A person participating in a virtual interview on a laptop, engaging in a video call with a smiling candidate wearing a white shirt in a well-lit office setting. The interviewer's hands are visible, gesturing during the conversation.

Virtual interviews have become standard, with over 90% of employers using video interviews as part of their hiring process. Some companies conduct fully remote hiring, while others use virtual interviews for initial screenings before scheduling in-person meetings. Either way, being comfortable on camera is now a must.

Acing a virtual interview takes more than just preparing strong answers. You also need to master the technology, create a distraction-free space, and adjust your body language to make a strong impression on screen.

If you have a virtual interview coming up, these expert-backed tips will help you present yourself professionally, avoid tech issues, and boost your confidence to increase your chances of landing the job.

What Makes Virtual Interviews Different?

Virtual interviews may follow the same structure as in-person ones—questions, answers, and a hiring decision—but the setting changes everything.

Imagine having a conversation in a quiet café versus a crowded stadium. The words might be the same, but the experience is entirely different. Virtual interviews introduce unique challenges that can impact your performance.

Technology adds complexity

In a face-to-face interview, you only need to worry about arriving on time and being prepared. With virtual interviews, technology becomes a major factor. A poor WiFi connection, frozen screen, or microphone issue can frustrate both you and the interviewer.

Limited body language & nonverbal cues

In person, your posture, gestures, and facial expressions help communicate confidence and enthusiasm. On a screen, these cues are limited. Where you look, how you sit, and when you smile all matter more than you might think.

Increased potential for distractions

In an office setting, interruptions are rare. At home, distractions are everywhere—kids, pets, roommates, unexpected noises. Even a notification sound can break your focus. Controlling your environment is crucial to keeping the interview professional.

Different energy & engagement levels

Virtual interviews can feel less personal, making it harder to connect with the interviewer. Awkward pauses, lagging audio, and accidental interruptions can throw off the conversation. Staying engaged and using active listening techniques—like nodding and verbal acknowledgments—helps keep the discussion flowing.

Virtual Interview Tips to Impress the Hiring Manager

Since these tips focus on the nuances of virtual interviews, we’ll assume you’re already covering the basics—like researching the company and preparing strong answers. But if you do need more help, check out our common interview questions and answers.

1. Test your WiFi connection

A weak connection can cause choppy audio, frozen video, or a dropped call, which can hurt your chances before you even start.

Use a tool like Speedtest to check your internet speed. For smooth video calls, aim for at least 10 Mbps upload and download speed. If your connection is unstable:

  • Move closer to your router
  • Use a wired Ethernet connection instead of WiFi
  • Ask others in your home to avoid streaming during your interview

2. Do a technology dry run

Most interviews take place on Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet. Download any necessary software, test your login, and check for updates in advance.

Run a mock interview with a friend to check:

  • Camera and microphone quality
  • Sound levels (avoid echoes or background noise)
  • Your display name (use your full name, not a username or nickname)

3. Create a distraction-free space

Choose a quiet, private space where you won’t be interrupted. If your home isn’t ideal, consider reserving a study room at a library or coworking space.

Before the interview:

  • Let family or roommates know you’ll be unavailable
  • Put pets in another room
  • Silence notifications on your phone and computer

4. Set up your shot

Your background and lighting affect the first impression you make. A clean, neutral background with good lighting helps you look professional.

Ideal setups include:

  • Natural light in front of you (not behind)
  • A simple, clutter-free background (bookshelves or plants work well)
  • A steady camera angle at eye level

Avoid busy backgrounds, dim lighting, or sitting too far from the camera—these can make you appear disengaged.

5. Position your seat correctly

Your framing on screen matters. You should be centered, with a few inches of headroom above you and the bottom of the frame around mid-chest.

  • Sit at a comfortable distance from the camera
  • Avoid tilting the camera too high or too low
  • Mark your chair’s position so you’re consistently in frame

6. Test your lighting

Lighting changes throughout the day. Check how you look at the same time as your scheduled interview to ensure no harsh shadows or glare.

If needed, use a ring light or desk lamp for even lighting.

7. Practice facial expressions & eye contact

Nonverbal communication is limited in virtual interviews, making facial expressions even more important.

  • Smile naturally when appropriate
  • Look at the camera when speaking instead of watching yourself
  • Practice your expressions in a mirror or record yourself answering questions

8. Log in early

Technical issues happen at the worst times. Log in 5-10 minutes early to check your setup and verify that everything is working.

Most platforms place you in a waiting room until the interviewer joins—this shows you’re punctual and prepared.

9. Look into the camera

Instead of watching yourself, look directly into the camera when speaking. This simulates eye contact and makes you appear more engaged.

  • Position the video call window near your camera so your eyes naturally align
  • Avoid shifting your gaze too much—it can seem distracted

10. Keep notes handy (but don’t read off them)

One advantage of virtual interviews? You can have notes in front of you.

  • Jot down key points, company facts, or questions
  • Avoid reading word-for-word—stay natural and conversational

11. Put your phone out of reach

Even on silent, your phone can be a distraction. Place it across the room to avoid the temptation to check notifications.

12. Stay visibly engaged

It’s easy to zone out on a screen, but staying engaged is key.

  • Nod when appropriate
  • React to what the interviewer says
  • Take quick notes to show attentiveness

13. Confirm the call has ended

You’ve answered all the questions and closed the conversation professionally—but don’t walk away just yet.

Wait until the call fully disconnects before relaxing. You don’t want to be caught on camera sighing or making an offhand comment.

Check out these unique interview questions to ask employers to ensure you stand out!

Virtual interviews require tech preparedness, strong engagement, and a distraction-free setup to make a lasting impression. By taking control of your connection, environment, and body language, you’ll stand out for the right reasons.

With the right preparation, a virtual interview can be just as effective—if not more so—than an in-person one.

Pete Newsome

About

Pete Newsome is the President of 4 Corner Resources, the staffing and recruiting firm he founded in 2005. 4 Corner is a member of the American Staffing Association and TechServe Alliance and has been Clearly Rated's top-rated staffing company in Central Florida for the past five years. Recent awards and recognition include being named to Forbes’ Best Recruiting Firms in America, The Seminole 100, and The Golden 100. Pete also founded zengig, to offer comprehensive career advice, tools, and resources for students and professionals. He hosts two podcasts, Hire Calling and Finding Career Zen, and is blazing new trails in recruitment marketing with the latest artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Connect with Pete on LinkedIn