
The Virtual Interview has become commonplace, and while not every job candidate is a tech expert, doing your best with the tools at hand can make the difference between a positive impression or a disaster. Whether it’s a Zoom call or a one-on-one meeting via Teams, you need to be fully prepared to make a strong impression—after all, the stakes are just as high as in an in-person interview. The good news? You have some control over your environment and can plan ahead to minimize distractions and technical issues. Here’s how to prepare for your interview and stand out as a top candidate during your next virtual meeting.
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Test Your Tech Early
Technical glitches are the Achilles’ heel of virtual interviews. If you’re not familiar with Zoom, Teams, or the platform your potential employer is using, download it in advance and run a few test meetings. Check that your microphone, camera, and Wi-Fi are all working smoothly. Also, test the lighting—natural light is flattering, but you’ll want to avoid a setup that casts shadows on your face.
Pro tip: Avoid relying on your smartphone for an interview unless it’s absolutely necessary. A laptop or desktop offers a more stable and professional experience, which helps you maintain eye contact and avoid awkward fumbling.
From the employer’s side: Make sure you send detailed instructions on how to log in and use the platform. Offering a backup phone number or tech support will ensure candidates can focus on the interview rather than troubleshooting.
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Perfect Your Virtual Environment
Your surroundings speak volumes in a virtual interview. A cluttered room or unmade bed in the background can distract from what you’re saying and reflect poorly on your professionalism. Create a clean, neutral space that is free from personal items.
If possible, choose a room with a door that you can close to avoid interruptions from pets, family members, or noisy neighbors. And whatever you do, avoid the common trap of using a distracting virtual background unless it’s part of the company culture or requested.
Pro tip: Always do a quick run-through of your space before the meeting. Look out for anything in the background that could divert attention away from you and your qualifications.
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Dress the Part (Yes, Even on Zoom)
While it might be tempting to only dress professionally from the waist up, resist that urge. Dressing in full professional attire from head to toe will not only make you look polished on camera but also put you in the right frame of mind to be your best self.
It’s easy to underestimate how your energy and confidence are influenced by what you’re wearing. Pick an outfit that is simple yet polished, avoiding busy patterns or flashy accessories that could distract from your words. The focus should be on your qualifications, not your shirt.
From the employer’s side: Help candidates feel comfortable by setting expectations for the dress code. If your company culture leans casual, let them know they don’t need to be overly formal—this puts them at ease while also ensuring you see the real person behind the resume
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Master Non-Verbal Communication
Body language speaks even when you’re silent. During a virtual interview, maintaining strong eye contact is crucial to building a connection with your interviewer. Look directly at the camera rather than the screen when you’re speaking—it mimics real-life eye contact and helps create a stronger rapport.
Also, be mindful of your posture. Sitting up straight signals that you’re attentive and engaged. Nod in agreement when appropriate, smile genuinely, and use hand gestures to emphasize your points, just as you would in person.
Pro tip: Practice with a friend or family member beforehand. Record yourself to see how you come across and make any necessary adjustments to your non-verbal communication.
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Prepare for Common Questions and Have Your Own Ready
Just because you’re behind a screen doesn’t mean you can “wing it.” Preparation is key to making a lasting impression. Familiarize yourself with common interview questions for your industry and have your responses ready. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers in a way that clearly communicates your skills and achievements.
Equally important is having questions ready for your interviewer. This shows your interest in the role and the company. Ask about the team’s culture, how success is measured, or what the biggest challenge the company is currently facing.
Pro tip: Keep a copy of your resume and job description nearby, but avoid reading directly from them. Glancing occasionally is fine, but you’ll want to come across as confident and prepared.
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Handle Unplanned Interruptions Like a Pro
No matter how much preparation you’ve done, life happens. A doorbell rings, a child bursts into the room, or your Wi-Fi drops out. The key is to handle these interruptions with grace. Apologize briefly, handle the situation quickly, and return to the interview with focus. Employers understand that virtual environments come with their own challenges, but how you handle those situations says a lot about your composure under pressure.
From the employer’s side: Be empathetic to any interruptions on the candidate’s end. This will make them feel more at ease and allow them to recover quickly, rather than stressing out over factors beyond their control.
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Follow Up with a Thank-You Email
A thank-you email after a virtual interview is more than just good manners—it’s an opportunity to reiterate your interest in the role, highlight key points from the interview, and leave a lasting impression. Keep the message brief, personalized, and professional. Mention something specific from your conversation to show that you were engaged and attentive. This small gesture can go a long way toward setting you apart from other candidates.
Pro tip: Send your thank-you email within 24 hours. This demonstrates timeliness and enthusiasm for the role.
From the employer’s side: Promptly respond to the thank-you emails or offer an update on next steps. Clear communication builds a positive impression of your company and its hiring process.
Pre-Recorded Virtual Interviews: A Unique Twist on the Process
In some cases, your virtual interview may not involve a live interaction. Instead, you might encounter a pre-recorded format where the company displays questions on the screen, and you respond by recording your answers. While it may feel less personal, this setup offers a unique opportunity for you to rehearse and refine your responses before hitting “submit.”
The key to acing this type of interview is preparation and pacing. Since there’s no interviewer present to engage with, you’ll need to make an extra effort to come across as warm and personable. Speak clearly, keep your answers concise, and remember to smile—it’s easy to forget when you’re just talking to a camera!
Unlike a live interview, you have the luxury of controlling the environment entirely. Use this to your advantage by ensuring your space is distraction-free, your technology is working seamlessly, and you’re dressed as professionally as you would be for any one-on-one meeting.
Pro tip: Treat each question as if you were speaking directly to the hiring manager. Project confidence, stay authentic, and avoid sounding too rehearsed—companies are still looking for genuine responses even when you’re not face-to-face.
For employers, this method allows for flexibility in reviewing candidates and helps standardize the interview process. It’s important, though, to provide clear instructions and time limits for responses to avoid unnecessary stress on the candidates.
That First Impression Matters
As the saying goes, “A job interview is not a test of your knowledge, but your ability to use it at the right time.” Whether you’re prepping for a live virtual interview or recording your responses, the ultimate goal is the same—present yourself as the best version of you. Preparation, authenticity, and poise will set you apart, even through a screen. Virtual interviews may change the setting and tone of the interview, but the objective stays the same—showing you’re the right fit, no matter the format.
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Written by Nancy Schuman, CSP, the former Chief Commuications Officer for LLoyd Staffing.
A recruitment and career specialist, Nancy has more than 40 years in the staffing industry – 27 of them with LLoyd. Now semi-retired, she remains an advocate for career education; she has advised thousands of candidates on their resumes and job searches while also serving as the Careers columnist for a large weekly Long Island newspaper. Nancy has written 11 popular books for job seekers and business professionals. You can find her Author’s page and books on Amazon. She continues to blog for Lloyd and coach job seekers at all levels, offering advice for today’s competitive workplace.