Here's how you can showcase your communication skills in a virtual interview.

While this sounds a lot like every other banal platitude, it's crucial to prepare well for an interview, more so if it's virtual. And trust me, you'll always be underprepared if you don't actively vow to take actions. Starting from what you'll wear (if the video would be turned on, which I think is a good opportunity to engage more interactively), your internet connection, the audio-video devices, your video background, a nicely planned greetings part, note-taking tools - the list keeps going on. Listing out potential questions and answers (specifically a concise introduction, interpersonal questions, your queries to the interviewers, etc.) to those is also really important.

Prepare Your Environment Quiet Space: Ensure you're in a quiet, distraction-free environment to focus on the interview and communicate clearly. Good Lighting: Make sure your face is well-lit so the interviewer can see your expressions. Professional Background: Choose a clean, neutral background or use a virtual background if necessary. 2. Technical Setup Check Equipment: Test your internet connection, camera, and microphone beforehand. Ensure your equipment is working smoothly to avoid technical glitches. Familiarize with the Platform: Practice using the video conferencing platform (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams) to be comfortable with its features, such as mute/unmute and screen sharing.

You can never invest enough in terms of preparation especially when you must put your best foot forward. You communicate a lot about yourself through your preparation. All of this matters in creating a perception about you. Do your homework about the company and the role you are applying for. Be prepared with 3-4 messages you want to convey. Keep your list of questions for the interviewer ready. Anticipate tough questions Do your best in terms of your grooming and dressing Identify a dedicated and disturbance free workplace Inform your family members about the call Test the technology—wi-fi, mic, camera, power back up—beforehand. Familiarise yourself with the online platform and have the latest app version downloaded

If your background is cluttered, or some object is there which commands attention, that can be distracting for theinterviewer. Keep your background plain, and your dress colour should be in contrast to the background. Secondly your face speaks. If light is behind you, your face would be blurred or seem like in darkness - resulting in your facial expressions not being visible. Our intentions are conveyed through facial expressions. Third- your voice should be clearly audible - thus sit at a quiet place and may be keep fan off or at a lower speed so that your voice is easily heard. You can keep your phone on silent too. All The Best

In a virtual environment what you see outweighs what you hear. Hence it is vital you do not ignore anything visible on your screen. If you are not using a virtual background then make sure your background conveys something about your personality. Make sure there's nothing that would distract (in terms of bright colour or distracting objects) people on the other side. Have your face uniformly and prominently lit up. Ensure you are in a quiet, temperature controlled place with no movements behind you. Sit on a comfortable chair. Maintain the camera at the right level and distance from you. If possible have yourself visible up to the waist so that your arm movement is visible. Turn off alerts on your laptop Keep your phone on mute.

Online interviews can be tricky, with all the technology required. Be prepared for technical glitches and don't panic when either the video gets frozen or the audio goes off. Rectify the situation at your end if possible, quickly dashing off a chat or WA message to explain the delay. Treat the interview as normally as an offline one, and be prepared with your questions about the company,the offer and the location details. Write down details you have understood and check against the documents when you get the offer later- you can never be too careful!

Smile. Nothing can convey warmth better from a distance. Make sure you are mentally tuned for the interview and are in the moment. Ask questions, seek to understand and show curiosity. Look into the camera at all times. Avoid looking away from the camera for long periods Wait a few seconds after the person on the other side has stopped speaking. Pause can be uncomfortable but allows the space to think. Appear enthusiastic and energetic. Do not try multitasking. Assume a professional tone. Have an engaging body language and posture—lean forward, nod appropriately and be relaxed. Avoid negative body language such as frowning, fidgeting or slouching

Listen intently and give signs that you are present in the moment. Express freely - nodding when you agree to something, smiling when there is a flavour of humour etc. In short appropriate body language at right time indicates your attentiveness and interest.

In a virtual environment clarity in communication holds the key to understanding Be direct without being ambiguous. Respond in a structured way. Do not mumble. Open your mouth and speak. Repeat if you feel your point is not understood. If a question demands lengthy answer, make sure at the end you provide a summary of key points. Always tell the answer first and then back it up with supporting data and logic. Make sure you get the pronunciation right. If you are not certain, acknowledge and spell the word out. Avoid jargons and cliches. Speak at a medium pace. Not too fast and not too slow. Use everyday words. Avoid complex sentences.

In a virtual interview, showcase your communication skills by speaking clearly and concisely, maintaining good posture, and making eye contact through the camera. Use structured responses like the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to answer questions, and actively listen to the interviewer, demonstrating engagement with thoughtful follow-up questions. Keep your environment distraction-free and test your technology beforehand to ensure a smooth, professional interaction.