Virtual interview tips that can help you on the job hunt

At a glance

Virtual interviews are more common than ever, so learning best practices can help interviewees make a good first impression.

Good ways to prepare include arriving on time to your call, having a simple background that isn’t distracting and being dressed appropriately.

If you’re not familiar with the interview platform such as Zoom or Teams, download it in advance and practice a call with a friend.

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As videoconferencing tools rise in popularity, their use in the professional sphere has also increased. One area of business that has ramped up is human resources and hiring operations.

A remote interview is one that takes place using a video call on a computer or mobile device. These types of interviews have several benefits for employers and potential employees. Virtual interviews allow candidates from all over the country or world to apply for opportunities without paying to travel long distances. Knowing how to effectively interview virtually is one of the first steps of career success.

Preparing for and conducting virtual interviews is different from in-person interviews. However, there are several steps you can take to improve your success in remote interviews.

Choose the right background

When preparing for a virtual interview, you want to consider the first impression you will give. In a remote setting, that impression isn’t just about you as an individual but your setting as well. That’s why you need to consider your background for the call.

Choose an area of your house that isn’t cluttered and is well lighted. Having too much going on in the background causes distractions. If a recruiter is distracted, it directs attention away from your conversation.

Before the interview, ask yourself: Do I need to straighten up my space? Do I need an extra lamp? What kind of image do I present on camera?

Choosing the right background can improve your video call experience and convey to the recruiter or hiring manager that you’re an organized and prepared person. It’s also a chance to show the interviewer a bit of your personality. Feel free to include some artwork or plants in the background to add a more personal touch. Or opt for one of the platforms’ virtual background. Doing so eliminates any variables like children or pets acting up in the background.

Prepare notes

In any job interview, important information is exchanged. That’s the point of an interview, after all. For this reason, it’s important to take notes before and, if necessary, during your interview.

Before the interview process gets fully underway, research the company to which you are applying and take notes about its operations and the department you would be working with. You may also choose to do preliminary research on what salary range is acceptable for your desired position. Be sure to note highlights from your work experience that are relevant to the position you are applying for so you don’t forget to mention them.

During your interview, take notes about what you learn. Start with the name of your interviewer and include important information you learn about the open position as well as questions you’d like to ask toward the end of the interview.

Dress appropriately

Although your interview is remote, you need to dress appropriately. Of course, defining “appropriate” depends on your generation, style and industry. Many people are moving toward more expressive styles.

Considerations for your interview outfit include:

Do I feel like myself? While it’s important to look nice and be professional, it’s also important to be comfortable. Make sure your interview outfit doesn’t feel like a costume you’re trying on.

Do I look professional in a way that fits my industry? Not every industry has the same standards of what it means to look professional. A law student applying for a job at a law firm will dress differently for their interview than a fashion designer or a chef would.

Am I as professional as possible in a way that matches my style? Don’t be afraid to let your own style show! Choose colors and patterns you enjoy wearing.

By asking yourself these questions, you can ensure that you choose an outfit that makes you feel confident while still being appropriate for your video interview.

Don’t keep your interviewer waiting

Punctuality is vital. Being on time for your interview shows that you take the role and your work seriously.

Keeping your interviewer waiting can leave a poor first impression. (You can’t even blame your tardiness on traffic!) If you’re worried about being late, sit down at your computer 15 minutes before your interview to enjoy a cup of coffee and wait for your interviewer to join the chat room.

Test your internet in advance

The last thing you want is for your virtual interview to be interrupted because of a bad internet connection. You want to show your potential employer you are well prepared for a variety of situations. Having to pause or stop an interview because of a poor connection on your end doesn’t give that impression.

One way to avoid this type of mishap is to check your internet connection before your interview time. This can include running an internet speed test to ensure you have a powerful enough Wi-Fi signal to conduct your interview. You may also choose to keep a LAN cable handy in case your Wi-Fi signal is interrupted.

Testing your webcam and microphone after you check your internet is also a good idea. This way you are even more well prepared.

Maintain eye contact with the camera

There are certain parts of communication that are nonverbal. Actions, such as body language, eye contact and a strong handshake, can go a long way toward making an interviewer like you and improve your chances of being hired.

Some of these forms of nonverbal communication are eliminated during a virtual interview. However, one that you can maintain in a remote setting is eye contact.

When you are being interviewed, maintain eye contact with your camera. This will demonstrate your confidence and help establish a rapport with your interviewers.

Practice with the platform you’ll be using

Some of these forms of nonverbal communication are eliminated during a virtual interview. However, one that you can maintain in a remote setting is eye contact.

When you are being interviewed, maintain eye contact with your camera. This will demonstrate your confidence and help establish a rapport with your interviewers.