How to Make a Great Impression During a Virtual Job Interview

Virtual job interviews have become the norm, allowing employers to meet candidates remotely. However, they come with unique challenges compared to in-person interviews. If you want to make a great impression in a virtual setting, follow these tips to ace your next online interview.

1. Test Your Technology

Ensure that your equipment—camera, microphone, and internet connection—are working correctly before the interview. A technical glitch in the middle of an interview can throw off your focus and negatively affect your performance.

How to Prepare:

• Test your internet connection for stability.
• Ensure your camera and microphone are clear and functional.
• Familiarize yourself with the video conferencing platform (Zoom, Skype, Teams, etc.).

Doing a quick tech check before your interview can help you avoid any last-minute issues and show you’re prepared.

2. Choose a Professional Environment

The environment in which you take the interview matters. A clean, quiet, and professional background is ideal to help you appear focused and prepared.

Key Tips:

• Sit in a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted.
• Choose a neutral background, such as a plain wall or tidy office.
• Ensure proper lighting so your face is clearly visible.

A distraction-free space helps you maintain professionalism and lets the interviewer focus on you.

3. Dress for Success

Just because the interview is virtual doesn’t mean you can skip on professional attire. Dressing well will make you feel more confident and project the right image.

Dressing Guidelines:

• Dress professionally from head to toe, even if the lower half may not be visible.
• Stick to neutral colors and avoid patterns that may be distracting on camera.

Dressing appropriately sets the tone for the interview and reflects your seriousness about the opportunity.

4. Practice Strong Virtual Body Language

Body language is still crucial in a virtual setting. How you present yourself through posture, gestures, and eye contact can influence how the interviewer perceives you.

Tips for Positive Body Language:

• Sit up straight and maintain a confident posture.
• Make eye contact by looking directly into the camera when speaking.
• Nod occasionally to show you’re engaged and listening.

Good body language conveys confidence and helps build rapport with your interviewer, even through a screen.

5. Prepare as You Would for an In-Person Interview

Research the company, review common interview questions, and prepare your answers in advance. Just because it’s virtual doesn’t mean the expectations are any lower.

How to Prepare:

• Research the company and the role in detail.
• Practice your responses to typical questions like “Tell me about yourself” and “Why do you want to work here?”
• Prepare questions to ask the interviewer, just as you would for an in-person interview.

Showing that you’ve done your homework demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and readiness for the position.

6. Follow Up with a Thank-You Email

As with any interview, it’s important to follow up afterward. A well-written thank-you email expressing your appreciation and reinforcing your interest in the role can leave a lasting impression.

What to Include in the Email:

• Thank the interviewer for their time.
• Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and the company.
• Mention a specific point from the interview that you found particularly interesting.

A thoughtful follow-up can help you stand out and keep you top of mind for the employer.