Ace your next video interview with these tips

By now, we have all done hundreds of video calls. The novelty has long since worn off, and virtual interviews are now the default first stage for roles across almost every industry.

Because they are so common, the bar has been raised. Hiring managers in 2026 no longer accept being on mute or fumbling with screen-sharing settings as minor hiccups. In a competitive market, technical slickness is interpreted as professional competence.

If you are interviewing for a new role, you are expected to be tech-savvy. Here is how to ensure your setup doesn't let your skills down.

Fluency in the big three is non-negotiable

Do not assume that because you use Zoom for family quizzes, you are ready for a professional interview on Microsoft Teams.

Employers now expect fluency across all major platforms. Before you even apply for roles, ensure you are totally comfortable with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet.

Being comfortable means more than just joining a call. You need to instinctively know how to change your audio and video inputs instantly if something goes wrong. You must be able to share your screen without fumbling, ensuring you share the correct window rather than your messy desktop. You should also know how to use the chat function professionally and navigate breakout rooms if it is a group interview scenario.

If a recruiter sends a Teams link and you have only ever used Zoom, spend the evening before the interview practising on Teams with a friend. Don't wing it.

The danger of the unknown platform curveball

While the big three dominate, many companies use other platforms like Webex, BlueJeans, or proprietary internal software.

The single biggest mistake candidates make is assuming the link will just work five minutes before the start time.

When you receive the interview invitation, check the platform immediately. If it is software you have never used, download the desktop app straight away. Do not rely on the web browser version, which often has limited functionality.

Leaving the installation or learning curve until the last minute puts you immediately on the back foot. You enter the interview flustered, sweating, and apologising for technical issues before you have even answered the first question. That is not the first impression you want to make.

If the invite doesn't specify the platform, ask the recruiter well in advance so you can prepare.

The fundamentals still matter

Once you have mastered the software, don't forget the basics of virtual presentation.

Check your background first. It doesn't need to be a sterile studio, but it must be tidy. A messy bookshelf or a pile of laundry is distracting. Blurred backgrounds are fine, but a real, neat environment often looks more authentic.

Next, light your face properly. Never sit with a window behind you, as you will turn into a silhouette. Position a lamp in front of you, slightly to the side, to illuminate your face clearly.

Finally, remember that audio beats video. Hiring managers will forgive slightly grainy video, but they will not forgive terrible audio. Use a decent headset or suggest using an external microphone rather than relying on your laptop's built-in mic, which often picks up keyboard tapping and echo.

In 2026, technical preparation is part of interview preparation. Treat the tech setup with the same seriousness as you treat researching the company, and you will walk into the virtual room with confidence.