Virtual Interview Tips Every Student Should Know
Your interviewer might be miles away, but you and your space are up close and personal on their computer screen. In a virtual interview, your lighting, sound and background are all part of the package. And they’re either helping you make a great first impression, or they’re holding you back.
For young professionals, nailing your virtual interview setup can be the difference between landing that first job opportunity and getting lost in the shuffle. The good news? Our university recruiters have seen it all — and they know exactly what works.
“A well-prepared space shows intentionality — it shows the candidate has put effort into making sure they’re presenting their best self,” said Walter Christmas, a senior university relations recruiter at Cox. “From a candidate’s perspective, having a well-prepared space eases anxiety and sets the tone for the interview.”
Ready to give yourself every possible advantage? Here’s what our recruiters recommend.
1. Declutter and blur your background.
In any video call, the goal is to give interviewers zero reasons to let their eyes wander. Our recruiters recommend blurring your background as standard practice. Most video platforms offer this feature, and it keeps the focus squarely on you while diplomatically hiding whatever’s behind you.
“We want the focus to be on you and what you are saying — not what your favorite band is, or whether you made your bed this morning,” explained Sam Brown, lead university relations recruiter at Cox. “Blurring your background keeps the focus where it needs to be: on you and your skills.”
Even with blur effects, a cluttered background can look busy or distracting, so aim for something neutral and simple behind you (think: a clean wall or tidy bookshelf).
2. Mind the noise around you.
Create a quiet bubble around yourself before you hit “join meeting.” The whole point is for interviewers to focus on what you’re saying. If there’s noise competing with your own voice, you’re already fighting an uphill battle.
“That leaves a real chance of me missing something important about their background that would make them an amazing candidate,” explained Cox university relations recruiter Nick Sell.
Start with location. Find a room where you can actually close off from the world. Taking a call while walking to class or in loud common areas can make it seem as if you didn’t plan for the interview, which certainly isn’t the impression you want to make. Public spaces are unpredictable: you can’t control who walks into view or what happens around you.
“Where a student chooses to take the interview matters and speaks to their ability to prioritize and plan,” Sam said.
Silence your phone notifications before the call starts. If you live with roommates or family, give them a heads up about your interview time so they know to keep things quiet.
3. Check your tech.
Here’s your chance to show you’re prepared and tech-savvy before you even answer the first question. Don’t let tech issues derail your interview. Run through these checks ahead of time:
- Test your internet speed. Choose a location with a strong, stable connection that can support a 30- to 45-minute video call without issues.
- Familiarize yourself with the video platform. Log in ahead of time to make sure you know how to join the call.
- Check your camera and microphone. Confirm that both are working properly and that your audio is clear.
- Prepare your headphones. If using Bluetooth, charge them fully and keep wired headphones as backup.
- Do a final tech check on the day of the interview. At least an hour before your interview, log on to confirm everything works and give yourself time to troubleshoot any problems before the meeting begins.
4. Let there be light.
Good lighting has one simple rule: it should hit your face, not your back. Light behind you turns you into a shadowy silhouette on camera. Face a window or natural light source, if possible. It’s the most flattering option and gives you a bright, engaged look that translates well on camera. No window? A basic desk lamp works, too.
5. Work the camera angles.
A camera that’s too low can make you look distracted, while one that’s placed too high can feel distant. Aim for eye-level placement and frame yourself from the chest up for a balanced, professional look.
“How seriously you take the conversation is how seriously I assume you’ll take the job,” explained senior university relations recruiter Anne Egan. “The effort you portray is the baseline of what I think you will bring to the role and team.”
Practice looking directly at your camera lens instead of the screen. This creates the impression of making eye contact with your interviewer and keeps you focused on your answers instead of getting distracted by their reactions.
6. Dress the part.
Wear something that shows you’re taking the interview seriously while making you feel confident and like yourself. Business casual is usually your safest bet (think clean, well-fitted clothing that’s one step up from what you’d wear to class). A collared shirt, blouse or sweater typically works well, but the most important thing is that you feel put together and comfortable in whatever you choose.
“To me, it just shows that you are interested in the role we are interviewing you for,” Nick said. “First impressions are hard to shake off!”
Keep your overall appearance neat and clean on camera. If you have long hair, consider pulling it back so it doesn’t distract from your face. Make sure any facial hair is well-groomed.
Your virtual setup does more than eliminate distractions during the interview; it demonstrates your professionalism, attention to detail and commitment to this opportunity. Your future self will thank you when you’re confidently interviewing for all the opportunities ahead, knowing your space is working as hard as you are.
Ready to get started on your journey? Explore early career opportunities at Cox and join our Talent Community to stay in touch!
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