10 virtual interview tips: How to prepare effectively

How to prepare for a virtual interview? 

Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing measures, many industries are hiring online. According to research by Handshake, 89% of employers are conducting their job interviews online.

However, pitching yourself as a candidate via video conference can be just as daunting as interviewing face-to-face. If not more so! 

What is a virtual interview?

A virtual interview, or video interview, is a digital method that enables remote assessment and screening of candidates. They are often used as a first stage screening method, although their use accelerated as more firms went remote during 2020.

Sometimes these interviews are conducted by telephone but they mostly take place using video conferencing software. Common platforms for remote interviews include Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Hinterview.

Often, virtual interviewing will be conducted like a traditional interview. However, interviewing by video requires more thought about body language, facial expressions and non-verbal communication. These are harder to convey and interpret than during a face-to-face interview.

If you’ve got an online assessment coming up and want to make sure you leave an excellent first impression, read on. We’ve got plenty of virtual interview tips, from preparing your technology to communicating confidently. 

Tip 1: Prepare and test your technology 

When preparing for an in-person job interview, your focus is mostly on yourself—researching the company, reviewing the job description, and planning your answers. But when it comes to virtual interviews, there’s more to think about, especially on interview day.

The last thing you want is to deal with technical issues like internet lag or, worse, your connection dropping halfway through. It’s also stressful to realise just 30 minutes beforehand that you don’t have the right software installed.

To avoid these headaches, make sure you have a strong, reliable internet connection and that your camera and microphone are functioning properly.

Take time to familiarise yourself with the interview platform your potential employer will use. Whether it’s an MS Teams interview, a Zoom call, or Google Hangouts, understanding the platform in advance will help you feel more confident and avoid any last-minute technical glitches on interview day.

Tip 2: Find a quiet space with minimal distractions 

The interviewer wants to focus on you, so don’t give them any reason to be distracted by your surroundings!

Even if you don’t have a dedicated office space, you can still create a professional setting. Choose a room with good a good light source—sitting near a window works great—so you're clearly visible on screen. 

Positioning yourself in front of a blank wall will help ensure you're the focal point of the conversation. 

While potential employers won’t judge your home decor, it’s harder to convince them of your organisational skills if you’re sitting in a cluttered space. A simple virtual background is a quick fix, and research shows that candidates with a clean backdrop face fewer unconscious biases. Plus, 97% of recruiters prefer virtual backgrounds that resemble office settings.

During the interview process, you’ll be answering plenty of questions, so muting your microphone frequently won’t be an option. While eliminating all distractions and background noise isn’t always possible, you can take steps to minimise them.

Let your family or roommates know you’re in an interview to avoid interruptions. Closing windows can also help block out unwanted noise like traffic or barking dogs.

Tip 3: Do your homework  

Prepare for the job interview exactly as you would when meeting the hiring manager in person.

It might be tempting to search the web for answers mid-interview. But if you’re seen to be clicking around, it might give the impression that you’re not focused on the interviewer. It's much better to do your homework ahead of the interview so you don't stumble when they ask questions around what you know about the company.

Be ready to answer any common interview questions without needing to use the internet.

Tip 4: Look for communication cues 

As well as paying close attention to what your potential employer is asking you, you should also try to pick up any communication cues they exude. 

For example, don’t be afraid to subtly copy their level of energy or the volume and tone of their voice. This can create a positive first impression by reflecting your ability to adapt.

Honing your interpersonal skills can help you build a personal connection with the interviewer.

Tip 5: Keep your answers simple

Just like in any interview, keep your answers clear and to the point. On a video call, those brief pauses in conversation can feel awkward, and you might be tempted to fill the silence with extra chatter.

But don’t worry—your interviewer is likely just processing your response. If the question doesn’t call for a lengthy explanation, there’s no need to stretch it out. Being concise is a valuable skill, and it will make a strong impression during the interview.

In addition to answering well, make sure you ask thoughtful questions. This not only shows you’re engaged, but it also helps you gauge whether the company is the right fit for you. Ask about company culture, team dynamics, or how success is measured in the role. Thoughtful questions can turn the interview into a more meaningful two-way conversation.

Tip 6: Communicate confidence 

It’s natural to feel nervous during an important interview, but try to communicate confidence as best you can. One way of achieving this is through your body language. 

To appear as confident as possible, smile, sit up straight and make sure the camera level with your eyes. 

Of course, when fielding virtual interview questions, you’re not looking directly into the interviewer’s eye. Instead, it can be tempting to look at their image on the screen when you’re talking, so that you can gauge their reactions. 

Instead, try to keep your focus on the camera so that it appears that you’re giving eye contact, as this will help you to come across as confident and composed. 

Tip 7: Dress for an in-person interview 

Treat your online job interview just like you would an in-person meeting with the hiring manager.

It’s tempting to stay in your comfy pyjama pants, but dressing professionally can help put you in the right mindset. It’s a simple way to shift from your at-home persona to a more focused, work-ready attitude. Think about wearing something like a blazer, button-up shirt, blouse, or smart trousers/skirt.

If you’re unsure what’s appropriate, check the company’s website to get a sense of their dress code. Some may lean towards business casual, while others—especially in tech—might have a more relaxed vibe, with hoodies and baseball caps being the norm.

Tip 8: Demonstrate that you can fit in with the company culture 

A key task for recruiters is determining whether you would fit into the hiring company’s culture, but this can be challenging in a virtual setting. 

Do your research before the interview to make sure you’re clear on what the company values are, and make sure you’re expressive when answering questions. 

This will make it easier for the hiring manager to understand your enthusiasm and passion for the company. 

Tip 9: Project a positive attitude 

Promoting a positive attitude is paramount for showing that you can fit into a company’s culture. 

Avoid speaking negatively about your past employers or any of the less exciting aspects of your previous jobs. The interviewer will already know you’re leaving for a reason, so there’s no need to be overly negative. 

If you have any genuine good feelings about your current or previous position, speak openly about these. This will show respect and reflect your enthusiasm for work. 

Tip 10: Try not to interrupt the interviewer 

It’s sometimes difficult to gauge when another person has finished speaking on a video call, so awkward interruptions take place. 

Since you cannot read any visual cues, be mindful of talking over your interviewer. 

Pause for a moment before answering questions. This will give you the opportunity to ensure they’ve finished speaking and will give you a moment to frame your answer as well. 

Takeaway - Virtual interviews are here to stay

The key takeaway here is that, during a virtual job interview, you should always conduct yourself like you would in a face-to-face meeting. 

Plan, prepare, be confident and stay positive. 

It’s also important to make sure the room you’re video interviewing in is quiet and free of distractions so that the interviewer only needs to focus on you. Follow these tips and you’re sure to make a great first impression. Good luck in your interview! 

For more tips on finding a job, check out our jobseekers' guide.

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