Expert guidance to help you perform at your best — whether virtual or in-person.
Technology Setup
Test your internet connection at least 30 minutes before. Use ethernet if possible — Wi-Fi can drop.
Check your camera angle — it should be at eye level, not below (showing your chin) or too high.
Test your microphone and speakers. Use headphones to avoid echo.
Close all unnecessary browser tabs and applications to avoid slowdown and notifications.
Have the meeting link, login details, and interviewer's contact saved somewhere accessible.
Log in 5–10 minutes early. Never scramble at the last second.
Lighting & Background
Light source should be in front of you — facing a window is ideal. Never sit with a window behind you (you'll appear as a silhouette).
Your background should be clean, neutral, and professional. A plain wall works. Avoid busy or distracting backgrounds.
If your background is unavoidable, use a professional virtual background — solid colour or a subtle office setting.
Avoid virtual backgrounds that pixelate or shimmer — they're distracting and unprofessional.
Dress & Presentation
Dress fully — top and bottom. You may need to stand unexpectedly.
Dress as you would for an in-person interview. Treat it with the same formality.
Avoid bright white or busy patterns — they can flicker on camera.
Look into the camera when speaking, not at your own image. This creates eye contact.
Sit up straight. Your posture signals confidence even on screen.
During the Interview
Speak slightly slower than normal — audio can have slight delays on video calls.
Pause briefly before answering. It's okay — it shows you are thinking, not struggling.
Mute yourself if there is background noise while the interviewer is speaking.
Have a notepad beside you for notes — it looks professional and helps you remember follow-up questions.
If the connection drops, stay calm. Rejoin immediately and acknowledge it briefly without over-apologising.
Don't read from notes in an obvious way — subtle glances are fine, but don't look down for long periods.
Common Virtual Interview Mistakes
Looking at your own image instead of the camera
Having a messy or unprofessional background
Poor lighting (too dark, or backlit)
Notifications popping up mid-interview
Wearing unprofessional clothing below the waist "just in case"
Joining from a noisy location
Not testing technology in advance
Before You Arrive
Do a test run to the location at least one day before — know exactly where it is, how long it takes, where to park or which bus/train to take.
Arrive 10–15 minutes early. Not 30 minutes (awkward) and never late.
Bring printed copies of your CV, references, and any relevant certificates — even if they have it electronically.
Research the building — know which floor, which reception, and who to ask for.
Bring a pen and notepad for notes and to jot down your own questions.
Dress Code
When in doubt, overdress. It is always better to be more formal than too casual.
Dress for the role you want, not the role you have. A suit or smart formal wear is rarely wrong.
Clothes should be clean, ironed, and fitting well — not too loose or too tight.
Keep accessories minimal and professional. Avoid strong perfume or cologne.
Shoes matter. They should be clean and appropriate for a professional setting.
Nigerian context: for corporate roles, business formal is expected — for most Lagos offices, a suit or formal dress is appropriate regardless of the weather.
Body Language
Firm handshake — not crushing, not limp. Two pumps.
Make eye contact — not staring, but genuine engagement. Look at the person speaking.
Sit upright with both feet on the floor. Avoid slouching or leaning back.
Nod occasionally to show you are listening actively.
Do not cross your arms — it signals defensiveness or discomfort.
Smile naturally — especially when greeting. First impressions are formed in seconds.
Control nervous habits — tapping, fidgeting with a pen, or touching your face.
Mirror the interviewer's energy subtly — it builds rapport unconsciously.
During the Interview
Wait to be invited to sit. Do not assume.
Turn your phone completely off — not on silent. On silent, it can still visibly buzz or light up.
Speak clearly and at a measured pace. Nervousness tends to speed up speech.
When you don't know the answer, say so honestly — then pivot to what you do know.
Take a breath before answering. Silence is not a problem — rushing is.
Maintain professional energy throughout, including when waiting in reception.
Common Physical Interview Mistakes
Arriving late without calling ahead
A phone ringing or buzzing during the interview
Weak or overly aggressive handshake
Negative body language — slouching, avoiding eye contact, crossed arms
Speaking badly about a former employer
Not bringing copies of your CV or certificates
Inappropriate dress for the company culture
Forgetting the interviewer's name
Research the Organisation
Know their core business, products, and services inside out. If they ask "what do we do?" and you stumble, it's a red flag.
Read their website — About Us, Mission, Values, News or Press sections.
Look up their LinkedIn page — recent posts, company size, leadership team.
Search for recent news about them — new contracts, expansions, awards, or challenges.
Know their competitors and how this company differentiates itself.
Understand the industry — what trends are happening right now that affect them?
Prepare Your Stories
Have 8–10 strong STAR stories ready (Situation, Task, Action, Result) covering: leadership, conflict, failure, achievement, teamwork, pressure, change, and innovation.
Practice them out loud — not just in your head. The words need to feel natural.
Time yourself — each story should take 1.5 to 2.5 minutes maximum.
Have specific numbers ready: "I reduced processing time by 35%" lands better than "I improved it significantly."
Prepare for the core questions: Tell me about yourself, Why this role, Why leave current role, Greatest weakness.
Your Questions for Them
Always have 3–5 questions ready. Not asking questions signals disinterest. Strong questions include:
"What does success look like in this role in the first 90 days?"
"What are the biggest challenges facing the team right now?"
"How would you describe the team culture?"
"What opportunities are there for growth and development?"
"What are the next steps in the process and timeline?"
Mental Preparation
Sleep well the night before. Fatigue affects confidence and clarity.
Eat a proper meal — do not interview on an empty stomach.
Practice power poses or confident posture for a few minutes beforehand — it physiologically affects confidence.
Remind yourself: the interview is a two-way assessment. You are also evaluating them.
Manage nerves by breathing deeply and slowly. Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 6.
Send a Thank You Message
Send a brief, professional thank-you email or message within 24 hours of the interview.
Reference something specific from your conversation — it shows you were genuinely engaged.
Keep it short — 3 to 5 sentences. This is not another cover letter.
If you were interviewed by multiple people, send individual messages — not a group email.
Sample: "Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the HR Manager role. Our discussion about your team restructuring was particularly insightful. I remain very interested in the position and look forward to hearing the next steps."
Reflect and Record
Write down the questions you were asked immediately after — your memory will fade quickly.
Note which questions you answered well and which you struggled with.
Identify gaps in your preparation and address them before the next interview.
If you are in multiple processes, keep a log of each — companies, interviewers, questions asked, and how you felt it went.
Following Up
If they gave you a timeline and it has passed, it is perfectly professional to follow up once.
"I wanted to follow up on my interview for [Role] on [Date]. I remain very interested and would love to know if there are any updates on the process."
Do not follow up more than twice. If you hear nothing after two attempts, move on.
If you receive a rejection, ask politely for feedback — it is valuable for future interviews and shows maturity.
What Not To Do After
Do not call the company repeatedly asking for updates
Do not post about the interview on social media while the process is ongoing
Do not accept another offer impulsively if you are still awaiting a preferred role — but do not decline others while waiting indefinitely
Do not burn bridges if rejected — the recruiter may think of you for future roles