Ready to Get Started?
Join our community of job seekers and get benefits from our Resume Builder today.
Sign Up NowOnline interviews are now a regular step in the hiring process.
Whether you’re applying for a remote position or speaking with a recruiter in another location, video calls have become the usual way to connect.
So how can you stay prepared and make sure you perform well in your next one?
A virtual or online job interview is a method where an employer meets a candidate through a video call using platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, or Skype, with the aim of evaluating them for a role.
When getting ready for a traditional interview, you usually research the company.
You think about possible questions and prepare your own to ask.
You might also print your resume so you can review it if needed. While these steps still apply to online interviews, there are a few extra things to consider to avoid common issues.
Unlike in-person interviews, online meetings come with technical concerns. Will your camera work? Is your microphone clear? Do you have enough storage to install the meeting app? That’s why having a checklist helps you stay organized and lets you focus on the interview itself.
Camera and microphone: Recording yourself before the meeting is useful. It helps you check if your equipment works and also lets you see how you appear and sound to the interviewer.
Headphones: Using headphones is a good idea since computer audio is often not very clear. You don’t want to keep asking the interviewer to repeat things.
Battery: This may seem obvious, but it’s easy to forget. Make sure your device is fully charged, and keep it plugged in if the battery doesn’t last long.
Internet connection: Choose a spot with a stable internet connection. If that’s not possible, you may ask for a phone interview, but this should be your last option.
Platform: Learn how the meeting software works before your interview. If you already have it installed, check for updates.
Username: If your current username is something casual like a gaming name, it’s better to switch to your real name for the interview. It’s one of the first things the interviewer will see.
Profile: Your profile also leaves an early impression. You can reflect your interests here, for example by using a photo that relates to the type of role or company.
You’ve probably seen the common image of someone sitting at a computer, well-groomed, wearing a neat shirt, and smiling during an online meeting.
However, one detail is often left out — what they are wearing below the camera frame.
This idea has been shown many times in the media and often made to seem normal. But is it really the right approach for an interview?
In truth, it’s your choice. Most of the time, only you will know. Still, unexpected situations can happen. If you suddenly have to stand up, it could create an awkward moment and give the wrong impression.
If you take the interview seriously, it’s better to be fully prepared. Here are some simple tips for choosing what to wear.
Dressing well is not just about appearance. It can also improve your confidence and help you stay focused during the interview.
When you attend an interview online, the recruiter can see everything behind you, and it can influence their opinion.
For that reason, the best setup is a clean and simple background. A bright, neutral space works well and helps avoid distractions. If you include items behind you, make sure they relate to the role you’re applying for.
What about virtual backgrounds?
Modern tools offer virtual backgrounds that can look quite realistic. They can be helpful if your real space looks messy or distracting.
Still, just like with a real setting, the virtual one should not draw too much attention, so choosing a plain color is often the safest option.
Lighting also plays a key role, since poor lighting can affect how the software tracks your movement and may create an odd outline around you. This can also happen if you move too much during the interview.
In today’s hiring process, your camera acts as your first greeting.
As soon as you join the call, your setup, posture, and eye contact start shaping how you are seen. Even before you speak, your appearance on screen forms the first impression.
Although you are not in the same room, there are still basic rules to follow during a video interview.
Be early: Even though the meeting is online, logging in a few minutes ahead can help you deal with small issues, like forgetting your password.
Let the interviewer begin the call: Usually, they are the ones who start, as they may be handling several meetings. Still, you can send a quick message in advance to confirm this.
Say hello when you join: A simple greeting followed by the interviewer’s name works well.
Avoid interrupting: Because of slight delays in online calls, wait a moment after the interviewer finishes speaking before you respond.
Send a thank-you email afterward: A small follow-up can leave a positive impression.
Studies show that a large part of communication happens without words. This makes you think about how much may be missed when only a video is visible.
Practice may not make you perfect, but it can definitely improve your performance.
For online interviews, it’s helpful to practice in advance, especially if you’re not used to the platform being used. This can prevent simple technical mistakes.
Most video tools offer test options, so you can check how everything works.
Along with learning the technology, it’s also useful to prepare answers for common interview questions. When you are familiar with them, you can focus more on connecting with the interviewer instead of searching for answers.
Sometimes, unexpected issues happen during online interviews. Your system may freeze, the internet might drop, or someone at home may interrupt.
Use these moments to show how you handle problems. Once the issue is fixed, return to the discussion and continue from where you paused.
Dwelling on the problem can distract you and lead to more errors, so it’s best to move on quickly.
There are many tools available for video interviews, so it’s important to stay flexible and be ready to use whichever one your employer prefers.
Commonly used platforms include Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts or Google Meet, and RingCentral Video. Most of these can run directly in a browser, but installing the app often helps ensure a smoother experience.
Zoom is one of the most widely used tools for video calls. It supports meetings between two or more participants, though the free version usually limits sessions to 40 minutes.
To join an interview on Zoom, you will need a meeting link and a passcode from the employer. If these details are missing, it’s best to ask for them in advance.
Make sure you understand how to enter a meeting before the interview so you don’t join late. Also, some employers reuse the same meeting links for multiple sessions, so you should double-check before joining to avoid entering the wrong meeting.
While Zoom allows you to switch off your camera, it’s better to keep it on, as the interviewer will likely want to see you.
Google Meet, previously known as Google Hangouts, is another platform used for video interviews. It allows many participants to join a single call, with business accounts supporting large group meetings.
You don’t always need a Google account to join a meeting, but having one makes the process easier. As with other tools, it’s a good idea to set up and adjust your account beforehand.
Before the interview, share the email linked to your Google account with the employer so they can send you an invite. If you don’t have an account, you will need a meeting link to join.
You can also schedule meetings through Google Calendar, where the meeting link is created automatically when the event is set up.
Microsoft Teams has now become a standard tool for online meetings, especially after Skype was phased out and replaced by Teams for most business use. Many companies now rely on it for interviews and daily communication.
To join a Teams interview, you usually receive a meeting link by email. You can open it in your browser or download the app for a better experience. It’s a good idea to test both options before your interview.
Check your display name before joining the meeting. Make sure it shows your real name so the interviewer can easily identify you. Also, test your camera and microphone using the “devices” settings inside Teams.
Teams includes a waiting room feature, so you may need to wait until the interviewer lets you in. Join a few minutes early and stay ready.
Use the blur background or simple background option if your space is not ideal, but avoid anything distracting.
Keep your microphone muted when you’re not speaking, and use the chat option only if needed. These small actions show that you understand how to use the platform properly.
Join our community of job seekers and get benefits from our Resume Builder today.
Sign Up Now
