Virtual Interview Tips: How to Ace Remote Video Interviews in 2026

Virtual interviews have become the norm for many companies, from initial screenings to final rounds. While the core interview skills remain the same, video interviews present unique challenges and opportunities. This guide covers everything you need to know to make a great impression through the screen.

Before the Interview: Technical Setup

Test Your Technology

• Internet connection: Use wired ethernet if possible, or sit close to your router
• Video platform: Download and test Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, or whatever platform they use
• Camera: Position at eye level, test video quality
• Microphone: Use headphones with a built-in mic for best audio
• Backup plan: Have the interviewer phone number ready in case of technical issues

Optimize Your Environment

• Lighting: Face a window or use a ring light – avoid backlighting
• Background: Choose a clean, professional background (plain wall, bookshelf, or virtual background)
• Noise: Find a quiet space, close windows, silence notifications
• Interruptions: Inform household members, put pets in another room
• Camera angle: Position camera at eye level, not looking up or down

Prepare Your Space

• Have water within reach (but off-camera)
• Keep notes or resume nearby for reference
• Have a notepad and pen for taking notes
• Close unnecessary browser tabs and applications
• Charge your laptop or plug it in

Professional Appearance on Video

What to Wear

• Dress professionally from head to toe (you may need to stand up)
• Avoid busy patterns – solid colors work best on camera
• Skip bright white – it can be too bright on camera
• Avoid green if using a virtual background
• Dress appropriately for the company culture

Grooming and Presentation

• Ensure you are well-groomed and camera-ready
• Check your appearance on camera before the interview
• Remove distracting jewelry or accessories
• Make sure glasses do not create glare

During the Interview: Video Etiquette

Eye Contact and Body Language

• Look at the camera when speaking, not the screen (this creates eye contact)
• Glance at the screen occasionally to read their reactions
• Sit up straight with good posture
• Use hand gestures naturally within the frame
• Nod and smile to show engagement
• Avoid excessive movement which can be distracting

Speaking Clearly

• Speak slightly slower than normal to account for lag
• Pause before answering to avoid talking over the interviewer
• Enunciate clearly – audio quality may vary
• Use verbal acknowledgments like “I understand” since they cannot see you nodding as clearly

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Managing Technical Issues

If problems occur, stay calm and professional:

• Audio issues: “I apologize, I think we have a connection issue. Could you repeat that?”
• Video freezes: Have the interviewer phone number ready as backup
• Complete disconnection: Immediately rejoin or call to continue
• Background noise: Apologize briefly and mute when not speaking

Video Interview Best Practices

Before Joining

1. Join 5 minutes early to test everything
2. Have interview confirmation email open with meeting link
3. Turn off phone notifications
4. Close email and chat applications
5. Take a few deep breaths to center yourself

During the Interview

1. Greet the interviewer warmly when they join
2. Confirm they can see and hear you clearly
3. Keep your energy level slightly higher than normal
4. Take notes but maintain engagement
5. Ask for clarification if the connection causes confusion

After the Interview

1. Thank the interviewer before ending the call
2. Wait for them to end the meeting first
3. Send a thank you email within 24 hours
4. Note any technical issues to improve next time

Common Virtual Interview Mistakes

• Not testing technology beforehand
• Poor lighting making you hard to see
• Distracting background or messy room
• Looking at yourself instead of the camera
• Reading from notes too obviously
• Multitasking or checking other screens
• Inappropriate casual dress
• Forgetting you are still on camera after the interview

Platform-Specific Tips

Zoom

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• Enable “Touch up my appearance” in video settings
• Use “Hide Self View” if you find yourself distracting
• Test virtual backgrounds beforehand

Microsoft Teams

• Download desktop app for best performance
• Use “Together mode” awareness if interviewer uses it
• Check audio/video settings in advance

Google Meet

• Works best in Chrome browser
• Use “Check your audio and video” before joining
• Enable captions if helpful

Virtual Interview Checklist

24 Hours Before:

• Test all technology
• Prepare your space
• Plan your outfit
• Review company research
• Prepare questions to ask

1 Hour Before:

• Get dressed and ready
• Set up your space
• Close unnecessary applications
• Silence phone
• Review notes

5 Minutes Before:

• Join the meeting link
• Check audio and video
• Take deep breaths
• Smile and be ready to engage

Prepare for Your Virtual Interview

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