Virtual interviews are now a permanent fixture in the hiring landscape. Current research has highlighted how most people fear being interviewed online, even with the well-known advantage of having notes visible to the interviewee (not the interviewer) throughout the virtual job application process.
To succeed with a virtual job interview, candidates need to move beyond basic preparation and master the unique technical, environmental, and interpersonal dynamics of communicating effectively through a screen.
This guide provides the latest advice to ensure your next online interview is a success.
1. Master Your Technical Setup: The Pre-Interview Check
There is nothing worse than spending hours and hours planning, preparing, and practicing in preparation for a job interview, for it not to happen due to a broken camera, a weak internet signal, or a lack of the correct video platform.
ADVICE: Don’t let a technical glitch derail your interview. Test your entire setup at least 24 hours in advance.
- Platform Proficiency: Use the same video conferencing platform (Zoom, Teams, etc.) that the company intends to use. Familiarize yourself with all the features.
- Audio & Visual Check: Verify that your microphone, camera, and speakers are working correctly.
- Connectivity: A wired internet connection is more stable than Wi-Fi. Close any unnecessary applications to free up bandwidth.
- Backup Plan: Keep the interviewer’s phone number or email address handy in case of a connection issue. In the worst-case scenario, have a phone ready to use.
- Power Up: Ensure your device is fully charged or plugged in.
2. Curate Your Environment: Setting the Stage for Success
Your surroundings communicate professionalism.
- Privacy & Quiet: Choose a quiet, private space where you won’t be interrupted by people, pets, or background noises.
ADVICE: Put a ‘do not disturb’ notice on the door
- Optimal Lighting: Face natural light (like a window) or use a direct desk lamp. The goal is to illuminate your face, not create a silhouette. You need to test this prior to the interview.
- Professional Background: Opt for a neutral, uncluttered real-world background. Avoid using virtual backgrounds, as they can sometimes be distracting or glitchy.
- Clean your room: Not only does what you wear affect the interviewers first impression, so does the room you are in during a virtual interview – keep it clean, tidy, and professional looking
3. Refine Your On-Screen Presence: More Than Just Talking
Your non-verbal communication is amplified on camera. First, think about the position of the camera and how this frames you (head shot, full body shot, or chest to head shot, which is recommended)
- Eye Contact: Look directly into the camera lens when you speak. This simulates direct eye contact with the interviewer.
ADVICE: Place the camera so the lens is at head height
- Body Language: Maintain good posture, smile naturally, and nod to show engagement. Use natural hand gestures within the camera frame, but be mindful not to overdo it.
Sitting to close to the screen will limit the number of gestures you will naturally use.
- Dress Code: Dress as professionally as you would for an in-person interview. It puts you in the right mindset and shows you are taking the opportunity seriously.
4. Prepare for Modern Interview Styles: Strategy & Substance
Generic answers won’t cut it these days. Prepare for competency-based questions effectively. The recruitment panel scores each question against the job duties/required skills, and knowledge needed for the advertised role.
When answering each question, ensure the example states 2-3 job interview criteria.
- The STAR Method: Practice answering behavioral questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This provides structured, quantifiable examples of your experience.
- Skills Assessments: Be prepared for potential skills-based tests or live problem-solving scenarios where you might need to share your screen. Some organizations use an online automated system to test skills, prior to a second human interview.
- Using Notes: Use bullet points on a physical notepad for quick reference, but avoid reading from a script, as it can sound robotic.
5. The Professional Follow-Up: The Final Touch
The interview isn’t over until the follow-up is sent.
- Timely Thank You: Send a personalised thank-you email to each person you interviewed with within 24 hours.
- Personalisation is Key: Reference specific points you discussed with each individual to make your message memorable and reinforce your interest in the role.
Remember the three rules for a successful job interview.
- Identify the job duties, skills, qualities, and required knowledge (embed these into your interview answers)
- Promote and sell yourself – give detailed answers, use lots of examples, and explain actions YOU took
- Be confident with your communication. Vary volume, tonality, and pause at appropriate points. Smile, gestures, and use good diction.