Interview ideas

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The "10 minutes early" rule still applies, but now it’s about your internet connection and background.

• Tech Check: Ensure your camera, microphone, and platform (Zoom, Teams, etc.) are working. Check your lighting—ensure your face is well-lit and not a silhouette.
• The Virtual Background: If you aren't in a professional setting, use a clean, blur effect or a neutral virtual background.
• Eye Contact 2.0: Remember to look at the camera lens, not just the person’s face on the screen, to simulate real eye contact.

Going to the website is the bare minimum. To truly stand out:

• Check Recent News: Use Google News or LinkedIn to see if they’ve recently landed a contract, launched a product, or won an award.
• Understand the Culture: Look at their social media or Glassdoor reviews to get a feel for the company's "vibe."

Hiring managers today look for evidence of soft skills like problem-solving and adaptability. When asked about your experience, use the STAR method to stay succinct:

• Situation: Set the scene briefly.
• Task: What was the challenge?
• Action: What specifically did you do?
• Result: What was the positive outcome? (Use numbers or percentages if possible!)

Even if the office is "hoodies and jeans," dressing one level above the daily attire shows respect for the process.

• Pro Tip: For remote interviews, dress fully—not just from the waist up. It puts you in a professional mindset and avoids embarrassing "oops" moments if you have to stand up.

You mentioned not telling a manager they are "wrong"—this is great advice. Instead, frame your expertise as a collaborative alternative.

• Instead of: "That software design is inefficient."
• Try: "I’ve seen great success using [X] method to solve [Y] problem; I'd love to discuss how that might fit into your current workflow."

A thank-you email is no longer just a courtesy; it's a second chance to sell yourself.

• Personalize it: Mention a specific topic you discussed during the interview. This proves you were listening and are genuinely interested.
  
  

In 2026, your "first impression" happens in a 16:9 frame. A technical glitch or a messy background can be just as distracting as arriving late to a physical office. Follow these steps to ensure your tech doesn’t get in the way of your talent.

You don’t need a professional film set, but you do need to control the environment:

• Lighting is Everything: Position your main light source in front of you, not behind you. If you sit with a window behind you, you’ll appear as a dark silhouette.
• The "Eye-Level" Rule: Propping your laptop up on a stack of books so the camera is at eye level is a game-changer. It prevents the "looking down at the recruiter" angle and feels more like a natural conversation.
• Curate Your Background: A clean, uncluttered space is best. If your room is messy, use a professional "Blur" effect or a high-quality, neutral virtual background.

Don't wait until 2 minutes before the call to download the software.

• Test the Platform: Whether it’s Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams, ensure you have the latest version installed.
• The Audio Check: Use a dedicated headset or earbuds if possible. They are much better at canceling background noise (like barking dogs or traffic) than your laptop’s built-in mic.
• Internet Stability: If your Wi-Fi is spotty, try to plug directly into your router with an ethernet cable for the duration of the interview.

Communicating through a screen requires a bit more intentionality:

• Look at the Lens: To the person on the other side, looking at your camera lens feels like eye contact. Looking at their face on your screen feels like you are looking down or away.
• The "Digital Nod": Because of slight audio delays, verbal "mhmms" can interrupt the speaker. Use physical cues—like nodding and smiling—to show you are following along without cutting off their audio.
• Post-it Note Hack: Stick a small Post-it note near your camera with 3 bullet points of your "must-share" accomplishments. It keeps your eyes near the lens while giving you a quick "cheat sheet."

Technology is famous for failing at the worst moment.

• Keep your phone nearby: If your internet cuts out, use your phone to immediately email or call your recruiter.
• Silence the world: Ensure your phone is on "Do Not Disturb" and all desktop notifications (Slack, Email, iMessage) are turned off to avoid distracting "pings" during the interview.

Pro-Tip: Treat a virtual interview with the same "energy" as an in-person one. Dress fully (yes, including shoes!), sit up straight, and bring your best personality to the screen.