I know that I have a lot to learn. I got extremely lucky and was promoted to a white collar management role. Global insurance carrier however most of our employees and business is US based.

Please, for the love of God learn how to make a resume and learn how to interview.

I’m not blaming any specific generation either, it’s prevalent with everyone. I’ve interviewed 18 year olds, I’ve interviewed 70 year olds and there’s similarities with them all.

Learn how to make a resume. Ask people you know to take a look. Pay a professional if you need to. It’s worth it. Me and other managers have rejected people just because their resume was bad. Check for typos and grammatical errors. I won’t throw it out if there’s 1-2 small typos but some are really bad.

Do some research on the company. Dont come in and say “I don’t know what your company does” like really.

At least put some effort into your appearance. My first interview ever the woman joined the teams interview with a headband and a tank top on. Like really.

I interviewed a woman that was driving her car while interviewing and using her phone mounted by the dashboard. Smh.

When we ask about your weakness or to tell us a time you received negative feedback, we want to hear accountability, that you can learn from mistakes and how you’re working to improve your weakness. Don’t say “well, I was told I did this wrong or that this is my weakness, but here’s why I was right and they were wrong”. Also, don’t say your weakness is something related to the job. If you’re interviewing for a call center job, don’t say you’re an introvert that is too shy to talk to people.

Learn the STAR format. If I ask a question like “tell me about a time when…” don’t say “well when I encounter that situation I/I would…” we want something specific.

Don’t be overly honest. People voluntarily give up information that makes them look bad. I’m not sure if it’s the nerves or they think it’ll make them look relatable, but learn how to discuss negatives positively. You’re effectively a salesmen trying to sell yourself in an interview. Lie if you have to.

Some people interview well and end up being awful workers. It’s because they sold themselves well. Some people have the experience but completely bomb the interview. I’ve felt horrible rejecting some people that seemed nice and had the experience because they didn’t answer the question or had a very vague answer without elaborating. This will ruin your interview.

Keep in mind when interviewing for entry level fully remote jobs, you’re likely going up against a lot of people. I see tons of resumes come through, some people being overqualified, and it’s solely because they want a fully remote job. You really HAVE to learn how to sell yourself if you want it.

Networking helps but the interview is crucial too. If you know a C Suite or VP then sure, you may be handed the job. They strong arm us into hiring who they want. But if they’re below that level, you really need to nail the interview regardless. Connections only get you so far.