How to Succeed in a Virtual Interview

Updated 3 February 2023

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Phone and video interviews became particularly prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic, when governments around the world issued social distancing guidelines to limit the spread of the virus. As and after these guidelines ease, it’s likely that many companies will continue to rely on virtual interviewing to make hiring decisions. So, in this article, we review the best ways to be successful during your next virtual interview.

What is a virtual interview?

A virtual interview is an interview that takes place remotely, sometimes over the phone, but often using technology like video conferencing and other online communication platforms. Virtual interviews are often conducted much the same way as face-to-face interviews. That said, virtual communication requires special considerations and adjustments due to the limited ability to read body language and facial expressions.

Perfecting your virtual interview

Here are a few considerations to set yourself up for success during a virtual interview:

2. Test your technology beforehand

A virtual interview requires tools like a camera and microphone on your computer, a software program (such as Google Meet or Zoom) and a reliable internet connection. At least a day before your virtual interview, check all of your technology to ensure it works effectively and can be used to communicate effectively. That means having a functional computer that meets technical specifications, downloading any necessary software and ensuring the connection is strong enough to sustain streaming video.

In the 15 to 30 minutes before your interview, check your internet connection and sign in to the video or phone meeting provided by the HR representative or hiring manager. Turn on the sound and video to ensure everything is in working order in time for your conversation.

3. Wear professional attire

In a virtual interview, you should dress the same as you would in a face-to-face interview. Doing so not only makes you appear professional and excited about the opportunity, but it will also make you feel more prepared and confident. When an interview takes place from a remote location like your home, you should expect it to be just as formal as one that takes place in an office—if you are unsure, business casual is a good standard to follow. A great outfit example for men and women is a button-down shirt and blazer with slacks.

3. Prepare in advance

As with any interview, you will get the best results if you take the time to prepare in advance. Just because you are in front of your computer does not mean you should rely on the ability to quickly look up answers or rely on pre-written answers you can refer to. You should prepare so you are able to have a natural conversation without clicking around or reading directly from a script, which can seem rehearsed and unnatural.

Employers may give you a list of questions in advance that they want you to answer, which can help you navigate your research. More often, you will be asked to give answers without prior knowledge of the questions. If this is the case, prepare the same way you would for an in-person interview:

Plan your answers for commonly-asked interview questions
Research the company
Carefully review the job description noting your relevant qualifications
Prepare relevant examples of your achievements and experiences

4. Limit distractions

The best place to take an interview in your home is a quiet location with few distractions. Choose a room that is clean and professional-looking so the interviewer can focus their attention on you and not what is around you. If you do not have a dedicated office space, you can also use a bedroom or guest bedroom, your kitchen table or even cleared-out closet space. Try to place your computer on a table or desk instead of your lap or couch.

Tell people you are sharing space with about the area you will be using for your interview, the time of your interview, and that you and your quiet space will be off-limits during that time. Respectfully explain that during this time, it is best that the house stays quiet with limited distractions. If possible, you might also place pets in a designated room during critical working hours.

5. Use professional body language

Because interviewing via video or phone limits the ability to communicate with body language, it is important to utilise body language in a clear, professional way. For example, if you get a question that is unexpected, make sure to stay poised and take a moment to collect your thoughts.

Sit up straight and ensure your camera is placed so your face is in the middle of your screen (not too much blank space above or below your head). In most interviews, you shake hands with your potential employer at the beginning and the end of the discussion. It's an important body language cue that helps you establish the relationship. Instead, find other ways to greet and exude enthusiasm, like smiling and giving a confident wave with eye contact.

6. Build rapport

Establishing rapport is important in any business relationship because it allows you to separate yourself from other candidates by building a personal connection with the interviewer. When you interview in person, your enthusiasm, body language, handshake and early small talk all help you build that connection with your potential employer.

When communicating virtually, it's still necessary to find ways to establish rapport. You can do this by being prepared to talk about a common interest, asking how your interviewer’s experience has been with virtual interviews or by finding some other neutral topic with which to learn more about your interviewer.

7. Be authentic

When interviewing virtually, you have the rare opportunity to speak in a relaxing, familiar environment and show the interviewer who you are and why you are the best person for the job. Recruiters will look for how you express yourself to understand whether you are a good fit for the company. Use tools like your body language, facial expressions and interview preparations to convey your confidence and personality as it relates to the position.

8. Follow up

After your interview, plan to send a well-timed follow-up. It's good practice to send a follow-up email within 24 hours of an interview, thanking the interviewer for their time and letting them know you are available if they have any additional questions. Reach out to the HR representative or hiring manager you have been speaking with to get a list of your interviewers’ emails.