Acing Online Interviews on Zoom, Skype, and Video Calls

Discover why online interviews are harder than they seem and demand more skill and attention to convey who you are and why you're qualified.

Online interviews place a screen between you and the interviewer, making words matter more and body language harder to convey. Prepare by exaggerating nonverbal cues and optimizing your camera setup.

Discover how online interview strategies translate to in-person interviews, with practical concepts that apply to all formats, ensuring you're prepared for any interview setting.

Come prepared to your interviews and present clear, organized thoughts. Take control of the preparation phase to reduce anxiety and project professionalism and confidence.

Do thorough research on the company via the about page, press, social media, and reviews to understand its mission, culture, products, and industry trends, and show fit during the interview.

Develop a compelling angle that serves as your interview thesis, align with the company’s values, and show motivating anecdotes—focusing on challenges, actions, and outcomes rather than telling.

Learn to avoid memorized answers and cultivate authentic, conversational responses by crafting story-based examples centered on a single point, letting them flow naturally during online interviews.

Open with confidence to make a strong first impression in online interviews. Learn to engage the interviewer in the first 30 seconds and answer common opening questions.

Craft a concise 30-second elevator pitch with a template and an angle, highlighting two key experiences to show you're a match for the role, and practice until natural.

Turn the 'how did you hear about us' question into a chance to show passion for the company and industry by sharing a childhood spark or standout product experience.

Learn to answer 'why are you qualified' by highlighting two to three role-specific skills, acknowledge skill gaps, and demonstrate a quick learner with a go-getter attitude through stories.

Learn how to convey your authentic self during online interviews on Zoom, Skype, and video calls by projecting confidence and transparency to foster open, engaging conversations.

Practice honesty and candor to build confidence and trust with interviewers. Clarify questions when needed, and explain employment gaps clearly to show fit for online interviews.

Demonstrate humility to signal confidence and competence in online interviews by admitting when you don’t know, framing achievements as collaborative efforts using we language, and showing eagerness to learn.

Demonstrate thoughtfulness by pausing before answers, jotting down ideas to organize a concise, data-driven response that weighs risks against opportunities. Keep responses succinct, avoid rambling, and prioritize quality over quantity.

Cultivate a personal connection with the interviewer to improve your chances of being accepted independent of your qualifications. If you connect, you'll mesh well with the team.

Identify and highlight personal commonalities to build a meaningful connection in online interviews by researching the interviewer's background, discussing shared interests, and finding overlapping perspectives.

Conclude memorably to leave interviewers with a positive general impression, ending the interview with an inspiring, motivational note similar to delivering a strong speech.

Ask good questions to close the interview with impact. Prepare open-ended, thoughtful queries that show listening and engagement, focusing on industry trends, strategic objectives, and customer needs.

Craft a tailored thank you email within 48 hours to stay top of mind after the interview, planting an unanswered question for future research and circle back with results.

Configure your virtual setup to optimize online video call delivery across all video calls. Apply fundamental concepts to research the best options with Wire Cutter as a trusted reference.

Ensure your internet meets at least two Mbps for online interviews by testing speed, closing unnecessary apps, and moving closer to the router, or using the five gigahertz band.

Upgrade from a built-in laptop mic to a USB plug-in mic to ensure clear, robust voice quality on Zoom, Skype, and video calls; a USB headset helps reduce background noise.

Establish a professional setting by framing your shot like a LinkedIn headshot, keeping facial expressions visible with shoulders showing, and a simple background with light decor.

Ensure your face is well lit for video interviews, avoiding overhead, side shadows, and backlight; use natural light from a window or lamps placed a few feet away slightly above.

Master eye contact in online interviews by looking into the camera lens. Position the camera close, drag the video window, and keep notes near the camera as a teleprompter.

Review the course material section by section and practice the suggested strategies with friends and family to research, practice, and project confidence and competence in online interviews.

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