At this point, virtual interviews are just part of the deal. Zoom, Teams, Meet—you name it, it’s where first impressions happen now. And while you might be taking the call from your living room instead of a conference room, that doesn’t make it any less important. Showing up sharp, prepared, and human through a screen takes its own kind of skill—and it’s one worth nailing.
1. Prepping Your Tech
It might seem simple—open your laptop and click the link. But underestimating your tech setup is one of the fastest ways to derail your momentum.
Do a Platform Test Run Pretend it’s game day. A day or two before the interview, test your mic, camera, and internet connection. Get a friend on a call or try a test meeting. You want zero surprises when it’s time to go live.
Know the Features Will you be sharing your screen? Need to use the chat box? Know where everything lives in the platform so you don’t waste time fumbling when it counts.
If you’re interviewing for a role that involves visual or portfolio work, be ready to showcase it. Have tabs queued up or a deck ready to go, and practice walking through your work with clarity and confidence—what it is, why it matters, and how you made it happen.
Have a Backup Plan Tech hiccups happen—even to the pros. Have a phone nearby and the interviewer’s contact info ready. A quick, calm transition to a phone call or rescheduled meeting shows composure, not panic.
Optimize your lighting. Use a front-facing light source like a ring light or window to ensure even, clear visibility. Avoid backlighting or overhead lights that can create harsh shadows or glare on camera.
2. Virtual Interview Etiquette
Just because you’re at home doesn’t mean you can relax the basics. How you present yourself virtually matters.
Act Like You’re There in Person Log in early, dress the part, and eliminate distractions. That means silencing your phone, turning off desktop notifications, and making sure your space is quiet and interruption-free.
Set the Scene Your camera should be at eye level, and your face should be well-lit (natural light is great; a lamp works too). Keep your background tidy—neutral is best—or use a professional virtual background if needed.
Handle Tech Glitches with Grace If your screen freezes or the audio cuts out, just roll with it. Say something like, “Looks like I lost you for a second—could you repeat that last question?” Calm beats frazzled every time.
3. Body Language On-Camera
This one’s easy to overlook but makes a huge difference.
Make Virtual Eye Contact It’s tempting to look at the face on your screen, but looking into your webcam lens is what actually creates the feeling of eye contact. Practice it—it gets easier.
Posture and Presence Sit up straight, shoulders relaxed and keep your movements calm and purposeful. Restless hands or fidgeting can feel exaggerated on video.
Express Yourself A well-placed smile or nod can carry more weight than you’d think. Let your expressions and tone show enthusiasm and connection, especially when you’re not physically in the room.
4. Mindset & Mental Prep
Before you even log on, get your head in the game.
Eliminate Mental Clutter Close out of distracting tabs, having only the interviewer and your resume or portfolio open, and take a few minutes to ground yourself. Deep breaths. Positive thoughts. Remember: this isn’t just about performance—it’s about connection.
Dress the Part, Head to Toe Yes, even your shoes. There’s something about being fully dressed for the role that gets you into a more focused, professional mindset—even if the interviewer never sees your lower half.
Be Yourself (The Best Version) Bring your energy, your curiosity, and your authenticity. That’s what hiring managers remember, long after the call ends.
5. When It’s Audio-Only
Just because they can’t see you doesn’t mean they can’t read you. Voice-only interviews still reveal a lot about how you communicate and carry yourself—sometimes even more so, since there's no visual backup.
Keep It Human
Virtual interviews can feel robotic if you let them—but they don’t have to. You’re not just a floating head on a screen; you’re a future teammate. Smile, listen, engage, and let your personality shine through.
Your next big opportunity might start with a screen—but it ends with the real you.
