Virtual interviews are here to stay, but even experienced professionals can run into surprises—a last-minute update from Zoom, a weak internet connection, or kiddos and pets popping up in the camera view. A little preparation can go a long way toward presenting yourself professionally while interviewing from a remote setting.

Prepare Your Technology

  • Test your camera, microphone, and speaker settings (ideally using the same video chat software (Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, etc.) if possible. Check for any software updates.
  • You will find a much better video connection (less blurry video and fewer lags on audio) if you can connect your computer directly to your home router via an ethernet cable, rather than connecting over WiFi.
  • Close all other applications.
  • Silence your cell phone (including vibrate).
  • If you will be sharing a presentation, practice screen sharing with someone else before the call.

Prepare the Setting

  • Sit at a table or desk with a plain, neutral background free of distractions. (Everybody understands you are at home so don’t worry about trying to look like you are in an office. Instead, opt for the setting with the strongest internet connection.)
  • Check that the webcam is at eye level. If you are using a laptop, elevate it (a stack of books works great) to avoid staring down into the camera.
  • Make sure any lighting is in front of you, not behind you (windows, too).
  • Try to keep kids and pets out of the room for the duration of the interview. Let others in your home know that you are interviewing.

Prepare Yourself

  • Fully research the organization. Know who your interviewer is.
  • Have the phone number of the interviewer in case the video connection is lost.
  • Print a copy of your resume to keep within reach.
  • Attach post-it note reminders around the screen with prompts, or questions to ask.
  • Dress professionally. (Research shows that business casual or professional dress works best.)
  • Have a glass of water next to you.
  • Have pen and paper at hand.

Engage Fully in the Interview

  • Look into the camera when speaking (not the screen).
  • Give CAR interview answers (context, action, and result).
  • You may even want to turn off your self-camera view, so that you are more focused on the participants than yourself.
  • Smile!
  • Send a same-day thank you email.