Virtual Interview Success: How to Stand Out with Proper Online Etiquette (2024)

Virtual interviews have become the new normal.

In today’s digital job market, recruiters and hiring managers often find themselves in different locations than the candidates they’re interviewing. This is particularly true for professionals interviewing for roles across the country, where face-to-face meetings aren’t feasible.

But just because you can interview from the comfort of your home (while wearing jogging pants) doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. Old-school rules of etiquette still apply - even in a virtual setting!

Here are 13 tips to help you stand out from the competition and have a successful virtual interview.

1. Do your research first.

Before your virtual interview, research the company and the role. Familiarize yourself with the company's mission, values, and recent news to demonstrate your genuine interest and enthusiasm for the opportunity.

Study the role (especially the job description) so you can tailor your answers and connect your previous experiences to the specific job requirements.

2.Double-check your tech.

To avoid potential tech issues, find out what video conferencing software your interviewer will use and practice using it before the day of your interview.

Familiarize yourself with the platform's features such as screen sharing, chat functions, and audio/video settings. Test your equipment and internet connection, too. Make sure your microphone, camera, and headphones are all working correctly.

3.Choose the right location.

Find a quiet, well-lit room for your interview, making sure your background looks clean and professional. You’ll need adequate lighting and good sound quality to make it easier for the interviewer to connect with you.

If your physical space isn’t ideal, use a virtual background. Avoid anything too busy or distracting and double-check that it doesn’t interfere with your appearance on camera.

- - Pro Tip: Don’t conduct an interview from your car or on your cell phone; it’s not a good look.

4.Minimize distractions.

Give your household the heads up that your interview is getting ready to start so they don’t walk in at an inopportune moment.

Turn off all your noise makers - alerts on your devices, LinkedIn messages, Teams notifications, etc. Close any extra tabs or programs you’ve got open on your computer. It’s much easier to stay focused when you’re not tempted to check your email.

5.Dress professionally.

Even if you’re not leaving the house, you still need to dress up like you’re going to a face-to-face interview.

Stay away from clothes or accessories that might steal the spotlight or cause distractions. The focus should be on your skills and qualifications - not your outfit. How you look can significantly impact the interviewer's perception of you, so dress to impress.

Bonus Tip: You never know when you might need to get up in the middle of an interview, so wear appropriate pants. (No, really.)

6.Get an early start.

Log on to the interview platform several minutes before it’s supposed to start just in case there are any hiccups or technical glitches. Don’t assume that just because you’ve used Zoom a thousand times before, it’s going to work perfectly this time.

Punctuality is key to any successful interview, and virtual interviews are no exception.

7.Have your resume ready.

Keep a copy of your resume nearby for easy reference during the interview. Be prepared to discuss your qualifications and experience in detail, demonstrating why you’re the perfect fit for the role.

Review your resume beforehand to refresh your memory on key points, achievements, and dates. This way, you can answer any questions about your work history and skills.

8.Show confidence from the start.

There won’t be any small talk before the camera comes on, so you’ll need to exude confidence right from the get-go.

Your confidence will put the interviewer at ease and help them stay engaged in the conversation. Plus, confidence in a virtual interview demonstrates your adaptability to different situations, a vital skill in today’s ever-evolving workplace.

9.Pay attention to your body language.

Positive body language is powerful – especially in a virtual interview. So, smile and show excitement for the opportunity. Sit up straight and don’t cross your arms.

Keep your eyes focused on the camera (or as close to the camera as possible). Make sure everything you need is on the screen directly in front of you and don’t look away at other screens. If you look away, it gives the impression that you’re distracted, or you aren’t paying attention to the interviewer.

10.Manage technical difficulties with grace.

Showing grace under pressure is appealing to employers, so keep your cool if you run into any technical issues. Briefly apologize for the inconvenience and propose a solution, such as switching over to a phone interview.

Your ability to handle these hiccups can greatly impact the impression you make on your interviewer while also showcasing your professionalism.

11.Practice active listening.

Pay close attention to the interviewer's questions so you can respond thoughtfully to each one. If something isn’t clear, ask for clarification so you’re both on the same page.

Don’t interrupt; let the interviewer finish speaking before you chime in. If the interviewer is long-winded, you can jot down notes as they speak so you’re better able to respond with well-thought-out answers.

12.End with a few relevant questions.

Your interviewer is likely to ask, “Do you have any questions for me?” So, prepare a list of relevant questions in advance. Some examples include -

• What's the most important thing I should accomplish in my first ninety days?
• What are the biggest challenges or priorities the department is currently facing?
• Can you describe the company culture and the team dynamics?

13.Follow up with a thank-you email.

Within 24 hours of your virtual interview, send a thank-you message via email to your interviewer.

Express appreciation for the opportunity, highlight key points from the conversation, and reiterate your interest in the position. This small gesture can leave a lasting impression and set you apart from other candidates.

BONUS TIP: Continue maintaining a professional online presence.

Your online presence is an extension of your personal brand, so keep it professional. Update your LinkedIn profile regularly with your latest accomplishments, and make sure your profile photo and headline reflect your current status.

Review all your social media profiles to confirm they’re clean and professional...and at the very least – private. You don’t want a potential employer to find that old Facebook photo of you holding a beer funnel at your college frat party. (Yes, it has happened.)

HireMilitary can help.

When it comes to virtual interviews, standing out from the crowd is a must… and that’s where HireMiltiary comes in!

When you apply for a role on our website and we determine that you’re a qualified candidate, we’ll make sure you’re prepared for those virtual interviews. In fact, it’s our mission to help you get hired by an employer who’s a champion of your military service.

> Head to HireMilitary.us >> search current opportunities >>> join the talent pool!