Online interviews offer unique opportunities that can help you stand out – if you’re properly prepared. Unlike face-to-face interviews, the virtual format allows you to discreetly leverage the space around you to ensure you’re fully equipped to answer questions effectively and maintain your focus throughout the conversation.

If you’re interviewing for customer-facing roles like sales & Marketing, interviewers will expect you to think on your feet and demonstrate adaptability. By utilising the “dead space” behind your screen, you can set yourself up for success in a way that wouldn’t be possible in a traditional interview setting.

Here’s how to strategically prepare and use your virtual interview environment to your advantage.

1. Set Up a Second (or Third) Screen

One of the biggest advantages of online interviews is the ability to use a second screen. Displaying your CV on a second monitor ensures that you can easily reference your experience without losing eye contact or breaking the flow of the conversation.

If you have access to a third screen, even better. You can use this for other useful documents, like the company’s website or key stats you may want to refer to during the interview. However, the important thing is not the number of screens but how effectively you use them.

Be strategic in how you set up your workspace. Have your primary screen for the interview in front of you, with additional screens placed in a way that allows you to glance at them discreetly. This setup helps you avoid awkward pauses or moments of scrambling to recall information.

2. Prepare Key Facts About the Company

One surefire way to make a strong impression is to show you’ve done your homework on the company. Interviewers will expect you to have a solid understanding of their business, so having key facts about the company at your fingertips is essential.

Place notes with critical information about the company, such as its mission, recent achievements, or industry trends, in your workspace. Make sure you’re familiar with their products, services, and the challenges they face in the market. By weaving this knowledge into your answers, you demonstrate that you’ve taken the time to understand the company and that you’re genuinely interested in the role.

Being prepared in this way shows proactivity and that you can bring value to their business.

3. Anticipate STAR Questions

Structured behavioural questions, such as those following the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) format, are common in interviews. Preparing a list of examples where you demonstrated skills like problem-solving, leadership, or adaptability can be incredibly useful.

Keep these examples visible on a second screen or as bullet points near your camera so you can easily reference them without fumbling through your memory. These examples will help you provide specific, impactful answers when asked how you’ve handled particular challenges in the past.

The STAR method requires concise but detailed responses, and having these ready can ease any pressure you may feel in the moment.

4. Have Questions Ready for the Interviewer

Another way to leave a lasting impression is by having thoughtful questions prepared for the interviewer. This shows your genuine interest in the role and gives you the opportunity to better assess whether the company is the right fit for you.

Use your third screen or sticky notes around your main monitor to remind yourself of key questions to ask at the end of the interview. Consider questions like:

• What are the company’s biggest priorities in the next 6-12 months?
• How do you see this role evolving over time?
• What challenges are currently facing the team or department?

By asking well-researched and meaningful questions, you position yourself as a candidate who is forward-thinking and eager to contribute.

Final Thoughts: Fail to Prepare, Prepare to Fail

Online interviews are as much about preparation as they are about performance. The ability to leverage your environment is an advantage that should not be overlooked. With a little forethought and the right setup, you can ensure that you have everything you need to stand out as a top candidate.

And in today’s competitive job market, that extra preparation can be the difference between getting an offer or missing out on a great opportunity.

Fail to prepare, and prepare to fail—it’s as simple as that!

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