As you may have noticed, virtual interviews have become the new norm in the hiring process. They allow us to interview candidates across the country without ever leaving the office. And, in a world where professional communication is primarily digital, virtual interviews aren’t going anywhere any time soon.

While many aspects of in-person interviews remain the same, there are unique challenges and opportunities that come with interviewing remotely. No matter the stage of your career you’re in, mastering the virtual interview is a vital skill in today’s job market.

Here’s what you need to know to navigate virtual interviews effectively while leaving a lasting impression on your interviewer.

Virtual Interview Best Practices

1. Prepare Your Space

Your background is important. One of the key differences between in-person and virtual interviews is that you are in charge of the visual behind you. The last thing you want to do is take attention away from yourself with a cluttered space. You will also want to pay attention to potential noise distractions.

• Choose a quiet, well-lit space: Make sure you have a clean and professional background, good lighting, and minimal distractions. You can also use features of the video call platform, such as a blurred background and noise suppression, both of which can be found in settings.
• Eliminate distractions: Close all unnecessary tabs and apps, silence your phone, and let anyone around you know you need privacy for the duration of the interview.

2. Test Your Technology in Advance

Do not wait until your meeting is about to begin to learn the platform, troubleshoot your internet, or discover that your camera isn’t working. Take plenty of time to get set up and make sure that you have everything you need for your interview, such as the meeting link.

• Check your internet connection: Ensure your connection is stable to avoid dropped calls or lagging video.
• Test your video and audio: Before the interview, test your camera and microphone with a friend. Make sure your camera is at eye level for a more engaging and natural connection.
• Familiarize yourself with the platform: Whether it’s Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or another video platform, know how to use its key features, such as muting/unmuting, screen sharing, and adjusting audio/video settings.

3. Dress Professionally

It’s tempting to dress more casually because you are interviewing from home. However, make sure that you treat the virtual interview with the same professionalism as an in-person interview.

• Dress the part: Wear business attire from head to toe. This means professional pants, too! You never know when you might need to stand up or adjust your position, and being fully dressed helps you feel more focused and prepared.

4. Body Language Still Matters

Nonverbal communication is just as important in a virtual interview as it is in person. It can be harder to convey energy and enthusiasm through a screen, so be mindful of your body language.

• Sit up straight and make eye contact: Look at the camera when speaking rather than the screen—it mimics direct eye contact and helps create a stronger connection with the interviewer.
• Nod and smile: Show engagement by nodding and smiling at appropriate times to indicate you're actively listening.
• Use hand gestures sparingly: While hand gestures can help convey points, overdoing it can be distracting in a small video frame.

5. Practice Active Listening

Virtual environments can sometimes lead to communication delays or misunderstandings, so active listening is crucial.

• Avoid interrupting: Allow for brief pauses after the interviewer speaks to account for any lag before responding. This ensures you're not speaking over them.
  Ask clarifying questions: If something isn’t clear or if the audio cuts out, politely ask the interviewer to repeat the question. It’s better to ask than to provide an off-target answer.
• Use verbal affirmations: Small verbal cues like "I see" or "That’s interesting" help confirm that you’re following the conversation, especially when nonverbal cues may not come across as clearly.

6. Be Ready for Common Virtual Interview Questions

Virtual interviews often include a few specific questions related to remote work. Be prepared to discuss your experience with remote tools, time management, and collaboration in virtual environments.

• "How do you stay organized when working from home?": Be ready to talk about tools or strategies you use to stay productive, such as using calendars, task management software, or setting boundaries between work and home life.
• "How do you collaborate with a remote team?": Give examples of how you've successfully communicated and collaborated with colleagues or classmates through virtual platforms.
• "What challenges have you faced in a remote work environment?": Share any hurdles you've encountered, such as distractions or tech issues, and how you overcame them.

7. Follow Up After the Interview

Just like with in-person interviews, it’s important to send a thank-you email after your virtual interview.

• Send a timely, thoughtful message: Within 24 hours, send a follow-up email thanking the interviewer for their time and reiterating your interest in the position. Include a key takeaway or mention something specific that stood out during the conversation to personalize your message.
  
  

Prepare for Your Next Virtual Interview with Confidence 

Mastering the virtual interview requires preparation, practice, and professionalism. By creating the right environment, using reliable technology, and staying mindful of your body language and communication skills, you can make a strong impression, even from a distance. As more companies continue to rely on virtual interviews, developing this skill will give you a significant edge in the job market.