Let me be honest—my first virtual job interview was a mess. My internet dropped twice, I kept looking at the wrong part of the screen, and halfway through, I realised I had a pile of laundry sitting in the background.
It wasn’t a total disaster, but it taught me one thing: virtual interviews are a different kind of game, and the little things matter a lot.
If you’re preparing for a video interview—whether it’s for a local job or an overseas role—here’s everything I’ve learned (the hard way) that will help you show up calm, clear, and confident.
Before the Interview: Lay the Groundwork
- Sort your tech early—not 5 minutes before the call. Check your internet connection, test your webcam and mic, and make sure your laptop is charged. Don’t wait until you’re in the waiting room to realise your Zoom link doesn’t open. I now test everything the night before—camera framing, audio levels, even lighting.
- Set the scene. I used to think people wouldn’t care what was behind me. I was wrong. A clean, neutral background keeps the focus on you. No clutter, no flashy posters. If you don’t have a tidy space, use a virtual background—just keep it professional.
- Dress like you mean business. It’s tempting to just wear a nice shirt and pajama bottoms, but I always dress fully. It shifts your mindset. If you feel like you’re in an interview, you’ll act like it.
- Know who you’re talking to. Spend 10–15 minutes on the company website and LinkedIn page. Find out what they do, where they operate, and something recent (like a product launch or expansion). This helps you ask smart questions and not sound generic.
- Prep your talking points. Don’t memorise a script—but do outline your key stories: your proudest project, a tough challenge you solved, why you want this role. I keep sticky notes beside my laptop, just off camera, with bullet points I might forget under pressure.
During the Interview: Show Up With Confidence
- Look into the camera, not your own face. It feels weird at first, but looking at the camera gives the impression of eye contact. You don’t need to stare nonstop, just glance regularly so it feels natural.
- Take your time answering. You’re not on a quiz show. It’s okay to pause for 2–3 seconds before answering a question. It shows you’re thinking, not panicking.
- Keep answers structured. I use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It helps me stay on track and avoid rambling. Even a simple question like “Tell me about yourself” becomes easier with a loose structure.
- Speak clearly and calmly. Virtual interviews can have slight delays, so I speak a bit slower and avoid interrupting. If I talk too fast, the interviewer might miss parts of what I’m saying.
- Ask something meaningful. When they ask, “Do you have any questions for us?”—don’t say no. I always ask things like “What does success look like in the first three months of this role?” It shows interest beyond the paycheck.
After the Interview: Follow Through Like a Pro
- Send a thank-you note. It doesn’t have to be fancy. A short, thoughtful email the same day (or next morning at the latest) makes a difference. Mention something specific from the conversation to make it personal.
- Reflect on how it went. Even if you crushed it, write down what worked and what didn’t. I’ve kept a running doc of interview takeaways that’s helped me improve each time.
- Don’t overthink the silence. If they said they’d respond in a week and haven’t, a gentle follow-up is okay. Something like, “Just checking in—I’m still very excited about the opportunity and happy to provide anything else you need.”
Virtual interviews aren’t just about tech. They’re about presence, preparation, and being intentional.
Whether you’re interviewing for a local job or an opportunity abroad (like one of the roles listed on our jobs page), these tips are what I now live by—and I hope they help you show up at your best.
