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Perfecting your virtual interview

When it comes to how hirers see candidates, video interviews level the field. Seamless tech, clear communication, calm handling of hiccups — that’s how you stand out and secure your next role. Here’s how to show up at your best.

1. Master the tech before the day

Know the platform your interviewer uses — Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, GoToMeeting — and practise on it.

  • Install it, sign in, and update it.
  • Learn the basics: join, mute/unmute, screen share, chat, add participants.
  • Test screen share with a slide or portfolio tab.
  • Keep a backup: have the app on your phone and a phone hotspot.

2. Set your scene

Your environment says “I’m ready”.

  • Tidy the background. Ensure it’s neutral, uncluttered, distraction-free.
  • Have good light on your face. Avoid sitting with a bright window behind you.
  • Put the camera at eye level. Look into the lens when you deliver key points.
  • Avoid novelty or busy virtual backgrounds. A heavy blur can look odd.

3. Prioritise audio (wear headphones)

Clear sound beats a perfect picture.

  • Use wired or quality wireless headphones with a microphone.
  • In settings, select the right input/output and check levels.
  • Do a test call with a friend. Confirm they can hear you clearly.

4. Kill distractions

Protect your focus — and theirs.

  • Turn on Do Not Disturb.
  • Mute notifications for: email, messaging, calendars, Slack/Teams, creative suites, OS updates.
  • Close noisy tabs and apps. Silence other devices.

5. Use notes the smart way

Video gives you an advantage: discreet prompts.

  • Keep a one-page cheat sheet on screen: role summary, your top 3 wins, relevant tech, a few sharp questions.
  • Use bullet points rather than scripts, so you stay natural.
  • Anchor answers with the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

6. Be right on time — not early

  • Join at the scheduled minute.
  • Prep hours before, but don’t drop into the meeting early; interviewers may be setting up or comparing notes.
  • If there’s a lobby, wait there and breathe.

7. Show presence on camera

Small tweaks make a big difference.

  • Sit forward, feet grounded, shoulders relaxed.
  • Speak in short, punchy sentences. Pause. Let answers land.
  • Smile when you greet your interviewer, summarise, and close.

8. Ask targeted questions

3 or 4 thoughtful questions will signal your fit and intent. For example:

  • “What are the first outcomes you want in the first 4–6 weeks?”
  • “What does success look like by the end of the contract?”
  • “Which tools, environments, or stakeholders are critical?”
  • “How do you run delivery and make decisions when priorities change?”

9. If technology misbehaves, lead the recovery

Stay calm and take clear steps.

  • Post a quick note in chat: “Audio/video issue on my side — troubleshooting now.”
  • Leave and rejoin.
  • Offer a fresh link on the same platform.
  • Propose a backup (e.g., “Shall we switch to Teams/Meet?”).
  • If none of that works, suggest a new time and be flexible.

10. Close strong, then follow up

Make the next steps easy.

  • Summarise your fit in one line: “Given my X, Y, Z experience, I can deliver A and B in your timeframe.”
  • Confirm your availability, notice period, and any other constraints.
  • Send a short thank-you note on the same day as the interview, recapping your value and next steps.

Your quick pre-call checklist

  • Tech installed, updated, and tested
  • Headphones working; backup connection ready
  • Neutral background, good lighting, eye-level camera
  • Do Not Disturb on; notifications off
  • One-pager of wins, examples, and questions on screen
  • Water nearby; phone silenced
  • Join on time; breathe; lead with your value

You bring the capability. We help you show it. We pre-check and brief every chosen candidate for interview, so that you can sharpen your answers, make the right points, and have a smooth and enjoyable conversation.