HOW TO NAIL YOUR
VIRTUAL INTERVIEW
117 GAREY HALL  610.519.4060  CAREERS.VILLANOVA.EDU  VILLANOVA.JOINHANDSHAKE.COM
Companies utilize web-based video technology to interview candidates. Some organizations employ virtual
interviewing in the first round, while others conduct their entire interview process online. Virtual interviews can
be performed in real-time with a hiring manager via platforms such as Skype or FaceTime, or candidates may be
asked to complete a pre-recorded interview to submit. Regardless of format, you must be prepared to impress
in a virtual interview!
BEFORE THE INTERVIEW
TECHNOLOGY
 Select a location with a strong, reliable internet connection (wired if possible). You may be able to reserve space in the
Career Center if available.
 Dock your device. While some systems are smart phone-friendly, we recommend a desktop, laptop, or tablet with a stand.
You want a steady picture and your hands free to gesture (but not too much).
 Camera placement is vital. The camera should be directly at eye level with enough distance so that your head and
shoulders are in the frame. Prop up the computer if necessary. It should appear that you’re facing the interviewer head-on.
 Do a practice run. Test the technology, microphone/sound quality, and internet connection several times before the
actual interview. Connect with family, friends, or a career counselor to practice. Leave nothing to chance!
 Have a back-up plan. No matter how well you prepare, sometimes technology can fail. If it’s a real-time virtual interview,
be sure to get the phone number of your interviewer in advance just in case.
ENVIRONMENT
 Select a quiet, distraction-free zone to conduct the interview. Plan ahead to avoid loud noises or interruptions.
 Choose a professional and clutter-free backdrop. A bare wall or orderly bookshelf is okay. Your unmade bed or posterfilled wall is not. While unintentional, an employer may make judgements based on what they see behind you.
 Lighting is important. Avoid casting your face in shadow. Place a soft light source directly in front of you.
APPEARANCE
 Dress for success. Treat this like any in-person interview with neat, professional attire and a well-groomed appearance.
 Avoid bright colors, which can blur on screen. Best way to test? Turn on the camera and see how it looks!
DURING THE INTERVIEW
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All standard in-person interview rules apply when it comes to doing your research and answering questions, but it can
be uniquely challenging to make a strong connection across a computer screen (especially pre-recorded).
Make “eye contact.” Don’t stare at the computer screen during your virtual interview or it will seem that you are peering
downward. Instead, look directly at the camera to create the appearance of direct eye contact with the interviewer.
Create a “digital handshake.” In-person interviews start with a handshake. Since you can’t do this virtually consider how to
create a friendly opener. A wave is too informal, but you may choose to nod and say “It’s so nice to speak with you today.”
Body language and facial expressions matter. Smile (even if it’s pre-recorded), maintain good posture, and avoid too
much movement or gesturing. Aim to convey warmth and confidence.
Be prepared. Have your materials within easy reaching distance in case you have to reference anything from your
application. Don’t read from notes or a script, however. An interviewer can tell if you are reading. Be attentive and present.
Get Virtual
Practice!
Practice virtual interviewing anywhere, anytime with your webcam using our free,
online mock interview resource, InterviewStream (villanova.interviewstream.com).
Prepare for the real thing! Check out instructions on the back to create your account.
VILLANOVA CAREER CENTER  117 GAREY HALL  610.519.4060  CAREERS.VILLANOVA.EDU  VILLANOVA.JOINHANDSHAKE.COM
PRACTICE WITH INTERVIEWSTREAM
InterviewStream is a virtual mock interview tool that allows you to practice your interview skills anytime,
anywhere with use of a webcam. You can digitally rehearse and record an unlimited number of mock interviews
with thousands of industry-specific questions at your disposal. Whether you are preparing for an in-person or
virtual interview, this resource will help you hone your skills and impress any hiring manager!
INSTRUCTIONS
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Access InterviewStream: http://villanova.interviewstream.com
Click “Register” underneath the log-in box to create a free account. You must use your Villanova e-mail.
Click on “Conduct an Interview.” Select the type of interview you would like to conduct:
 Created for Me: Choose from a selection of industry or job-specific questions created by the Career Center.
 Custom Interview: Create your own set of questions through an expansive, searchable Question Library.
Select “Start Interview.”
The system will take you through a test for your web camera and microphone. Click “Proceed to My Interview.”
A pre-recorded interviewer will ask you a question and give you 3 seconds to think before responding. You have
2 minutes to respond to each question. After each, you can review, retry, or skip the question and move on.
After you submit the interview, you have the option to review the video, self-assess your performance with a
provided tool, and share the interview with others via e-mail or link.
MAXIMIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE
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Use customized, industry-specific interview questions for specialized fields (Consulting, Sales & Trading,
Financial Services, Engineering, etc). Visit Created for Me to practice with a growing list of tailored questions
created by the Career Center. We researched what questions employers are actually asking to help you prep.
Assess your skills. When reviewing your interview, make use of the provided assessment tools to evaluate
your verbal responses, non-verbals, and use of filler words. Improvement requires self-awareness!
Get feedback! Send your recording to a career counselor, mentor, advisor, or friend for an outside critique.
5 COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Tell me about yourself.
This is basically your interview “elevator pitch.” In a concise manner, highlight the skills, experiences, and
relevant personality traits that align you with the job in question.
What are your greatest strengths?
Sell - don’t tell! Confidently speak about 2-3 of your strengths that connect to the job description. Don’t just
list them; provide specific examples of how/where you’ve employed these competencies.
What is your greatest weakness?
Choose a true weakness that you possess. Talk about how you’re working to improve, citing specific steps
you’ve taken address it. Be honest, but avoid “red flag” issues that might suggest you are a bad fit for the role.
Why do you want to work for us?
Show your knowledge of/interest in the company and the role. Be specific! Why THIS company/position and
not an opportunity at a company that does something similar?
Why should we hire you?
What makes you unique? This is your chance to explain why you are better fit for this role than any other
candidate being considered. Make them remember you long after the interview ends!