The shift to remote work has fundamentally changed how companies conduct interviews. While the core principles of interview success remain the same, virtual interviews introduce new variables that can make or break your chances. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate every aspect of remote interviews with confidence.
Pre-Interview Technology Setup
Test Your Equipment
- Camera Quality: Ensure your video is clear and properly framed
- Audio Quality: Use a headset or external microphone for better sound
- Internet Connection: Test your bandwidth and have a backup plan
- Platform Familiarity: Practice with Zoom, Teams, or whatever platform they'll use
Optimize Your Environment
Do This
- Use good lighting (face the light source)
- Choose a clean, professional background
- Position camera at eye level
- Close unnecessary applications
Avoid This
- Backlighting or harsh shadows
- Distracting backgrounds or noise
- Looking down at the camera
- Notification sounds or pop-ups
Body Language and Presence
Virtual interviews require more intentional body language since only your upper body is visible. Here's how to make a strong impression:
Eye Contact and Engagement
- Look at the camera, not the screen: This creates the illusion of eye contact
- Maintain good posture: Sit up straight and lean slightly forward to show interest
- Use natural gestures: Keep hand movements within the frame and use them purposefully
- Smile and nod: These expressions may need to be slightly more pronounced on video
"In virtual interviews, your energy needs to be 20% higher than in person to compensate for what's lost through the screen."
Common Remote Interview Pitfalls
If it happens: Stay calm, acknowledge the issue professionally, and implement your backup plan quickly.
Virtual Interview Best Practices
Before the Interview
24 Hours Before
- Complete tech setup and testing
- Research the company and interviewers
- Prepare your questions
- Plan your outfit
1 Hour Before
- Final tech check
- Review your resume and notes
- Set up your space
- Get dressed and ready
15 Minutes Before
- Log into the platform
- Final audio/video check
- Review key talking points
- Take a few deep breaths
During the Interview
- Join early but not too early: 2-3 minutes before the scheduled time
- Greet everyone warmly: Make sure to acknowledge all participants
- Use names frequently: It helps build rapport in virtual settings
- Pause before answering: Brief delays are normal in video calls
- Ask if they can see/hear you clearly: Show you care about communication quality
Advanced Virtual Interview Strategies
The Note Strategy
One advantage of virtual interviews is the ability to have notes nearby. Use this strategically:
- Keep key talking points near your camera (not on screen)
- Have the job description and your questions visible
- Write down interviewer names and key information during the call
- Don't read directly from notes—use them as reference points
The Follow-Up Advantage
Virtual interviews make follow-up even more critical:
Platform-Specific Tips
Microsoft Teams
Learn background blur and screen sharing features
Zoom
Master mute/unmute and virtual backgrounds
Google Meet
Practice screen sharing and chat features
Conclusion
Remote interviews are here to stay, and mastering them gives you a significant competitive advantage. The key is treating them with the same level of preparation as in-person interviews while adapting to the unique requirements of virtual communication.
Remember: technology is just the medium—your qualifications, personality, and fit for the role are what matter most. Use these strategies to ensure nothing gets lost in translation during your virtual interview.
Practice Makes Perfect
Use our interview simulator to practice common questions and get comfortable with virtual interviews.
Practice Interview Questions