In the modern job market, virtual interviews are now the norm. According to a survey by Indeed, 82% of employers have adopted video interviews as part of their hiring process, and 93% plan to continue using them. Whether it’s a Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet interview, the way you present yourself on camera can make or break your chances of landing the job.
The good news? With the right preparation, you can ace your virtual interview and leave a lasting impression on your potential employer. In this blogpost, we will talk about 7 things you must do to ensure success in your next virtual interview.
1. Set Up Your Tech for a Smooth Experience
Check Your Internet Connection
Nothing ruins a virtual interview faster than lagging video or audio cutting in and out. Here’s how to ensure a stable connection:
- Use a wired connection if possible, as it’s more reliable than Wi-Fi.
- Run an internet speed test (Google “speed test” and click the first result). Aim for at least 10 Mbps upload/download speed for smooth video streaming.
- Close unnecessary apps to free up bandwidth.
Test Your Camera and Microphone
Your recruiter needs to see and hear you clearly. Test your setup in advance:
- Open Zoom (or the relevant platform) and do a test call.
- Adjust your camera angle to be at eye level, avoiding unflattering low angles.
- Use headphones with a mic for better sound quality and to reduce background noise.
- Speak clearly and at a moderate pace to ensure your words are well-received.
Have a Backup Plan
Even with the best setup, tech glitches happen. Prepare for emergencies:
- Keep your phone handy in case you need to use it as a hotspot.
- Have the interviewer’s email or phone number ready in case you need to reschedule or switch platforms.
2. Create the Perfect Interview Environment
Choose a Quiet, Professional Setting
Your surroundings should be distraction-free. Keep in mind:
- Pick a well-lit area. Natural light is best, but a soft lamp works too.
- Avoid busy or cluttered backgrounds. A neutral wall or a tidy room is ideal.
- Minimize background noise. Inform family or roommates about your interview time, and mute notifications on your devices.
Use Virtual Backgrounds Wisely
If you can’t find a suitable setting, use a simple virtual background. Choose a neutral, office-like backdrop instead of something distracting.
3. Dress for Success (Yes, Even Virtually)
What you wear still matters, even in a video interview. Studies show that dressing professionally boosts confidence and affects how others perceive you. Follow these tips:
- Stick to solid colors (avoid busy patterns that can look distracting on camera).
- Wear a complete outfit. You never know if you’ll need to stand up!
- Check how your outfit looks on camera before your interview.
4. Master Non-Verbal Communication
Body language is just as important in a virtual interview as it is in person.
Maintain Good Eye Contact
- Look at the camera, not your screen, to appear more engaged.
- Position your video window near your camera to make it easier to maintain eye contact.
Use Confident Body Language
- Sit up straight with a relaxed but professional posture.
- Nod and smile naturally to show you’re engaged.
- Avoid excessive hand movements, but use gestures when appropriate to emphasize key points.
5. Prepare and Practice Your Answers
Virtual interviews often follow the same format as in-person interviews, with common behavioral questions. Employers look for confident, structured responses.
Use the STAR Method
For behavioral questions, structure your answers using the STAR method:
- Situation – Describe the context.
- Task – Explain what needed to be done.
- Action – Outline the steps you took.
- Result – Highlight the positive outcome.
Common Virtual Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
1. “Tell me about yourself.”
- Keep it concise—highlight your experience, skills, and what excites you about this role.
- Example: “I’m a digital marketing specialist with five years of experience optimizing campaigns for major brands. I thrive in data-driven environments and love creating strategies that boost engagement.”
2. “Why do you want to work here?”
- Show you’ve researched the company.
- Example: “Your company’s focus on innovation aligns with my passion for cutting-edge solutions. I admire your recent project on [specific initiative] and believe my skills can contribute to similar successes.”
3. “Tell me about a time you handled a challenge.”
- Use the STAR method to structure your answer.
- Example: “In my previous role, we lost a key client due to a miscommunication. I took the initiative to rebuild trust by offering a revised strategy, which resulted in a renewed contract.”
6. Handle Technical or Awkward Moments Gracefully
Virtual interviews come with unique challenges but you can manage them successfully. Here’s how to navigate them:
If There’s a Technical Issue
- If your screen freezes or audio cuts out, briefly apologize and ask them to repeat the question.
- If disconnected, rejoin the call ASAP and send a quick email if necessary: “Apologies for the disruption—I’m back online now.”
If There’s an Awkward Silence
- Instead of panicking, use the time to collect your thoughts.
- If unsure of a question, it’s okay to say: “That’s a great question. Let me think for a second…”
7. Follow Up After the Interview
Just like an in-person interview, following up matters. A thoughtful email keeps you top of mind.
What to Include in Your Follow-Up Email:
- Thank the interviewer for their time.
- Mention a specific highlight from the conversation.
- Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role.
Here’s an example you can copy:
Subject: Thank You for the Interview – [Your Name]
Hi [Interviewer’s Name],
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. I enjoyed learning more about [Company Name] and the exciting work your team is doing.
I’m very excited about the opportunity to contribute to [specific project/goal discussed]. Please let me know if you need any more information from me. Looking forward to what’s next!
Best, [Your Name]
Let LightForth Help You Prepare Like a Pro
Feeling nervous about your virtual interview? LightForth Interview Prep can help you master common questions, refine your answers, and build confidence. With AI-powered feedback and real-time practice sessions, you’ll know exactly what to expect and how to respond—so you can walk into your next Zoom interview 100% prepared.
Ready to ace your next interview? Sign up to use LightForth Interview Prep today!
