How to Prepare for an Online Interview

What You’ll Need

A computer, tablet or phone with a working camera and microphone
A reliable internet connection and the interview link or app
Headphones, if available, to reduce echo and improve privacy
A quiet, tidy place with steady lighting and a neutral background
Your résumé, the job description, notes, water and a pen
A charged device and, if possible, a backup connection or phone number for the interviewer

Step-by-Step

Confirm the interview details. Check the date, time zone, expected length, interviewer’s name and platform. Open the invitation and verify that the meeting link works. If you need an app, install it from its official source in advance and check whether you need an account. Save the contact details for the recruiter or interviewer in case you cannot connect.
Review the role and your examples. Read the job description and note the skills or responsibilities that appear most important. Prepare a brief introduction and a few specific examples of your work that show relevant skills. Use a simple structure: explain the situation, what you did and the result. Be ready to describe your contribution clearly rather than relying on general claims.
Prepare thoughtful questions. Write down several questions about the role, team, priorities or next steps. Choose questions that show you have considered the work and want to understand expectations. Avoid asking for information already stated plainly in the job description or invitation. Keep the notes nearby, but do not plan to read a script word for word.
Set up your space. Choose a quiet place where you can sit comfortably and speak without interruption. Place the camera near eye level and frame your head and shoulders. Look at what appears behind you; remove distracting items or use a simple background if the platform offers one. Tell anyone nearby that you will be in an interview, and silence notifications on your device.
Check the camera, microphone and connection. Open the meeting app or its preview and confirm that the correct camera and microphone are selected. Test your voice at a normal speaking volume and listen for echo, distortion or background noise. Check that your internet is stable where you plan to sit. If the app provides a test call or preview, use it; menu names and paths may differ slightly by app version.
Check your appearance and lighting. Wear clean, interview-appropriate clothing that looks presentable on camera. Sit facing a light source, such as a window or lamp, so your face is visible; avoid a bright light directly behind you. Keep water and your notes within reach, and place the device on a stable surface rather than holding it.
Practise speaking to the camera. Do a short practice call or record a brief answer to a sample question. Check your framing, sound and pace. Practise looking toward the camera while speaking, and pause briefly before answering so you do not talk over a delay. Keep answers focused, then add detail when the interviewer asks.
Join early and stay composed. Close unrelated tabs and apps, connect to power, and open the meeting link a few minutes before the scheduled time. Check your name and mute status before entering. Once the interview begins, listen carefully, answer directly and ask for a question to be repeated if audio cuts out. Thank the interviewer and confirm any next steps before leaving.

Common Mistakes

Waiting until the interview to test the setup: A missing update, forgotten password or wrong audio device can delay the call. Check access and equipment beforehand.
Putting the camera too low: A device resting in your lap can create an awkward angle. Raise it on a stable stand or stack of books, and keep it secure.
Sitting with a bright window behind you: Backlighting can make your face hard to see. Face the light or move the lamp in front of you.
Reading prepared answers: Looking down at a script can make conversation feel stiff. Use short prompts and speak naturally.
Ignoring background noise and alerts: Notifications and interruptions break concentration. Silence alerts and choose the quietest available room.
Joining at the last second: This leaves no time to fix a connection issue. Open the link early, but wait in the lobby if the meeting has not started.

Tips

Keep your résumé, the job description and a short list of questions open or printed, but avoid cluttering your screen.
Use headphones if they improve sound quality, and check that their microphone is selected before the call.
Speak a little more slowly than you might in person; online audio can make fast speech harder to follow.
If you need a moment to think, say so briefly. A short pause is better than rushing into an unclear answer.
Keep a phone charged and nearby as a backup. If the call drops, use the agreed contact method rather than repeatedly joining without explanation.
Send a brief thank-you message afterward if appropriate, and mention any agreed follow-up information or next steps.

Troubleshooting

You cannot open the link: Check that you are using the latest invitation and that the link has not been cut off when copied. Try opening it in the recommended browser or app. Contact the interviewer or recruiter using the details in the invitation if access still fails.

The interviewer cannot hear you: Check that the microphone is not muted in either the meeting app or your device. Confirm the selected input is the microphone you intend to use, then disconnect and reconnect headphones if needed. If it remains unavailable, tell the interviewer in the chat and offer to continue by phone.

You cannot hear the interviewer: Check your device volume and the app’s output selection. Reconnect headphones or switch to the device speaker if safe and practical. Use the meeting chat to explain the issue and ask whether you can rejoin.

The picture freezes or the call drops: Move closer to the router if possible, pause other internet-heavy activity and turn off video temporarily if audio can continue. Rejoin using the same link. If the connection does not recover, contact the interviewer by the backup method you saved.

There is unexpected noise or an interruption: Mute yourself briefly, deal with the issue if needed, and apologise in a sentence before continuing. If privacy or noise cannot be resolved, explain the problem and ask whether the interviewer can wait or reschedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early should I join an online interview?

Open the link a few minutes before the scheduled start so you can check your audio and video. If there is a waiting room, stay there until you are admitted.

Should I use a phone or a computer?

Use whichever device gives you the most reliable connection, clear sound and stable camera. A computer is often easier for viewing notes and keeping the camera steady, but a phone can work if it is secured at eye level and charged.

What should I do if my internet stops working?

Try rejoining once using the meeting link. If that fails, contact the interviewer or recruiter using the backup phone number or email in the invitation and explain briefly.

Is it okay to use notes during the interview?

Yes. Keep concise prompts, your résumé and questions nearby. Glance at them when useful, but avoid reading full answers or looking away for long periods.

What if I do not know the answer to a question?

Be honest, explain how you would approach the issue, and connect your response to relevant experience if you can. You can also ask a clarifying question before answering.

Sources: Microsoft Support. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.