How the selection works
Small companies usually run two to four stages: a short recruiter call, a test task, an interview with the manager and sometimes a final talk with the founder.
Our process: an application and a 60-second voice answer in English on Telegram, a written task, a 15-minute video call with us, then the interview with the company. We reply to every applicant within 5 business days.
Common questions and how to answer them
Tell me about yourself.
They want 60 to 90 seconds about you as a professional: role, experience, a strength and why this job.
Sample answer
I'm an assistant with four years of experience. For the last two years I've supported the founder of an online store: inbox, calendar, supplier calls and weekly reports. I'm looking for a long-term role with a small team, and this position matches what I do best.
Why do you want to work with us?
Show that you have looked at the company and give a practical reason.
Sample answer
I like that your team is small and everyone's work is visible. I've worked remotely for two years, so remote work is my normal setup, not an experiment.
Tell me about a mistake you made.
They check honesty and whether you learn. Tell a real story and what you changed afterwards.
Sample answer
I once sent a meeting invite in the wrong time zone, and a client joined an hour early. I apologised, rescheduled the same day, and since then I put both time zones in every invite.
What hours can you work?
Be honest and specific about the time difference: a New York day is 18:00–02:00 in Yerevan time, a Berlin day is 12:00–20:00 (winter time; an hour earlier in summer).
Sample answer
I'm in Yerevan, so 9 to 5 Eastern Time is 18:00–02:00 for me. I can cover your whole day, or four hours of overlap with the rest of my work done earlier.
What are your salary expectations?
Give a monthly range in US dollars that you have worked out in advance, and be ready to explain it.
Do you have any questions for us?
Have two or three ready: what a great first three months look like, how the team communicates during the day, what the next stage is.
The STAR method
For "Tell me about a time when…" questions use STAR: Situation, Task, Action (what you did yourself) and Result, ideally with a number. Prepare four or five such stories in advance: a mistake, a conflict, a difficult customer, an urgent task and a process you improved.
Setting up for the video call
- Test the microphone, camera and connection 15 minutes before; a headset sounds better than a laptop mic.
- Face the light and clear the background.
- Keep your CV and STAR notes at hand.
- For an evening call, warn the household and pick the quietest room.
Questions
What if I don't understand a question?
Ask: "Sorry, could you rephrase that?" or "Do you mean…?". It is normal and better than answering the wrong question.
Can I read prepared answers?
Prepare bullet points, not a script: memorised answers sound unnatural and fall apart at the first follow-up.
How long is an interview?
A first call is 15 to 30 minutes, a manager interview 30 to 60. Our video call takes 15 minutes.
We only write what we can back with a source or with our own selection process. Spotted a mistake? Write to hello@silkstaff.com.