Even as in-person work has returned across Rochester, video interviews have become a standard part of the hiring process for many employers. First-round interviews especially are often conducted via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet.
The challenge? Most people treat a virtual interview as less serious than an in-person one. They don't prepare the environment, they forget about camera angles, or they let technical issues derail what could have been a strong first impression.
A virtual interview is still a job interview. The standards haven't changed , but the setup has. Here's how to nail it.
Test Everything Before the Interview
Technical problems during an interview are stressful and avoidable. At least 24 hours before your interview, do a full technical run-through:
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Test your camera , is the picture sharp and well-lit?
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Test your microphone , can you be heard clearly without background noise?
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Test your internet connection , is it stable enough for video?
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Download and log into the video platform the employer is using
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Do a test call with a friend or family member and get honest feedback
If you're on Wi-Fi, sit as close to your router as possible , or better yet, use a wired connection if you can. Buffering or freezing during a key moment in your interview is memorable for the wrong reasons.
Set Up Your Space Intentionally
Your background tells the interviewer something about you before you say a word. It doesn't need to be a professional studio , but it should be:
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Clean and uncluttered , a plain wall or simple bookshelf works perfectly
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Well-lit , position a light source in front of you (facing your face), not behind you
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Quiet , close doors, silence notifications, and let anyone in your home know not to interrupt
Avoid virtual backgrounds unless your actual background is truly distracting. Virtual backgrounds can glitch and look unprofessional.
Camera Position and Eye Contact Matter
This is one of the most overlooked aspects of video interviews , and one of the most important.
Position your camera at eye level. If your laptop is on a desk and the camera is below eye level, you're looking down at the interviewer , which comes across as unengaged or disinterested. Stack books under your laptop if needed.
Look at the camera when you're speaking , not at your own image or at the interviewer's face on screen. Looking at the camera mimics eye contact and makes a much stronger impression.
It feels a little unnatural at first. Practice it.
Dress as You Would for an In-Person Interview
Yes, you're at home. Dress anyway.
Getting dressed for a virtual interview puts you in the right mindset , and it protects you from the embarrassing scenario where you have to stand up or adjust unexpectedly.
Wear what you'd wear to an in-person interview at that company. For most Rochester NY employers, business casual is appropriate. Avoid bright patterns or whites (they can look odd on camera). Solid colors photograph well.
Manage Distractions Aggressively
Before your interview starts:
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Close all unnecessary browser tabs and applications
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Silence your phone completely , not just on vibrate
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Turn off notification sounds on your computer
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If you have pets, secure them in another room
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Put a sign on your door if others are home
A single barking dog or phone notification during a critical moment is distracting for both of you. Take five minutes to eliminate the risk.
Have Your Materials Ready
In an in-person interview, you bring a printed resume and notepad. In a virtual interview, the digital equivalent is just as important:
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Have your resume open on a second screen or in a print-out beside you
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Have your list of questions to ask visible but off-camera
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Have a glass of water nearby
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Have a notepad and pen for notes
Knowing exactly where everything is keeps you composed if you need to reference something mid-conversation.
Communicate Clearly on Video
Video calls introduce small delays and make it harder to read social cues. A few adjustments help:
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Speak slightly slower than you normally would , video compression can blur fast speech
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Pause briefly before answering questions to avoid talking over each other
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Nod visibly when you're listening , it shows engagement that might otherwise be hard to read
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If you lose audio or have a technical issue, it's okay to say so calmly and professionally
Interviewers understand that technology isn't perfect. How you handle a minor technical hiccup , with composure and a light touch , can actually reflect well on you.
Follow Up Just as You Would In-Person
A thank-you email within 24 hours is just as important after a virtual interview as an in-person one. Reference something specific from the conversation. Express your continued enthusiasm. Keep it brief and genuine.
This small step separates candidates who are truly interested from those who are just going through the motions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I have a bad internet connection on the day of my virtual interview?
Try switching to a wired connection if possible. If the issue persists, contact the interviewer before the meeting starts to let them know , and offer a phone call as a backup. Proactive communication is always better than hoping for the best.
Is it okay to use notes during a virtual interview?
Brief glances at your notes are fine , it's part of why virtual interviews can be an advantage. But don't read from them extensively, as it creates a disconnected impression.
Should I use a virtual background?
A real background , tidy and neutral , is almost always better. Virtual backgrounds can create a glitchy halo effect and look unprofessional on lower-powered computers.
Can TES Staffing help me prepare for a virtual interview?
Yes. We offer mock interview sessions and coaching that cover both content and delivery , including virtual-specific preparation. Ask your TES Staffing recruiter about it.
Is a virtual interview easier or harder than an in-person interview?
Different, not necessarily easier or harder. In-person interviews give you the energy of the room and stronger nonverbal connection. Virtual interviews require more deliberate effort to convey engagement and personality. With preparation, both can go very well.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you're a Rochester NY employer looking to build a stronger team, or a job seeker ready for something new , TES Staffing is in your corner.
We're a people-first Rochester NY staffing agency that believes the right opportunity changes everything. Let's find yours.
