How to Stand Out in Virtual Interviews: Insights and Tips for Success

If you're job hunting right now, there's a good chance you're also interviewing remotely. While remote interviews have their perks—no traffic, saving time and money, and accessing opportunities from anywhere—they also come with their challenges. For instance, you can’t get a feel for a company’s physical office, meet teammates face-to-face, or sense the true company culture.

Plus, as more people gain access to remote job opportunities, competition is fierce. Virtual interviews, although convenient, have a higher chance of going wrong due to technical issues, distractions, or poor communication. So, how can you ensure you stand out during the virtual interview process?

The data revealed several important findings about what makes candidates succeed in the virtual space. Let’s break down how you can use these insights to turn your virtual interview into a job offer.

1. Set Up Your Space

When interviewing virtually, you’ll rely heavily on your space to make an impression. Your environment is your "stage" for the interview, and you can’t afford to let distractions undermine your presence.

• Clean, Uncluttered Background: Aim for a simple background that isn’t too distracting. A plain wall, or a clean space with a few personal touches, works best. If you're worried about your background, consider using a virtual one—preferably an office setting over a beach or city skyline. Research showed that 97% of recruiters preferred office backgrounds over tropical vacations or outer space.
• Lighting Matters: Make sure your face is well-lit. Position your light source in front of you to avoid casting shadows. Natural light is great, but desk lamps with cool light are ideal for a modern and bright look. Ninety-five percent of recruiters preferred cool lighting for its clean and fresh appearance.
• Test Your Technology: Internet issues are a major pet peeve for recruiters. Before your interview, conduct a speed test (pay attention to your upload speed!) and minimize the number of devices using your Wi-Fi. Plug in an Ethernet cable if you’re not confident in your Wi-Fi speed. A strong connection ensures a smooth interview, and 88% of recruiters agree that poor internet is a big turn-off.

2. Prepare for the Unexpected

Remote interviews are still prone to technical glitches. Here’s how to manage them like a pro:

• Master the Platform: Whether it’s Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or another tool, familiarize yourself with the features beforehand. Practice using the platform with friends or family to ensure you know how to mute/unmute, share screens, and use chat features. Avoid issues like appearing upside down or not knowing how to share your screen.
• Keep Notes Handy, But Use Them Sparingly: It’s normal to have notes, but don't rely on them too much. Instead, jot down key points or examples on a small sheet or flashcards. This way, you can glance at them without distracting the interviewer. Repeatedly reading from your notes will make you seem unprepared, and 42% of unsuccessful candidates were guilty of this.
• Stay Calm: If you get flustered, it’s okay to ask for a moment to collect your thoughts. Recruiters appreciate candidates who can handle stress gracefully. Remaining calm under pressure could set you apart in an interview.

3. Rehearse Your Responses and Body Language

While virtual interviews limit some non-verbal cues, your tone, pacing, and body language still matter:

• Monitor Your Pace: Speaking too quickly can overwhelm the interviewer, while speaking too slowly can lose their interest. Aim for 115 words per minute (wpm), which is ideal for keeping your interviewer's attention. You can practice this by recording yourself speaking and checking the word count.
• Use Hand Gestures: In virtual interviews, you miss out on some body language, but hand gestures can still make an impact. Studies show that successful candidates use hand gestures to express excitement and convey emotion, making the conversation feel more natural.
• Make Eye Contact: Look into the camera, not at your reflection or on-screen image. This creates the illusion of eye contact, building trust and rapport with the interviewer. Research shows that 79% of unsuccessful candidates failed to make proper eye contact.

4. Engage in Conversations, Not Monologues

A virtual interview can feel like a one-sided conversation if you’re not careful. But you can make the conversation more dynamic by following these tips:

• Be Interested in the Interviewer: Successful candidates know how to engage the interviewer in a natural conversation. Ask thoughtful questions that show you’ve researched the company and the role. Questions like, “How does the team collaborate in a remote environment?” or “How does the company support work-life balance?” will spark meaningful conversations.
• Find Common Ground: Research the interviewer ahead of time. Check their LinkedIn profile to see if you share any common interests or work experience. Ask them about their career journey or specific projects they’re working on. This will help build rapport and show you're genuinely interested in them as well.
• Ask Questions About the Culture and Team: Remote work can make it harder to gauge the company’s culture, so ask questions that reveal insights into team dynamics. Inquire about tools used for collaboration, how the company monitors remote work, or if they have virtual team-building activities. Eighty-five percent of successful candidates demonstrated their values by asking such questions, while also showcasing their personalities.

5. Research the Company and Role

Research remains crucial, even in a virtual setting. Here’s how to prep:

• Know the Company: Review the company’s website, LinkedIn page, and recent news. Understanding their culture, mission, and values will allow you to tailor your answers and show that you’re aligned with their goals.
• Know the Role: Study the job description closely. Prepare examples of how your experience aligns with the role's requirements. The more you understand the company and the role, the more confidently you can present yourself as the right candidate.

Virtual Interviews Are Here to Stay

Virtual hiring is becoming the new standard, and while it presents unique challenges, it also offers opportunities to excel. By preparing your space, mastering the technology, rehearsing your answers and body language, engaging in meaningful conversation, and conducting thorough research, you can transform your virtual interview into a success.