How to Succeed in a Virtual Interview: Professional Tips for Candidates

Virtual interviews are now a standard part of the hiring process—and they’re here to stay. Whether you’re applying for your first role or making a senior-level move, knowing how to approach a virtual interview with confidence can make all the difference.

This guide offers professional, reliable, and practical advice—rooted in industry best practices and backed by research—to help you overcome the most common virtual interview barriers and make a strong impression.

Here are our Virtual Interview Tips for you:

1. Treat It Like a Real Interview (Because It Is)

It may take place online, but a virtual interview is every bit as formal and important as an in-person one. Research by the CIPD confirms that candidates who prepare with the same level of focus tend to perform significantly better.

✔️ Dress professionally—head to toe

✔️ Research the company and the role

✔️ Prepare your questions in advance

💡 Tip: Practise answering common questions on a video call with a friend. This helps you get comfortable speaking on camera and fine-tunes your delivery.

2. Tackle Tech with a Backup Plan

Tech issues are one of the biggest virtual interview stressors—but they’re also preventable. Test your equipment ahead of time: camera, microphone, connection, and platform access.

✔️ Restart your device an hour before

✔️ Keep a charger plugged in

✔️ Close unnecessary apps or tabs

💡 Tip: Have a calm sentence ready in case your screen freezes:

“Apologies—my connection dipped for a moment. Would you mind if I repeated that?”

Showing composure under pressure is a win in itself.

3. Set the Scene for Success

Your background, lighting, and noise levels all affect how you come across. Aim for a clean, quiet, and well-lit space that reflects your professionalism.

✔️ Use natural light or face a lamp

✔️ Avoid virtual backgrounds unless needed

✔️ Let housemates or family know you’re in an interview

💡 Tip: Place post-it notes around your screen with keywords like “smile”, “pause”, or your top achievements. These subtle cues help you stay confident and focused.

4. Build Rapport Through the Camera

Eye contact builds connection—but in a virtual interview, that means looking into your webcam, not at your screen. It might feel odd at first, but it makes a big difference.

✔️ Position your camera at eye level

✔️ Minimise screen clutter to avoid distraction

✔️ Use your voice and expressions to show enthusiasm

💡 Tip: Stick a small arrow or smiley near your webcam to remind you where to look. It’s a simple but powerful trick.

5. Address Distractions with Honesty and Poise

Life happens—and sometimes, interruptions are unavoidable. Whether it’s background noise or a delivery mid-interview, how you handle it speaks volumes.

✔️ Mute notifications on all devices

✔️ Close pets or children off from your interview space if possible

✔️ If something does interrupt, stay composed and acknowledge it briefly

💡 Tip: Flag potential disruptions at the start:

“Just to let you know, there’s construction nearby today. I’ve taken steps to reduce noise, but I appreciate your patience if anything comes through.”

This shows foresight and emotional intelligence.

6. Prepare with the STAR Method

Structured interviews are common in virtual settings. These often include competency-based questions, where you’re expected to give specific examples. Use the STAR technique—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to keep answers concise and impactful.

✔️ Think of 3–4 strong examples in advance

✔️ Link your answers clearly to the job description

✔️ Don’t forget to highlight the results of your actions

💡 Tip: Record yourself answering questions and play it back. It might feel awkward, but it’s one of the fastest ways to spot areas for improvement.

Final Thought: It’s Not About Perfection—It’s About Preparation

Virtual interviews don’t have to be daunting. With a bit of planning, a calm environment, and a proactive mindset, you can turn potential barriers into opportunities to stand out.

Approach it like a pro, show your personality, and let your preparation speak volumes—even through a screen.