Online Interview Tips: How to Make a Great Impression

Online interviews have become a standard part of the hiring process. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for your next career move, being confident in a virtual setting is now essential.

Set Up Your Space

Start by creating a quiet, well-lit environment where you won’t be disturbed. Aim for a neutral background that keeps the focus on you—a plain wall or tidy shelf works well. Test your camera, microphone, and internet connection in advance to avoid any technical problems. Position your camera at eye level to maintain good eye contact and help you appear engaged throughout the conversation.

Dress Professionally

What you wear still matters, even from home. Choose smart clothing that suits the role and the company’s culture. Avoid bright colours or bold patterns that can be distracting on screen. Dressing appropriately shows you’re taking the interview seriously and can help you feel more confident.

Get Comfortable with the Technology

Spend some time learning the basics of the video platform you’ll be using. Whether it’s Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or something else, make sure you know how to join the call, mute and unmute yourself, and use any relevant features like screen sharing or chat. A test run with a friend can be useful to check sound and lighting, and to ensure everything works as it should.

Do Your Research

Before the interview, take time to research the company. Look at their website, recent news, and any updates on their social media channels. Try to understand their values, culture, and the main responsibilities of the role you’re applying for. Be ready to talk about how your experience matches what they’re looking for and prepare a couple of questions to show your interest.

Practise Your Answers

Think through how you’ll respond to typical interview questions. Use the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to keep your answers clear and structured. Practising out loud can help you sound more natural, and recording yourself can help you spot areas to improve, such as pacing or body language.

Build a Connection

Although it’s a virtual setting, you still need to connect with the interviewer. Greet them by name and smile. Make eye contact by looking at the camera, not just the screen. Show you’re actively listening by nodding or reacting naturally. These small touches help to build rapport and make the conversation feel more human.

Use Positive Body Language

Body language can say a lot. Sit upright, avoid crossing your arms, and try not to fidget. Keep your movements calm and use natural gestures when speaking. A relaxed and open posture helps you come across as confident and interested in the role.

Keep Notes Close

One advantage of online interviews is that you can keep notes nearby. Have a few key points to refer to—such as achievements you want to highlight or questions to ask. Just make sure not to read directly from them. Glancing occasionally is fine, but your focus should stay on the conversation.

Stay Calm if Things Go Wrong

Technical issues can happen, even with the best preparation. If something goes wrong, stay calm and try to reconnect as soon as possible. A brief apology is enough—then continue where you left off. Having a backup device or the interviewer’s contact details on hand can be helpful in case you need to get back in touch.

Follow Up Afterwards

After the interview, send a short thank-you email. Mention something specific you discussed to personalise your message. It’s a simple way to show appreciation and remind the interviewer that you’re still interested in the role.