How to prepare for a virtual job interview

With video interviews becoming prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic, many employers and agencies have chosen to continue to adopt virtual interviewing due to its convenience and ease.  

While you may have perfected the art of physical interviewing, virtual communication requires special considerations and adjustments due to the limited ability to read body language and depict facial expressions.  

Here are five steps to set yourself up for a successful virtual job interview. 

1. Test your technology in advance 

Nobody wants to start a virtual interview with “Sorry I’m late, I was having technical issues”, or even worse, you cannot log in entirely. A virtual interview requires a camera and microphone, a software program, and a reliable internet connection. At least one day before, we advise a run-through to check everything is working as it should and that you can communicate effectively.  

The software will be chosen in advance by the interviewer, so check the calendar invite for what this is or ask. We advise you download this software in advance rather than using a less reliable browser version. 15-30 minutes before your interview, check your internet connection and sign in to the software. Test your video and audio within the software settings to check everything is working as it should for your all-important conversation. 

2. Wear professional attire 

You need to prepare for a virtual interview in the same manner as a face-to-face interview. Despite taking place in a familiar location like your home, you should expect it to be just as formal as it would if it was on-site. Business casual dress is a good standard to follow and will help you appear professional and enthusiastic about the role. Dressing smart will also help you feel more prepared and confident as you head in to the interview. 

If you want to dress in a similar fashion to their current employees, you can get an idea of the company dress code by checking the team photos on their website or social channels or simply ask in advance.  

3.     Remove Distractions 

The best place for a virtual interview is a quiet location with limited distractions. Choose a room that is clean and professional-looking. Situating yourself in front of a plain white wall is perfect as it allows the interviewer to focus their attention on you, not what's around you. Where possible, plan your interview for a time when your house is relatively quiet - there is nothing more distracting than noise from children, pets, or passing traffic. 

If you are due to present or are likely to screen share, you should also remove distractions and clutter from your desktop. Turn off notifications, tidy up your home screen, and have the files you need easily accessible and clearly labelled. 

4.     Build a rapport with the interviewer

Build rapport with your interviewer by showcasing your enthusiasm, confidence, and personality. With physical signals harder to read over video and handshakes not possible, you must exuberate clear and professional body language. Help the interviewer read your body language by sitting up straight and ensuring your face is in the middle of the screen. Greet your potential employer with a smile or a confident wave while maintaining good eye contact. 

It’s also important to take opportunities to find common ground with the interviewer, that could be by talking about an interest, a current goal outside of work, or a topical event to help you stay front of mind.  

5.     Prepare in advance 

As with any interview, you will see the most success if you take the time to prepare in advance. Although tempting to use your computer to look up answers or read from a script, it will appear rehearsed and unnatural. Stay conversational by preparing several answers or scenarios for each question. Research the company, review the job specification alongside your experience and prepare for commonly-asked interview questions. 

Are you struggling to remember particular answers or lacking confidence? You could use prompt cards containing just one or two words to jog your memory. Carefully place the cards at eye level behind your desktop or laptop screen to maintain eye contact. 

Have you found this blog useful? For more advice on how to secure your next job, download our free career toolkit.