Mastering the Virtual Interview: Best Practices for a Polished, Professional Presence
COVID-19 didn’t just change where we work—it changed how we communicate with the world. Media interviews, once done in slick TV studios, now often happen over Zoom, Teams, or another virtual platform.
The goal remains the same: tell your story in a way that connects and builds credibility. But the rules have shifted, and the details matter more than ever. Here’s how to nail your next virtual interview:
1. Perfect Your Background
In a studio, someone else handles lighting, backdrop, and camera angles. Online, it’s all you. Take a few minutes to:
Choose a clean, distraction-free space. A neutral wall works, but a styled background—think books, a plant, or framed art—adds warmth.
Check your lighting. Face a window for natural light or invest in a ring light. Avoid harsh backlighting that casts you in shadow.
Do a test run. Open your webcam before the interview to see what your audience will see.
Pro Tip: Skip the virtual backgrounds unless you have a green screen. Glitches can be more distracting than a simple backdrop.
2. Upgrade Your Tech Game
Few things tank credibility faster than choppy video or distorted audio.
Secure a strong internet connection. If possible, plug directly into your router instead of relying on Wi-Fi.
Use headphones with a built-in mic or a USB microphone. Clear audio matters even more than video.
Close unnecessary apps and programs. Free up bandwidth before you log on.
3. Dress for the Camera
You don’t need full studio glam, but you do need to look polished.
Solid colors > busy patterns. Avoid stripes and checks—they can look distorted on screen.
Check your framing. Aim for chest-up in the shot, with your eyes about one-third from the top of the frame.
4. Prepare Your Talking Points (and Yourself)
Just because the setting feels casual doesn’t mean you wing it.
Know your key messages. Have 2–3 main points you want to land.
Keep answers concise. Virtual interviews can feel longer than they are.
Practice out loud. It helps reduce filler words and keeps you confident.
5. Stay Calm When Things Go Sideways
Tech fails, kids wander in, dogs bark—it happens. If it does:
Don’t panic. Take a breath, acknowledge the hiccup with humor, and keep going.
Frame it as human. Audiences actually like a glimpse of real life.
Bottom Line
Virtual interviews are here to stay. Treat them with the same professionalism as an in-studio appearance, and you’ll not only look good—you’ll sound credible and connect more deeply with your audience.
