As remote interviews become increasingly standard, making a strong impression through a screen is more important than ever. We share five essential tips for succeeding in online interviews from home. These are simple yet often overlooked—taking the time to get them right can help you stand out from the competition.
1. Dress the Part — Even at Home
Just because you’re interviewing from your room doesn’t mean you should show up in a T-shirt or pajamas. While most engineers and product team members aren’t expected to wear suits, it’s still important to look presentable.
Recommended:
- A collared shirt or polo
- Business casual attire (no tie required)
- Well-groomed hair
Making an effort with your appearance shows professionalism and respect for the interview process.
2. Let There Be (Good) Light
Lighting can make or break your visual impression. If your room is too dark or you’re backlit by a bright window, your face may appear shadowed or unclear.
Quick fixes:
- Avoid sitting directly in front of a window with open curtains
- Use soft, even lighting in front of your face
- Test your camera view beforehand
If you’ve taken the time to dress well, make sure you’re clearly visible too.
3. Eliminate Background Noise
Clear audio is just as important as clear video. External noise can be distracting and may affect your ability to communicate effectively.
Suggestions:
- Close windows to block street noise
- If the air conditioner is noisy, try sitting in a different place or turning down the airflow.
- Wear earphones with a built-in microphone
These small adjustments help ensure both you and the interviewer can concentrate on the conversation.
4. Adjust Your Camera Angle
Avoid the awkward “looking up someone’s nose” or “staring down” camera angles. Instead, aim for eye-level positioning to create a natural, face-to-face conversation feel.
How to do it:
- Elevate your laptop or webcam to eye level
- Sit at a comfortable, upright position
- Avoid using a smartphone for interviews
The goal is to simulate a professional in-person interview experience as closely as possible.
5. Keep the Background Simple
Your background should be clean, neutral, and distraction-free. Overly decorative or virtual backdrops can be unprofessional or even off-putting.
Best practices:
- Sit in front of a plain wall or use a blurred background
- Avoid novelty virtual backgrounds (like outer space or a beach)
- Keep clutter out of sight
A tidy background helps the interviewer focus on you, not your surroundings.
Small Efforts, Big Impressions
While these tips may sound like common sense, they are often neglected. Paying attention to these small details can set you apart and help you make a lasting positive impression. Remember: as the interviewee, it’s your job to go the extra mile—even if your interviewer doesn’t follow these best practices themselves.
This article is based on the following video conversation we recorded and has been revised and expanded for clarity and depth.
🎥 5 Things You Should Do for virtual interview
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