Virtual Interviews Are Now Standard
Remote and hybrid work has made virtual interviews the norm for first and often second-round interviews across most industries. While the core principles of interviewing remain the same, online formats introduce a new set of variables — technology, environment, camera presence, and connectivity — that can undermine even the most prepared candidate.
Fortunately, all of these variables are within your control. Here's how to manage them.
Test Everything in Advance
At least 24 hours before the interview:
- Test the platform — Zoom, Teams, Meet, or whichever tool they specified. Install the app (don't rely on the browser version). Log in. Confirm your audio and video work.
- Test your internet connection — if you're on WiFi, consider moving closer to the router or plugging in via ethernet for the interview.
- Test your camera framing — your face should be centred, with some headroom above. Eyes roughly one-third from the top of the frame.
- Test your audio — use headphones with a microphone if possible. They dramatically reduce background noise and echo.
- Record a test call — watch it back. How do you come across? Is the lighting good? Does the sound quality work?
Have a backup plan for technical failures: the interviewer's phone number, or a mobile hotspot if your broadband drops. Communicate your backup plan briefly at the start if you're concerned: "I just want to mention — if we lose the connection for any reason, I'll call you immediately on this number."
Optimise Your Environment
Lighting: Natural light from a window in front of you (not behind you) is ideal. If that's not available, get a desk lamp or ring light positioned in front of you. Avoid being backlit — you'll appear as a silhouette.
Background: Clean and neutral is best — a plain wall, a tidy bookshelf, or a plain Zoom background if the real background is messy. Avoid virtual backgrounds that are distracting or that glitch on movement. The interviewer is assessing you, not your décor — don't distract them.
Sound: Find the quietest space in your home. Turn off notifications on your phone and computer. Close windows and doors. If you have housemates, tell them in advance. If you have pets or young children, make arrangements.
Camera Eye Contact
The most common body language mistake in virtual interviews is looking at the interviewer's face on screen rather than at the camera. To the interviewer, this looks like you're looking slightly downward — away from them. To make proper eye contact, look at the camera lens, especially when making key points. You can glance at their face to read their reactions, but return your gaze to the camera when speaking.
Position your camera at eye level (place your laptop on books if needed). A camera looking up at you is unflattering; a camera at eye level looks professional and confident.
Presenting Yourself on Camera
- Dress professionally from head to toe — not just your top half. You may need to stand during the interview, and it affects your confidence either way.
- Sit up straight and slightly forward. Slouching reads as disengagement on camera.
- Smile naturally when listening — in person, small listening expressions happen automatically; on camera, being too neutral can look unfriendly.
- Use hand gestures naturally. They make you appear more engaged and help explain concepts.
Managing Interruptions and Tech Glitches
If your connection drops, remain calm. Apologise briefly and reconnect. Don't overreact — technical issues happen to everyone and handling them gracefully reflects well on you. If you're asked a question and you didn't hear it clearly due to audio issues, just ask them to repeat it: "I'm sorry — I think we had a small connection issue. Could you repeat that?"
One Last Difference: Adrenaline Management
In person, adrenaline is natural and helps. Virtually, it can make you tense and stilted on camera. Before the interview, take ten deep breaths, do a quick physical warm-up (standing, shaking out your hands), and smile at your own camera for 30 seconds — it genuinely shifts your mood. You'll come across as more relaxed, natural, and confident.