You've been invited for an interview. Congratulations! We know how much courage and effort it takes to get to this point. These ten online interview tips will help you show your potential employer why you're the right person for the role through a screen.
On video, every detail is magnified. Hiring managers assess not just what you say, but how effectively you communicate remotely, whether you can establish rapport through a screen, and if you possess the digital capabilities that today's workplace requires.
You have only a few seconds to make a strong first impression. In virtual settings, this judgment begins the instant you appear on screen. Your background, lighting, posture, signal quality, and initial energy all influence whether a recruiter can envision you joining their organisation.
Here are our essential online interview tips that will help you stand out.
1. Test your technology before your online interview
Technical failures can undermine even the most qualified candidate. Poor audio quality, dropped connections, or platform access issues shift the focus away from your skills.
Test your technology well before the scheduled time:
- Check your internet connection, audio quality and video clarity.
- Confirm which platform the interview will use - whether it's Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Google Meet - and ensure you're comfortable navigating it.
- Close unnecessary tabs and applications that might slow your system or cause distracting notifications.
2. How to make eye contact during a video interview
When you focus on your interviewer's image on screen, they see you looking downward or away. This creates an impression of distraction, regardless of how engaged you actually feel.
The fix is simple but requires practice: direct your gaze at your camera lens when speaking. This creates the appearance of direct eye contact and demonstrates full presence in the conversation.
Try this in advance: Set up your camera and respond to typical questions, paying close attention to where you're looking. The adjustment feels awkward initially, but becomes natural quickly.
3. Set up a professional interview environment at home
Your surroundings communicate as much as your words. A disorganised space, inadequate lighting or visible interruptions can suggest a lack of preparation.
- Choose a clean, well-lit space.
- Natural light works beautifully when it's in front of you, not behind. Position your camera at eye level.
- Select a neutral background that won't distract from the conversation.
- Or find a professional virtual background to hide the view.
4. What to wear to a virtual interview
Remote doesn't mean casual!
Your attire should match what you'd wear for an in-person meeting at the company. This choice influences your posture, confidence and the energy you project.
Choose solid colours that don't blend into your background. Avoid heavy patterns, busy prints or jewellery that might distract on camera. Think about what the role demands and dress accordingly.
Test your outfit beforehand. Some colours wash out on screen while others create unexpected visual effects.
And yes, wear proper shoes. How you dress from head to toe affects how you carry yourself. When you're fully prepared, that assurance comes through on camera.
5. Show authentic energy and engagement on camera
Some candidates approach virtual interviews with fully scripted responses, reading answers word for word. This approach typically backfires, because interviewers can detect rehearsed delivery.
Instead, prepare bullet points covering the key messages you want to convey. Have your CV nearby so you can reference specific details when asked. But stay present in the conversation itself.
Hiring managers are looking for energy, clarity and real engagement. Nod naturally when your interviewer is speaking. Smile when appropriate. React authentically to what you're hearing.
6. Best camera positioning for online interviews
Position yourself so that your face fills about two-thirds of the screen, with a small amount of space above your head. Sit approximately sixty centimeters away from the camera for the most natural perspective.
If you're using a laptop, consider placing it on books or a laptop stand to raise the camera to eye level. Looking slightly up at the camera is far more flattering and professional than looking down.
7. Questions to ask during a virtual interview
The questions you pose near the end of an interview reveal your priorities and level of strategic thinking. Save administrative queries for later conversations. Instead, demonstrate genuine interest in the role itself and the challenges you'd be addressing.
"What does success look like in this position after six months?" or "What challenges is the team currently navigating?" show you're already envisioning yourself contributing meaningfully.
8. How to avoid distractions during your online interview
While you can't control everything, you can minimise disruptions:
- Notify people in your home when and where you'll be interviewing so they know not to interrupt.
- Put your phone on silent and close the door if possible.
- If you have pets, consider placing them in another room.
- Close windows if you live on a busy street.
- Turn off notifications on your computer.
- Mute household devices that might beep or chime unexpectedly.
9. Demonstrate digital skills in your video interview
When you handle an online interview with confidence and competence, you're proving you can thrive in a digital-first work environment. That matters increasingly to employers building teams across locations and time zones.
Get comfortable with the video platform before the interview.
Know how to mute and unmute yourself, turn your video on and off, and share your screen if needed.
10. Practice your virtual interview skills before the real thing
Don't wait until a real interview to test these strategies. Schedule a mock interview with a friend, mentor or career coach. Film yourself responding to questions, then review the footage to evaluate your eye contact, pacing, tone and body language.
The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel. That confidence shows through the screen and helps you present your best professional self.
Your online presence is essential
One of the most important things is to be yourself. Your interviewer needs to get a sense of the authentic you to gauge your fit with the team and the company culture.
Think of the interview as a professional conversation where you're showcasing your best self. Help the interviewer visualise you in the role by connecting your skills and personality to how you'll contribute to their team.
Virtual interviews are here to stay. At RecruitMyMom, we're in your corner every step of the way - from finding the right opportunity to helping you walk into it with confidence. Our online interview tips will help you use the medium effectively to communicate your value, professionalism and interest in the opportunity.
