10+ virtual interview tips to help you stand out

Today, virtual interviews are more common than ever. Why? It allows candidates and recruiters to connect from anywhere. And that shift has its perks. You don’t have to squeeze interviews into a packed day or rush across town to make it on time. Instead, with a little preparation, you can focus fully on showing up as your best self. 

Platforms like Hirevue make the experience even more fair and consistent by asking every candidate the right questions and reducing the bias that can sneak in during traditional interviews. If you’re looking for virtual interview tips or wondering how to prepare for a virtual interview that feels natural, this guide is for you.

Prep Your Tech: Video Interview Setup That Builds Confidence

Let’s start with the part that can trip people up the most—your tech. A great setup doesn’t have to be fancy, but it does need to work. These simple video interview tips will help you avoid tech troubles and show up feeling calm, prepared, and totally yourself.

The Essentials: Tech Setup Checklist 

Camera

• Use a laptop or external webcam that is steady and at eye level
• Frame yourself from about the chest up (you want to look natural, not like you’re peeking over the table)

Microphone

• Use headphones or a mic if you can. It helps cut down background noise
• Try to find a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted (pets included)

Internet

• If you can plug it directly into your router, do it.
• On Wi-Fi? Sit close to your router and close any extra apps or tabs that could slow you down.

Lighting

• Sit facing a window or a soft light source
• Skip the dramatic backlighting (no one wants to interview a silhouette)
• A ring light is great if you have one, but natural light works too

Real Talk: Practice Helps

How do I prepare for a virtual interview? Here’s one of the easiest ways: do a practice run. Record yourself or hop on a video call with a friend. You’ll catch things like weird angles, fuzzy audio, or lighting that makes you look like you’re in witness protection.

Another easy (and surprisingly effective) option? Use tools like ChatGPT as your mock interview buddy. Tell it the role you’re interviewing for and it will provide common questions you can practice answering. Use the voice tool to talk through your responses out loud—it’s great for building confidence and thinking on your feet. You can even ask for feedback. It’s like having a coach who’s available 24/7, minus the awkward scheduling.

Interview Backgrounds: What Works?

According to the Harvard Business Journal, backgrounds free of clutter allow for less unconscious bias in the hiring process. You want the employer focusing on you–not your home and decor.

What Makes a Great Background?

• Keep it clean: A tidy space shows you’re organized and intentional—even if it’s just a blank wall. You don’t need fancy bookshelves or a perfectly staged home office. Just avoid clutter, laundry piles, or distracting posters.
• Choose neutral, light tones: Natural backgrounds with soft lighting look best on camera. Aim for light walls or a simple space that doesn’t compete with your face.
• Frame yourself with purpose: Position yourself so there’s some space behind you—avoid leaning right up against a wall. Sit centered in the frame with your head and shoulders fully visible.

Should I Blur My Background?

That’s a great question and a common one.

The blur feature can work if you’re in a shared space or just don’t have a clean corner. Hirevue’s platform even includes this option.

But keep in mind that blur isn’t perfect. It can create a digital haze or glitch around your face if your lighting or camera isn’t great. Use it only if your background is too distracting to fix.

Pro Tip:  Blurring works best with good lighting and a solid-color background behind you.

Best Background for Video Interview Vibes

• A blank wall or bookshelf (nothing too busy)
• A small plant or soft decor if it feels natural
• Soft lighting coming from in front of you
• No mirrors, windows behind you, or busy patterns

What to Wear for a Virtual Interview (And What Not To)

Yes, you should dress up. How you present yourself on camera sends a clear message about how seriously you’re taking the opportunity.

Dress for the Role (Literally)

• Go for the same level of professionalism you’d wear in person- if you would be wearing a t-shirt you may be fine with a t-shirt or polo – if you would be wearing a button down shirt wear a button down shirt. 
• Solid colors look great on camera (skip the busy patterns)
• Avoid white (can wash you out) and neon (can glow weirdly)

And yes—wear pants. You may not need them, but the extra polish helps you feel more put together.

Think Framing + Fabric.

• If your webcam shows you from the chest up, make sure your top half looks sharp
• Choose wrinkle-free fabrics that won’t bunch or distract
• Avoid shiny materials—they reflect light and can look strange on camera.

Match Your Look to the Lighting

Before the call, do a quick lighting check:

• Sit facing a window or soft light source
• Make sure your outfit contrasts with your background (no floating heads!)
• Adjust brightness so you’re not glowing or hiding in shadows.

Tips for Hirevue Interviews

Interviewing on a platform like Hirevue? Great—let’s talk strategy.

Hirevue interviews are structured using consistent, recorded questions—often powered by smart tools that help reduce bias and level the playing field.

Check out how Hirevue uses AI in recruiting to support fair and data-driven decisions.

It also helps to brush up on solid interviewing techniques before your session. Knowing how to structure your answers can go a long way toward helping you stand out.

Know What to Expect

• You’ll be asked a set of structured questions
• You’ll usually get time to think and time to answer
• Some versions allow retakes—others don’t (check ahead!)

Practice Like It’s Real

One of the best tips for Hirevue interviews is to take full advantage of the platform’s practice tools.

• Try out the demo question
• Record yourself and watch it back
• Note your eye contact, tone, and pacing

Quick Mindset Shift

You’re not being judged for being “polished.” You’re assessed on thinking, solving problems, and communicating under pressure. So pause, breathe, and be yourself—with a little structure and practice.

How to Stand Out in a Virtual Interview

To truly stand out in a virtual interview, you need to bring your story and presence into the room. You should be a real person with experience and energy. Here’s the thing. Even in a virtual setting, all of that can come through. Here’s how.

Speak with purpose

• Don’t rush. Let your words land.
• Use natural pauses—it shows confidence, not hesitation.

Make virtual eye contact

• Look into the camera when you speak, not at the screen.
• This creates a connection, even when no one else is physically there.

Tell your story

• Share real experiences, not generic answers.
• Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.

Bring the soft skills

• Be warm, curious, and present
• Ask thoughtful questions that show you’ve done your homework.

Handling Tech Glitches Like a Pro

Even if something goes wrong, how you recover says more about you than the glitch itself. It happens. Virtual interviews are still human experiences, and employers know that real life doesn’t pause just because you hit “Join Meeting.” Don’t panic—do this instead:

1. Stay calm

• Take a breath. Don’t apologize excessively.
• Smile, regroup, and ask to repeat the question if needed.

2. Have a backup plan

• Keep your phone nearby in case you need to reconnect.
• If it’s a Hirevue OnDemand interview, you may be able to restart or pick up where you left off.

3. Acknowledge and adapt

• A quick, polite line like, “Thanks for your patience—looks like my connection dipped,” is all you need.

Most interviewers won’t judge you for tech troubles. What they will remember is how you handled them with confidence and a sense of humor if it fit.

Final Virtual Interview Tip: Be Yourself and Own It

No amount of scripting or fancy tech can replace the power of showing up as your true self. And that starts with trusting what you bring to the table.

What It Really Means to Be Yourself in a Virtual Interview

• Show your personality: Smile when it’s natural. Let your voice reflect your energy. You don’t have to sound like a TED Talk—just like you.
• Talk like a human, not a robot: Skip buzzwords and jargon unless they make sense. Use language you’d use if you were explaining your experience to a smart friend.
• Don’t be afraid to pause: It’s okay to take a breath and gather your thoughts. A thoughtful pause shows confidence, not hesitation.
• Own your story: Be honest about your journey. That kind of clarity and self-awareness stands out.

Feel Ready? Let’s Make It Real.

You’ve got this!

The right virtual interview tips can help you show up prepared, grounded, present, and ready to connect.

With the right tools behind you, you can take control of your interview experience and focus on what matters: you at your best.

Hirevue can help you feel prepared and confident every step of the way.