De-stress your mess
Interviewing is stressful enough without wrestling with tech issues or wondering if you're coming across clearly on camera. The good news? Most interview stress comes from things you can control with a bit of preparation and the right mindset.
Whether you're interviewing for a fully remote role or a hybrid position, these strategies will help you show up confident and prepared. Let's streamline your approach so you can focus on what matters: showing them why you're the right fit.
Why virtual interviews feel harder (and how to fix it)
Virtual interviews add friction that in-person meetings don't have:
- Tech issues can derail your flow
- Reading body language through a screen is harder
- Your environment matters more than ever
- The temptation to over-prepare or under-prepare is real
We can optimize this by nailing the basics, practicing your setup, and going in with a clear game plan.
Tech setup that just works
Before the interview:
- Test your camera, mic, and internet connection 24 hours ahead
- Download and test their platform (Zoom, Teams, Google Meet) with a friend
- Use headphones to avoid echo; an external mic if you have one
- Position your camera at eye level (laptop on books works fine)
- Check your lighting — face the window or use a simple desk lamp behind your screen
Environment prep:
- Choose a quiet spot with minimal background distractions
- Use a virtual background if your space is busy (test it first)
- Have water nearby and your phone on silent
- Close unnecessary browser tabs and apps to avoid notifications
Backup plan:
- Get the interviewer's phone number in case tech fails
- Have the meeting link saved in multiple places
- Test your mobile hotspot as a backup internet option
Seven mistakes that kill your chances
1. Rambling instead of communicating clearly
Interviewers measure how effectively you communicate above everything else. Be concise and explicit. Take a beat to organize your thoughts before answering. If you need a moment, say: "Good question — let me think through that for a second."
What works: Structure answers with "Here's the situation, here's what I did, here's the result."
2. Pretending you know everything
Don't fake knowledge you don't have. Saying "I don't know that specific framework, but here's how I'd approach learning it" is infinitely better than stumbling through a bluff.
What works: "I haven't used that tool, but I've worked with similar ones like X. I'd start by reading the docs and building a small proof of concept."
3. Cramming the night before
Your brain can't absorb and retain everything in a last-minute study session. Better to rest, eat well, and show up as your sharpest self than to burn out on prep.
What works: Do your research earlier in the week, then spend the day before relaxing and doing a light review.
4. Memorizing every possible technical question
Unless they've told you to prepare something specific, don't stress about memorizing every algorithm or framework detail. They want to see how you think and solve problems.
What works: Focus on understanding core concepts and being able to explain your thought process clearly.
5. Ignoring red flags about culture
Not every team is your team. If the interview process feels disorganized, rushed, or disrespectful, that's valuable data about what working there might be like.
What works: Ask about team dynamics, communication styles, and how they handle challenges. Trust your gut.
6. Hiding your problem-solving process
They want to see how you work through problems, not just the final answer. Think out loud. Start simple. Ask clarifying questions.
What works: "I'd approach this by first understanding the requirements, then breaking it down into smaller pieces..."
7. Only showcasing your specialty
Depth in your area is great, but showing you can collaborate across disciplines makes you more valuable. Mention times you've worked with other teams or learned adjacent skills.
What works: "While my strength is in backend development, I've collaborated closely with frontend teams and can jump in when needed."
Your interview day checklist
30 minutes before:
- Join the meeting early to test tech
- Review the job description and your notes about the company
- Do a quick mirror check and practice your opening lines
During the interview:
- Look at the camera when speaking, not the screen
- Smile and use hand gestures naturally — you're still having a conversation
- Ask thoughtful questions that show you've researched the role
- Take notes on their answers (they can see you're engaged)
Questions to always ask:
- "What does success look like in this role after 90 days?"
- "What's the biggest challenge facing the team right now?"
- "How do you prefer to communicate and give feedback?"
Actionable takeaways
- Test your tech setup 24 hours before, not 5 minutes before
- Practice the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions
- Prepare 3-4 thoughtful questions about the role and team dynamics
- Research the company's recent projects, values, and tech stack
- Plan to arrive 5-10 minutes early, but not earlier (respect their time)
- Follow up within 24 hours with a brief thank-you note
Remember: they already liked your resume enough to talk to you. The interview is about fit, not proving your worth from scratch. Show up prepared, be yourself, and focus on having a good conversation about the work.
