You're preparing for a virtual interview. How can you make sure you stand out from the competition?

1 Test your technology

Before the interview, make sure your device, internet connection, camera, microphone, and software are working properly. You don't want to waste time or lose your confidence because of technical glitches. Do a trial run with a friend or family member and check the sound and video quality. Also, have a backup plan in case something goes wrong, such as a phone number or an alternative platform to contact the interviewer.

2 Dress professionally

Even though you're not in the same room as the interviewer, you still want to look professional and presentable. Dress as you would for an in-person interview, avoiding anything too casual, flashy, or distracting. Choose solid colors that contrast with your background and avoid patterns or logos that might interfere with the camera. Also, pay attention to your grooming, posture, and body language. Smile, make eye contact, and avoid fidgeting or touching your face.

3 Set up your space

Find a quiet, well-lit, and clutter-free space to conduct your virtual interview. Ideally, you want a neutral or plain background that doesn't draw attention away from you. Avoid any sources of noise or interruption, such as pets, children, or notifications. If possible, use a headset or earphones to block out any background noise and improve the sound quality. Also, make sure you have enough lighting to illuminate your face and avoid shadows or glare.

4 Do your research

As with any interview, you want to show that you have done your homework and that you are interested in the company and the role. Research the company's history, mission, values, products, and culture. Find out who will be interviewing you and what their role and background are. Prepare some questions to ask them about the company, the team, the expectations, and the challenges. Also, review your resume and portfolio and be ready to showcase your skills, achievements, and fit for the position.

5 Practice your answers

One of the advantages of a virtual interview is that you can have some notes or cues handy to help you remember your key points. However, you don't want to rely too much on them or read from a script. You want to sound natural, confident, and conversational. Practice your answers to common interview questions, such as why you want to work for the company, what are your strengths and weaknesses, and how you handle conflict or feedback. Use the STAR method (situation, task, action, result) to structure your answers and provide specific examples.

6 Follow up

After the interview, don't forget to send a thank-you note to the interviewer. Express your appreciation for their time and interest, restate your enthusiasm for the role and the company, and highlight your main qualifications and value proposition. Also, mention any details or questions that came up during the interview that you want to clarify or emphasize. Be polite, concise, and professional, and send the note within 24 hours of the interview.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?