Zoom Interview Tips 2025: Stand Out in a Hybrid World

Our Top 3 Virtual Interview Tips

Back in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic pushed nearly all interviews onto Zoom and other video platforms. What started as a necessity has since become a standard part of the hiring process. Even in today’s hybrid job market, recruiters still use Zoom and Teams for first-round or even final-stage interviews.

The benefits are clear: virtual interviews save time, reduce travel, and allow companies to meet candidates from anywhere in the world. But for candidates, they also bring new challenges — from technical glitches to presenting confidence through a screen.

If you’re actively job searching in 2025, expect to face at least one stage of your process online. Whether you’re pursuing a board-level role or making your next career move, how you handle your Zoom interview can determine whether you make it to the final round.

The golden rule? Don’t treat a virtual interview any differently from an in-person one.

Recruiters still want to see professionalism, preparation, and presence. Ignore the advice that “you can wear shorts and flip flops because the camera only shows your top half.” While it might be tempting, everything from how you dress to how you sit influences how credible you appear on screen.

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To help you feel prepared and confident, here are our top three Zoom interview tips for 2025.

1) Dress as You Would for an In-Person Interview

One of the biggest mistakes candidates still make is underestimating the importance of presentation in a virtual setting. Even if you’re interviewing from your home office, dress exactly as you would if you were meeting in person at the company’s headquarters.

Why it matters:

• Confidence boost – dressing professionally puts you in the right mindset and reduces nerves.

• First impressions – recruiters subconsciously notice how much effort you’ve made, even through a screen.

• Professionalism – if you stand up or adjust your setup mid-interview, you won’t risk embarrassment.

⚡ Pro tip: Research the company’s culture. If you’re applying to a traditional bank, wear a suit. If you’re interviewing with a tech scale-up, smart business casual may be more appropriate. Either way, always err on the side of more polished.

2) Maintain Eye Contact by Looking Into the Camera

Eye contact builds trust and connection — and that doesn’t change just because you’re on Zoom. But many candidates make the mistake of looking at the interviewer’s image on screen instead of the camera. This can make you appear distracted or disengaged.

How to fix it:

• Position your webcam at eye level so it feels natural.

• Practise answering questions while looking directly into the lens.

• If it helps, place a small photo or sticky note with a smiley face next to the camera to remind yourself where to focus.

This simple adjustment makes you appear more confident, personable, and credible — exactly what recruiters are looking for.

3) Always Conduct a Tech and Environment Test Run

Even today, when most of us are comfortable with Zoom and Teams, technical issues are still one of the biggest sources of candidate stress. Recruiters tell us that poor audio, bad lighting, or a cluttered background can immediately distract from your answers.

Whether your interview is on Zoom, Teams, Skype, or another platform, always conduct a test run in advance.

Here’s what to check:

✔ Platform

• Download and log into the software ahead of time.

• Check for updates — nothing derails an interview faster than last-minute system downloads.

• Familiarise yourself with key features (mute/unmute, screen share, chat).

✔ Lighting

• Position your main light source in front of you so your face is clearly visible.

• Avoid sitting with a window directly behind you — it casts your face in shadow.

• Natural light is best, but a desk lamp at eye level works well too.

✔ Background

• Choose a neutral, clutter-free background. A plain wall works better than a busy room.

• If you can’t control your environment, use a professional virtual background — but avoid anything gimmicky.

• Remove distractions (no laundry, messy shelves, or visible personal items).

✔ Sound

• Test your microphone and speakers in advance.

• Use headphones with a built-in mic if your room has background noise.

• Warn housemates or family when your interview is taking place to avoid interruptions.

⚡ Pro Tip: Record a 30-second video of yourself answering a question. Watching it back will show you how you look, sound, and come across on screen — and allow you to fix issues before the real thing.

Final Tech Checks Before Your Interview

✔ Room and Background
If you’re not sitting against a wall, make sure whatever’s visible behind you is clean, professional, and distraction-free. Even small details — a pile of papers, an unmade bed, or a messy bookshelf — can subconsciously affect how recruiters perceive your professionalism.

✔ Camera Height
Position your camera at eye level so you’re not looking up or down. This keeps your posture strong and helps maintain natural eye contact.

✔ Internet Connection
Always test your Wi-Fi in the exact spot you’ll be sitting. If your connection is unstable, move closer to your router, switch to a wired connection, or have a backup plan (like tethering to your phone).

✔ Audio Quality
Test your microphone within Zoom before the call. If possible, use headphones with a built-in mic to avoid echo and background noise. Some candidates also dial in by phone as a backup, ensuring the audio stays connected even if the video freezes.

In Summary

In today’s hybrid hiring landscape, Zoom interviews aren’t just a temporary fix — they’re a standard part of the recruitment process. And while most candidates know how to log on, very few take the extra steps to refine their setup and presence.

By preparing your environment, checking your tech, and treating the interview with the same professionalism as a face-to-face meeting, you’ll:

• Minimise the risk of distractions or interruptions

• Present yourself with confidence and polish

• Give recruiters every reason to move you to the next stage

⚡ Pro Tip: Conduct a mock interview with a trusted colleague, mentor, or career coach. Their feedback on your setup, delivery, and body language can make the difference between being forgettable and being the standout candidate.

For more guidance on interview preparation, see our related articles:
How to Leverage the STAR Method to Structure Interview Responses
20 Questions To Help You Prepare for an Interview

To find out more, visit our website www.cvpilots.co.uk If you have any further questions, you can either book a consultation call with one of our team, or get in touch via email on team@cvpilots.co.uk