Interview Skills
14 Video / Virtual Interview
Below are some quick tips on etiquette for a video or virtual interview.
Before a virtual interview, consider the following:
- Review any shared interview details and your company research.
- Test your technology and interview software.
- Silence your phone or leave it in another room.
- Position your camera at eye level and keep your camera on.
- Mute your microphone when you are not speaking.
- Close any apps you won’t need; this will help with your wireless connection.
- Ensure your settings and environment are appropriate, with good lighting.
- Be sure to check out the steps to using the LinkedIn Interview Preparation Feature provided by the York U Career Centre.
Prepare
Prepare |
Strategy |
| Technology | Ensure your internet connection, device, webcam, and microphone are functional. Get acquainted with the software (Zoom, Teams). For synchronous video interviews, ensure the interviewers have your phone number in case of internet failure. |
| Environment | The setting should be clean, quiet, and distraction-free. Consider blurring your background or using a virtual background if necessary. Ensure light sources are in front of you, not behind. Don’t sit in a high-traffic area with weak Internet connection. |
| Camera Angle | Keep your camera at eye level (device slightly elevated). |
| Appearance | Dress professionally from head to toe. |
| Body Language | Maintain eye contact by looking at the camera on your device. |
| Lags/Glitches | If you experience a glitch, stay calm, apologize, and keep going. |
Technical Setup
The thought of being on camera makes some people nervous. Virtual interviews are more common—and more similar to in-person interviews—than you might think. Below are links to resources to help guide you in the process.
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- Technical Equipment and How to Perform a Pre-Interview Tech Check
- Dos and Don’ts of Lighting
- How To Position Your Camera
- Background Composition and What to Wear
- What Not to Say or Do During a Virtual Interview
- Body Language and Maintaining Good Eye Contact
- Minimize Potential Distractions and Interruptions
- What to Do at the End of Your Interview
Interview Resources
- 10 ways to get into a positive mindset before your remote job interview (Hays) – actions to deal with pre-interview nerves and log on with a positive attitude.
- Tips for video interviews, covering technical setup, professional attire, and effective communication strategies.
- 10 tips for remote job interviews offer pointers on professional etiquette before, during, and after the meeting.
- 7 Body Language Tips for a Video Interview (Flex Jobs) – tips on eye contact, posture, and gestures.
- 20 best video interview tips that will land you the job (The Muse) – covers technical setup, professional attire, and effective communication strategies.
Course
Virtual Online Job Interviews 2024: Techniques + Strategies (Udemy)
This three-hour, on-demand course is designed to help job seekers learn the nuances of online interviews, offering guidance on setting up a virtual environment, handling technical issues, and enhancing communication skills. The course covers various topics, from optimizing audio, video, and lighting to developing impactful verbal and non-verbal communication techniques.
