Some interview preparation tips never go out of style such as dress professionally (head to toe), research the company, and be on time. However, thanks to technology, the requirement for in-person interviews is no longer a necessity. According to Pew Research, when workers can work from home, 41% work from home at least part-time. And with teams dispersed across geographies, virtual interviews continue to grow in popularity even when a position has an on-site component.

So what do you need to know to prepare for a virtual interview? We’ve pulled together some best practices to help you put your best virtual foot forward and land that dream job.

1. Select an Appropriate Environment

Choose a quiet place that offers privacy and minimal distractions. Ideally your background will be clutter-free. If needed, select a simple virtual background image. Provide lighting that brightens your face and avoid excessive lighting from behind such as a window that may cause shadows. You want your interviewer(s) to see you well enough to read your expressions as you interact.

2. Know Your Technology

There are several virtual meeting platforms that may be used for the interview such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet. Verify you meet the technology requirements, and then familiarize yourself with the platform prior to your interview. Ask a friend or, if you are using a staffing agency, ask your recruiter to run a test with you. Verify your microphone and camera work well.

If technical issues arise during the interview, stay calm. Try connecting via phone for audio if your microphone doesn’t work the day of. If your internet connection acts up, see if you can log off and reconnect. If you are suddenly disconnected, maintain your professionalism, send an immediate email to the interviewer to find a resolution or reschedule.

3. Build Rapport Through Body Language and Tone

It is more difficult to connect virtually because eye contact is harder to make. You want to look at the camera and not your screen. Place your camera as close to where the interviewer will be on your screen. This aids you in watching their visual cues while showing you’re engaged.

Being personable is still important, so remember to be yourself, speak naturally, and show excitement when it’s warranted. Keep these behavioral activities in mind:

• Maintain good posture – sit up straight with feet on the floor – and limit fidgeting.
• Show you’re listening – nod, smile and make eye contact (via the camera lens).
• Relay confidence.
• Speak slowly and allow for pauses between your interviewer’s and your speech.

4. Traditional Interview Prep Still Applies

Whether your interview is in-person or virtual, preparation is still important.

• Familiarize yourself with the company and interviewer(s). Resources such as the company website and Glassdoor can provide insight into the culture of an organization. LinkedIn offers access to many professionals’ background and experience.
• Have a copy of your resume and other relevant materials printed and available for reference.
• Answer each question. Stick to the topic at hand and avoid drifting to other topics. If you don’t know something, be honest about it and try to relate something similar the best you can. Practice discussing your experiences using the S.T.A.R. method – situation, task, action and result.
• Prepare some questions that will help you know if the role is a good fit for you. Remember an interview works both ways. You want to know if the organization is a fit for you as much as they want to know if you are a fit for them.
• Follow-up with a thank you email.

Landing the Position

Using the best practices above, you’ll be ready to tackle every virtual interview like a pro. Remember to run-through the technical aspects of each virtual interview and rehearse answers to likely interview questions with virtual eye contact in mind and you’ll land that dream job.