Mastering Virtual Interviews: 3 Key Tips for Standing Out in the Digital Job Market

Man of color sitting at a desk taking a virtual call for an interview

I was checking out my resume the other day, making sure it was updated and accounted for my current position, as well as the skills that come along with that. I just think it's good practice in general to keep your resume updated. It gives you a moment to reflect on the skills you're required to use in your role gauge your impact. What has been the highlights of your career? What are your accomplishments, the things that make you most proud? As I ventured down this exercise, it got me thinking (naturally) about interviews in todays world.

Growing up, if you were fortunate, someone instilled these key tips when preparing for an interview. There was always this emphasis on putting your best foot forward and making an impression. You have probably heard of tips about proper attire, showing up early, giving a firm handshake with eye contact, etc. You think of these things, and you realize that the world has changed since then. We're in 2023, heading into 2024, and interviews are no longer primarily in person. Most of those tips really work well for in-person interviews, but what are the tips for these virtual interviews?

I thought about this, and for me, personally (I'd love to hear other thoughts), a big part of those tips, outside the content you're going to deliver in those interviews (being prepared for the questions, being able to answer with confidence, showing how your skills align with the needs of the role) is about first impressions and leaving some sort of lasting impression, aside from just the content of the interview. The job market is crazy competitive, and I'm certain that these recruiters and hiring managers are seeing multitudes of applicants. The unfortunate reality is that being qualified for the job your applying for is no longer the differentiator, it is the bar. So how do you ensure you are standing out amongst the crowd on this virtual world of interviews?

As I was thinking through this, considering my experience with virtual interviews and working in a remote-first environment (where 99% of my correspondence happens through a virtual lens), I pondered what matters to me when I'm speaking with someone, whether it's an interview or not, that leaves a lasting impression. I boiled it down to these three things:

Sound Quality: You've got to make sure you have adequate, or better yet, superior sound quality. The difference in the quality of their voice when someone is using a good microphone setup is astounding. I tend to gravitate towards and hold onto the words of the person who has better sound quality. It makes a difference, like choosing between an unmixed bootleg version of a song or studio-quality sound. A good microphone gives you an edge because the quality of your voice comes across as professional and authoritative, ensuring your answers are heard clearly.
Video Quality: Good video quality is also important. While we don't have to see you in a virtual setup, seeing you in crisp, HD quality makes you more memorable. It leaves an impression and draws the interviewer's attention, making them want to engage with you longer.
Background: Your background matters because it's the aspect of your environment that you can control. It can reveal your personality, interests, hobbies, and more. Whether you showcase colorful artwork, warm wall colors, or interesting items, your background can become a conversation piece and provide a glimpse into your life that you don't get in an in-person interview. So, curate your background to send the unspoken message you want the interviewer to know about you. Make sure it's clean and organized, or choose a simple, non-distracting virtual background if necessary.

There are many other things that can contribute to success in a virtual interview, similar to an in-person one, but these tips aren't commonly discussed, and I feel they truly make a difference. Having a sharp camera, a decent mic, or an impressive background can make you stand out. Ultimately, beyond showing how your skills align with the role, you want to leave a lasting impression.