Virtual Interview Best Practice

You know that feeling when you think you’ve got everything sorted until you log in five minutes before your virtual interview and your audio suddenly disappears?

You’re frantically switching headphones, Teams freezes, Zoom wants an update right now, and you’re calling your recruiter to say, “I’m so sorry, I’ll be a few minutes late.”
By the time you finally join, you’re flustered, apologetic and spending the first ten minutes trying to steady your breath instead of showcasing your capability.

And from there? It’s hard to recover.

This guide exists to prevent exactly that scenario.

Here’s how to make sure your next virtual interview feels calm, controlled, and confident. No tech chaos, no frazzled energy, just you at your best.

1. Before the interview: Set yourself up to win.

   
   Tech check (the non-negotiables)
   • Test your audio and video before the call. Not as they’re saying hello.
   • Update Zoom/Teams.
   • Make sure your screen name is your real name (not your partner’s, not “iPad”).
   • Check your headphones, microphone, and camera.
   • If your Wi-Fi is unreliable, hotspot your phone or sit closer to the router.
   • Use a laptop where possible. Joining on a phone limits visibility and comes across less polished.
   • Make sure your laptop is fully charged or even better have it plugged into the charger the entire time.
   
   Environment:
   • Choose a quiet, neutral background. Your laundry pile does not need to be in attendance.
   • If at home, let housemates/partners/kids/pets know you’re in an interview.
   • Turn off noisy appliances (dishwashers, fans); they get picked up by mics more than you think.
   • Lighting: face a window if you can. If you look like you’re dialling in from a cave, the energy drops instantly.
   
   Prep your setup:
   • Even though you're at home, wear the same level of professionalism you’d bring to an in-office interview.
   • Have a notepad handy for key points (not a script).
   • Have a copy of your CV with you.
   • Close all notifications so you aren’t getting Teams messages pop up and distract you mid interview.
   • Have a glass of water.
   • Join 3-5 minutes early so you have time to troubleshoot anything unexpected.
   
   

2. How to show up brilliantly on camera

   
   Camera framing 101:
   • Aim for head and shoulders in frame
   • Eye level camera (makes you look confident)
   • Make sure you turn your camera on – interviewers expect to see you.
   
   Body language:
   • Nod to show engagement.
   • Sit forward slightly - it’s the virtual version of “I’m in this conversation.”
   • Smile naturally; it warms the whole call.
   
   Energy matters even more virtually:
   • Energy reduces by approx. 30% when you’re on camera so bring more than you think you need. This doesn’t mean “be loud”; it means:
   
   o Clear articulation
   o Slightly higher energy than usual
   o Pausing intentionally
   o Showing enthusiasm without overselling
   
   Avoid teleprompters or reading scripts:
   • Using a teleprompter app makes your eye line shift unnaturally and instantly breaks connection. Panels can always tell and it looks rehearsed and inauthentic. Your notes should be prompts, not a screenplay.

   
   

3. Don’t let virtual quirks throw you.

   
   • If it glitches, simply pause and reset: “Sorry, the audio cut out for a moment. Would you mind repeating that last part?”
   • When people talk over each other.
   o Acknowledge and take the turn:
   “You go ahead, happy to jump in next.”
   
   • If asked to share your screen, close private tabs. No one needs to see your online shopping or private employee files.
   • Don’t eat or sip loudly - microphones amplify small sounds.
   • Avoid typing while the panel speaks - microphones pick up every keystroke.