Tips for Virtual Interviewing

Virtual interviews have increased in use and will be a method used for the foreseeable future. It is very important to prepare for your virtual interview. Reach out to your career services office at your institution to conduct mock interviews and learn about other resources they offer to help you succeed.

Below you can find tips for preparing for your upcoming interview and for troubleshooting issues during your interview.

Reminders

Here are some useful tips to keep in mind for your upcoming virtual interview:

• Dress properly for the type of engagement.

  • Business casual is often best, but if professional business attire (i.e. a business suit) is typically worn in your field, dress accordingly for your interview.

• Your background should be plain with little distractions. 

  • Be sure to remove any distracting objects that you do not want to be seen.

• Enable your video so that you are visible to the other party.

• Be conscious of the lighting; make sure that your face can be seen clearly. Try to avoid sitting with your back to a window as that will cause too much backlight and cast shadows.

• Set your camera at eye level and be sure to look directly into the camera.

• Your camera should be kept still - place the laptop/computer/phone on a table, so it will not jostle.

• Do NOT complete other tasks during your interview.

  • In other words, when you are interviewing, do not check your emails or look at your phone. Remain focused.

• Be ready! If your video and microphone are on, please know employers will see and hear you when they log into the interview. 

• Add your full name and pronouns when you enter.

  • For example, Alice Paul ‘25, Swarthmore (she/her).

• Your Career Services office is glad to help you prepare for your virtual meetings and interviews; connect with your school’s office to schedule a mock interview and learn about other resources. 

• Don’t forget to send a thank you email after your interview!

Technology Tips

Here are a few tips for troubleshooting problems during your interview:

• Do not be late - plan to log in 1-2 minutes early

  • This gives you the chance to troubleshoot any technical issues.

• Test the link provided during non business hours before the event date.

  • This will give you time to download any necessary software or programs, if you haven’t already. 

• Test your microphone and video camera to ensure they are working properly.  

• Connect your device to your charger and plug in to ensure you have a power source. 

• Make sure you are in a quiet space with a good internet connection. 

• If you are concerned about the stability of your internet connection, ask others in your household to please avoid accessing the internet during the duration of your interview.

• Make note of the Zoom phone number and access code in case your internet connection fails; if your internet connection is unstable, try to keep your video on but dial into the number provided and speak via phone or provide your cell number to the interviewer so they can call you.

• If your interview is interrupted by someone walking or speaking in the background, simply apologize to the interviewer, mute if needed, and remind the individual politely that you are in an interview.