Video interviews are part of nearly every hiring process now, especially for internationally educated candidates, and the bar for professionalism is just as high as in person. The good news? With a bit of prep, you can control the tech, present yourself confidently, and communicate your value clearly. Use this guide as your checklist from setup to sign-off so you can leave a strong impression on your next video call.

Tips to Succeed in Your Next Video Interview

Technical Preparation: Ensuring a Smooth Virtual Interview

Treat your tech like your first impression. Test your internet connection, webcam, and microphone a day before your interview, and again 15 minutes before. Log in to the same platform the employer uses (Zoom, Teams, Meet, etc.) to confirm access, screen-share permissions, display name, and notifications. Choose a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted; place a light source in front of you, not behind, so your face is evenly lit. Close bandwidth-heavy apps and mute desktop and phone alerts. Keep a charger plugged in and headphones nearby in case you need them. These little tips can have a large impact on your career, which could even be with ECE!

Creating a Professional On-Screen Presence

Dress as you would for an on-site interview: clean, well-fitted, and in solid or simple patterns that read well on camera. Frame yourself from mid-chest upward, set the camera at eye level, and sit an arm’s length from the lens. A calm, uncluttered background (plain wall or tidy shelf) helps keep the focus on you. Keep notes out of the camera’s view and look into the lens when making key points; that’s what reads as eye contact to the interviewer. ECE leadership even uses these techniques to further improve their virtual professionalism. 

Effective Communication and Virtual Interview Body Language

Speak a touch slower than usual and land your sentences—crisp endings make you sound confident. Use concise, positive language, and pause briefly after questions to avoid talking over someone due to audio lag. Show you’re engaged with small cues: nods, brief “yes” or “that makes sense,” and an attentive posture. If English isn’t your first language, keep sentences tight and avoid idioms; clarity beats speed.

Common Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

Expect a mix of motivational, role-fit, and behavioral questions. 

• Prepare a 60-90 second “Tell me about yourself” that connects your background to this role. 
• For “Why this company/role?”, say two specific things you like (for example, the mission and a recent project) and briefly connect each one to your experience. Then add one sentence about how you can help in the first 90 days. Also plan ahead on learning how employers use credit evaluations in hiring.
• When you get a behavioral question (e.g., “Tell me about a time you solved a problem”), use the STAR method:
  • Situation (what was happening)
  • Task (what you needed to do)
  • Action (what you did)
  • Result (what happened). 
  • Keep each part to one or two sentences. Quantify the outcome if you can (“reduced turnaround time by 20%,” “supported 50+ clients weekly”). Finish by connecting the lesson to this role. For example, “That experience is why I now set milestone checkpoints, which I’d bring to your team’s client onboarding.”

Handling Online Interview Challanges

Glitches happen; professionalism shows in your response. If audio drops, calmly say you’re reconnecting and switch to headphones or the platform’s dial-in number. If your screen share fails, summarize verbally and offer to email the file after the call. Should background noise intrude, mute quickly, address it with a brief apology, and continue. If a disconnection ends the call, rejoin immediately; if you can’t, send a quick email acknowledging the issue and suggesting a time to resume.

Your Final Video Interview Tips

Confirm the time zone and meeting link the day prior. Keep your résumé/CV, the job description, and 3-5 talking points within reach. Prepare two thoughtful questions that show you’ve done your homework (about the team’s priorities, success metrics, or the onboarding plan). Practice with a friend or record yourself answering common questions to review your timing, tone, and body language. Read an ECE Aid recipient story as inspiration.

Take a steady breath before you begin, smile, and remember: preparedness reads as poise on video.

You’ve got this! Polish the setup, sharpen your stories, and let your experience take the spotlight.