Your Background Is Part of Your Brand
What's behind you in a virtual interview communicates something about you before you say a word. It doesn't need to be fancy — it needs to be clean, uncluttered, and professional. A plain wall works perfectly. A pile of laundry does not.
Test Everything the Night Before
Camera, microphone, lighting, internet connection, the platform itself. Log into the meeting link if you can. Test your audio levels. Close every other app on your computer. Tech problems during a virtual interview are stressful and avoidable.
The Eye Contact Problem
On video, eye contact means looking at the camera — not at the person's face on screen. It feels unnatural but it's important. Try positioning the meeting window as close to your camera as possible so the difference is minimal. Practice this before the real thing.
Your Energy Has to Work Harder
A lot of what communicates warmth and presence in person gets flattened on video. You need to be slightly more expressive than you normally would be — not fake, just intentional. Lean in a little. Smile when something resonates. Nod to show you're listening. Let them see that you're engaged.
Book a The Pep Talk for a quick virtual interview prep session — we'll cover setup, energy, and your top stories in 15 focused minutes.