How to Successfully Ace a Virtual Interview + Tips

Virtual interviews are now the preferred choice for many organizations, yet they can still be challenging for job seekers. Technical glitches, communication barriers, and even minor mistakes can affect you. 

If you have an interview coming up, it’s natural to feel anxious, but the proper preparation can set you apart. Ready to ace your virtual interview? Sit back, relax, and let’s walk you through the steps to ace it with confidence.

What to Do Before the Interview

Before a virtual or online interview, there are several key steps you should take to ensure a smooth and successful experience.

1. Prepare Ahead of Time

Preparation is essential for building confidence and making a great impression. Organize yourself and the space you'll use for the interview. Gather all necessary documents, such as your resume, and ensure everything is easily accessible. 

Research the organization, learn about their work culture, and familiarize yourself with common interview questions they frequently ask. You can do this by reaching out to people who have previously interviewed with the company.

2. Practice Common Interview Questions

Just like in an in-person interview, certain questions are commonly asked in virtual interviews. To increase your chances of success, research frequently asked questions and practice your responses. 

You can use tools like ChatGPT, Google Interview Warmup, Speeko, and AmbitionBox to refine your answers. Practicing will help reduce anxiety and make you feel more prepared to respond confidently.

3. Check Your Devices and Network

Technical issues like a low battery, network glitches, or poor lighting can negatively impact your interview. To avoid this:

Ensure your device (laptop or phone) is fully charged.

Test your microphone, camera, and internet connection in advance.

Set up your devices before the interview to prevent last-minute issues. If you experience network problems, try using Wi-Fi or move to a location with a stronger signal.

4. Accept the Interview Invite

Many candidates make the mistake of not accepting the interview invite, which can make it seem like they are not interested. 

Whenever you receive an interview invitation, make sure to accept it. Failing to do so may give the recruiter the impression that you’re not serious about the opportunity.

To confirm your interest, send an email acknowledging the invite. Express enthusiasm and ask for any necessary clarifications regarding the interview details.

5. Avoid Noisy Places and Distractions

A noisy or distracting environment can make you appear unprofessional and uninterested. Choose a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted.

If you're at home, inform those around you about your interview so they don’t disturb you. Put your phone on Do Not Disturb mode to prevent unwanted calls or notifications. If your home isn’t ideal, consider a quiet alternative like a library or co-working space.

6. Dress Appropriately

You might think, “It’s a virtual interview, I don’t need to dress formally, they can’t see me.”

Hmm! That’s a risky assumption.

Even if the interviewer doesn’t require video, they may ask you to turn it on at any moment. You don’t want to scramble for an excuse or frantically change outfits. First impressions matter, and dressing well shows professionalism.

You don’t need to wear a full suit but avoid overly casual outfits like pajamas or tank tops. Aim for a look that is neat, professional, and presentable; not too formal, but also not too relaxed.

7. Set a Reminder

To avoid missing or rushing into your interview, set a reminder at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time. This will give you enough time to set up your devices, check for any technical issues, and fix them if necessary.

Also, log in to the interview platform early- ideally 5 to 10 minutes before the start time. This shows professionalism and allows you to handle any last-minute connection issues. If needed, ask a friend or family member to remind you.

What to Do During the Interview

1. Have a Notepad for Jotting

Always have a way to take notes during the interview. You can use a digital note-taking app on your screen or a physical notepad. However, avoid flipping through pages too much, as it can be distracting.

2. Turn On Your Video

Unlike an in-person interview, where your presence is immediately visible, a virtual interview requires you to turn on your video. Doing this allows the interviewer to put a face to your voice and assess your personality through your expressions and body language. Unless you are specifically asked to turn it off, keeping your video on is a good practice.

3. Be Yourself

During any interview, it’s best to stay authentic, especially in the way you speak. Avoid faking accents as it may come off as insincere. Instead, communicate as clearly as possible and put your best foot forward. 

Smile naturally, and let your personality reflect, this helps show confidence and positive energy to the interviewer.

Dress smartly and don’t hesitate to talk about your career journey and unique skills. 

4. Communicate Properly

Since this is a virtual interview, you may be speaking for nearly 30 minutes, and technical issues like network glitches or accidental muting can happen.

To prevent this, periodically ask, “Can you hear me?” or “Am I audible?” This ensures the interviewer is following along and helps you quickly retrace your points if needed. Also, speak only when necessary, keep your tone calm, and maintain clarity in your responses.

5. Be Conscious of Your Body Language

Your gestures, facial expressions, and posture all communicate different messages. Be mindful of your overall body language to avoid being misinterpreted.

Maintain eye contact, nod occasionally to show you’re listening, and use hand gestures naturally without overdoing them. Keep a pleasant expression to create a friendly and professional presence. 

6. Listen Actively

Many important details are always shared during an interview, some of which could be valuable for your career. Additionally, you may be asked questions based on what the interviewer has said, such as the organization's core values, missions, and goals. If you weren’t paying attention, you might struggle to answer. Active listening demonstrates attention to detail. 

7. Ask Questions

Always ask questions during an interview, especially when given the opportunity. Never say, “I don't have any questions.” Just as you prepare for common interview questions, also prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer. 

An interview should be a two-way conversation, not just them asking you questions. Asking questions shows your enthusiasm for the role and the company, making a strong impression on the interviewer.

 What to Do After the Interview

1. Ensure You Log Out Properly

Imagine finishing an interview and unknowingly leaving your microphone on while making negative comments about the experience, saying it was boring, the pay was too low, or the interviewers were mean. If the interviewer overhears this, it could cost you the opportunity.

To avoid this, always double-check that you have fully logged out of the interview platform before having any personal conversations. Stay online until the interview officially ends and you are sure you have exited.

2. Don’t Overthink the Interview

It’s natural to have doubts after an interview, but avoid overanalyzing every detail. Instead of worrying about whether you performed perfectly, focus on what you can learn from the experience. Reflect on areas where you could improve and note any topics that may need clarification in future interviews.

3. Send a Thank-You Email

After the interview, send a thank-you email to the organization. A well-timed thank-you message leaves a positive impression and reinforces your interest in the role. Keep it professional, concise, and appreciative.

4. Check Out the Organization on LinkedIn

Make an effort to research the company on LinkedIn after the interview. If the interviewer mentioned their name, look them up and send a personalized connection request expressing your gratitude. 

Additionally, connect with other employees in the organization to expand your network and build credibility. This can strengthen your professional relationships and increase your chances of being remembered.

5. Send a Follow-Up Email

Don’t just sit back and wait for the organization to reach out. If you haven’t heard from them, send a follow-up email within 5 to 7 days after the interview. While this doesn’t guarantee an immediate response, it demonstrates your interest and professionalism.

Perfect Your Interview Skill

A successful interview goes beyond just answering questions, it involves preparation, active participation, and thoughtful follow-up. From taking notes and maintaining good body language to actively listening and asking insightful questions, every step plays a role in leaving a lasting impression.

Approach every interview with professionalism and intentionality to increase your chances of landing the job.