10 tips to master virtual interviews

Randy Lamotte • 20 July 2022

Covid-19, as we all know, has completely changed the game in many aspects of people’s working lives. More specifically, it’s no secret that in recent years a massively increasing number of interviews and meetings had to shift to a virtual setting to make sure everyone involved would be safe. We have all been in countless meetings both internal and external to our working lives over the years. Whether they relate to a professional environment, personal get togethers, or even parents evenings, we have all been exposed to meetings but for the most part on a face to face basis. However, we have all had video calls with friends and family or even with a manager attending a conference. The reality of this shift is that we have all had to adopt the new virtual standard imposed by the pandemic’s consequences in a very reactive manner. Of course, job interviews were and still are far from exempt from this paradigm shift.


The problem that lies with this is that many candidates, whilst potentially well versed in the art of face to face interviews, are perhaps not so used to attending interviews virtually. Furthermore, even though we have come out of the pandemic and no longer have restrictions on face-to-face interactions, virtual interviews have become a standard for many companies and industries. So, we thought we would give you a few tips and tricks on how to feel comfortable and on top of your game during your next virtual interview.

1. First impressions matter


Interviews, unlike a lot of virtual meetings, are a one off chance to make a lasting first impression which could positively change your life – or at least your career. Because of the ubiquitous nature of these calls and encounters, the importance of an interview can be lost in familiarity.


2. Dress to impress


Think about your outfit and attire; would you wear this if the interview were taking place at the business’ headquarters where you would meet with a multinational’s CEO? At the risk of sounding cliché, it is always better to overdress rather than underdress. It shows the interviewer that you care, even if you’re sat at home.


3. Check your virtual background


Is your virtual Teams or Zoom background appropriate or is it still set to that goofy aquarium effect from the last time you had a virtual drink with your friends? In essence, this comes down to simply being prepared before joining the interview and checking your settings.


4. Tidy up your real background



Is your real background neat and tidy? Remember, neat and tidy doesn’t necessarily mean plain white or bland. It can very much highlight your personality, especially if the company’s “vibe” is similar to yours, as long as it’s not overdone and tasteful (maybe take down your Metallica posters though).


5. Make sure you will not be disturbed


Are you likely to be disturbed? We have all seen this video of this consultant appearing on national television from his home office set up and his kids barging in only to be swept away by the other adult in the house. As funny and good natured as this was, let’s make sure something like this doesn’t happen to you and avoid the embarrassing blushing that will inevitably ensue. Make sure to let anyone else in the property that you have an interview lined up at a particular hour in the room you choose to set up shop in. Even a do not disturb sign on the door should do the trick!


6. Know your tech


Do you know the technology well enough? Let’s face it, there’s nothing more annoying than malfunctioning tech, especially in such an important setting. Dropping a call due to an unreliable internet connection or being unable to use the software properly during an interview can hinder your chances of getting the role due to appearing potentially unprepared.


7. Test your tech


By extension; always test the tech! Before you hop onto the interview call, make sure that you have a reliable internet connection, functioning webcam, decent speakers, a good mic, etc. All of which should be standard in any modern laptop.


8. Display your real full name


Is your correct full name listed on the video conference software? Make sure that your full name is being displayed rather than a nickname. This small detail does show to the hiring team that you are professional and separate your personal life to your working life.


9. Watch your body language


This is just as relevant for video interviews as it is for any face-to-face interview. Your body language is an indicator of many different factors such as confidence, intent, and presence. Use it to help communicate what you want to say; frame yourself properly, adopt a good posture, smile, use your hands, all of the things you would naturally do in a face-to-face interview.


10. Do your research


Just like any interview whether this be face-to-face or virtual, you should know what the company you’re applying to does, their values, products/services, etc. as well as the role you’re applying to; what would be expected of you, how you match the required skills, etc. The good thing about virtual interviews however, is that you can have some Post-It notes set around your screen which can act as prompts without the interviewer being aware of them.

Key takeaways


Overall it’s important to remember that even though virtual interviews seem and feel different to traditional on-site interviews, good practice remains very similar in both instances. It never hurt anyone to be prepared. Arguably, virtual interviews can be seen as easier than face-to-face ones as there seems to be less pressure due to being able to remain in a comfortable setting during the interview i.e: your home. However, some elements might be trickier in a virtual interview due to their intangible nature; it’s arguably harder to make a lasting positive impression on interviewers when attending remotely as there is limited human contact between the parties. Overall, remember preparation is key and take an interview as being a conversation. If they offered you an interview, this means they are already interested in you on paper, now it’s just a matter of figuring out whether you as a person fit in their idea of the role and organization. So be natural, be yourself, and don’t put too much pressure on yourself, just have a conversation like you would in other settings and you’ll be just fine.


Get in touch!


At ASC Connections, we make a point to help every candidate to feel as prepared and comfortable as possible for any interview as we know how much of a big deal they can be. Feel free to get in touch with us either via email or give us a call on 0121 236 1662 and ask us for any tips or advice regarding your next career move!

Randy Lamotte is the Head of Marketing for ASC Connections. His love for creative endeavours such as writing and music began when he was only young. Through his current role, he loves to create and share content to help candidates find the best roles tailored to them, and for clients to find talented individuals to suit their needs.

SHARE BLOG

Recruitment Misconceptions That Are Costing You Talent

30 June 2025
Attracting and retaining top talent has always been a challenge and in today’s candidate-driven market, it’s become even more competitive. Yet, many businesses are still relying on outdated recruitment approaches, unaware that they could be turning great candidates away. Here are some of the most common recruitment misconceptions we see and why addressing them can make all the difference in your hiring success. Misconception 1: “If candidates are really interested, they’ll wait.” The reality: Strong candidates often have multiple opportunities on the table. Long delays in reviewing CVs, scheduling interviews or providing feedback can lead to losing them altogether. What to do instead: Make your recruitment process efficient and communicative. Keep candidates informed and move quickly when you identify talent — it shows you’re serious about bringing them on board. Misconception 2: “We can reuse the same job description we’ve always used.” The reality: Job descriptions that simply list duties and responsibilities don’t tell candidates why they should choose your company. In today’s market, candidates are also looking for culture fit, development opportunities and job satisfaction. What to do instead: Use your job advert as an opportunity to showcase what makes your company a great place to work. Be clear about expectations, but also highlight benefits, team dynamics and growth potential. Misconception 3: “We should wait for the perfect candidate.” The reality: Holding out for someone who ticks every single box can lead to long delays and missed opportunities. Candidates with potential, a great attitude and most of the right experience often outperform those with a perfect CV on paper. What to do instead: Focus on core skills and long-term potential. If a candidate can grow into the role and aligns with your company values, they’re worth serious consideration — even if they’re not a 100% match. Misconception 4: “Salary isn’t everything.” The reality: While salary isn’t the only factor, it remains one of the most important. If your pay offering isn’t competitive, or isn’t clearly stated, you risk losing candidates before the conversation even begins. What to do instead: Benchmark your salaries against the current market and consider being upfront where possible. Transparency builds trust and competitive pay attracts serious talent. Misconception 5: “We’ll get help if we need it later.” The reality: Treating recruitment as a reactive process can lead to rushed hires, skill gaps and delays in project delivery. What to do instead: Take a proactive approach. Partnering with a recruitment specialist can help you build a pipeline of talent, prepare for future needs and make more informed hiring decisions — before it becomes urgent. Final Thoughts If hiring has felt more difficult in recent months, it’s worth taking a step back and reviewing your recruitment process. Small changes like reducing time-to-hire, refining your job adverts or broadening your criteria can have a big impact on the quality of talent you attract. Need support in refining your hiring strategy? At ASC Connections, we work with businesses to simplify and strengthen their recruitment approach, helping them secure the right people, faster. Talk to our team today to learn more.

Mastering the Interview: Common Questions and How to Answer Them in 2025

30 May 2025
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, even for the most seasoned professionals. But with the right preparation, you can turn the tables and make a lasting impression. Here's a guide to some of the most common interview questions in 2025 and strategies to answer them confidently. 1. Tell Me About Yourself Why they ask: This question helps interviewers get a snapshot of your professional background and how it aligns with the role. How to answer: Craft a concise narrative that highlights your career journey, key achievements, and what brings you to this opportunity. Example: "I'm a marketing professional with over eight years of experience in the recruitment industry. I've led campaigns that increased candidate engagement by 30% and streamlined employer branding strategies. I'm now looking to leverage my expertise in a dynamic environment where I can drive impactful marketing initiatives." 2. Why Do You Want This Job? Why they ask: Employers want to understand your motivation and whether you're genuinely interested in the role. How to answer: Focus on what excites you about the position and how it aligns with your career goals. Example: "I'm impressed by your company's commitment to innovation in recruitment solutions. This role offers the perfect blend of strategic planning and creative execution, which aligns with my passion for developing marketing strategies that resonate with both clients and candidates." 3. What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses? Why they ask: This question assesses your self-awareness and honesty. How to answer: Choose strengths that are relevant to the job and a weakness that you're actively working to improve. Example: Strength: "One of my key strengths is my ability to analyze market trends and translate them into actionable marketing strategies, which has consistently resulted in increased client engagement." Weakness: "I used to struggle with delegating tasks, wanting to ensure everything was perfect. However, I've learned that empowering my team leads to better outcomes and fosters growth." 4. Describe a Challenge You've Faced and How You Handled It Why they ask: This question evaluates your problem-solving skills and resilience. How to answer: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response. Example: "In my previous role, we faced a sudden drop in candidate engagement. I analysed the campaign data (Situation), identified that our messaging wasn't resonating (Task), revamped our content strategy to focus on candidate success stories (Action), and saw a 25% increase in engagement within two months (Result)." 5. Where Do You See Yourself in Five Years? Why they ask: Employers want to gauge your long-term interest in the role and company. How to answer: Share your career aspirations and how the role aligns with your growth plans. Example: "In five years, I aim to lead a marketing team within a forward-thinking recruitment agency, driving innovative campaigns that set industry standards. This role is a significant step toward that goal." 6. Why Should We Hire You? Why they ask: This question allows you to sell yourself and highlight what sets you apart. How to answer: Summarise your unique qualifications, experiences, and how they align with the company's needs. Example: "With a proven track record in developing successful marketing strategies for recruitment firms, coupled with my passion for connecting talent with opportunity, I'm confident in my ability to contribute significantly to your team's success." Final Thoughts Preparation is key to interview success. By understanding the intent behind common questions and crafting thoughtful responses, you can present yourself as a compelling candidate. Remember to research the company, practice your answers, and approach the interview with confidence. If you are in need of a bit of extra help, reach out . We’ll help you sharpen your story, showcase your strengths, and land the role you’ve been aiming for.
A green background with white circles on it

Cover Letters: The Necessary Evil You Should Actually Care About

30 April 2025
Let’s face it—no one enjoys writing cover letters. Most people would rather sit through a PowerPoint on GDPR compliance. Twice.  But here’s the deal: a well-written cover letter can be the difference between landing an interview and landing in the “no” pile. In a world where CVs are scanned faster than a barcode at checkout, your cover letter is your chance to humanise your application. It’s where you get to say, “Hey, I’m not just a list of skills—I’m someone who gets what you need and knows how to deliver it.” So, whether you're applying for a permanent role or a temporary gig that could open bigger doors, here are our no-nonsense cover letter tips to help you stand out. 1. Don’t Repeat Your CV – Add Context Your CV says what you did. Your cover letter should say why it mattered. It’s not about regurgitating your bullet points—it's about adding the story behind them. Instead of: “Managed a team of 10 customer service agents.” Try: “I led a customer service team through a 30% spike in demand during peak season, maintaining our response times and boosting CSAT scores by 12%.” Context is what turns a job into an achievement. 2. Tailor It—Seriously No, “Dear Hiring Manager” and a copy-paste job won’t cut it. If you’re applying for a job, show you actually want it. Mention the company name. Reference the job title. Say why it interests you. Hiring managers know when you’ve sent the same letter to 30 companies. Spoiler: they hate it. 3. Keep It Short. Keep It Smart. You’re not writing War and Peace. One page max—three to four punchy paragraphs is perfect. Intro – Why you’re applying. Middle – Why you’re a great fit. Outro – What you’ll bring and how to connect. And if you can’t say it in 300 words? Edit until you can. Recruiters and hiring managers are busy humans, not novel enthusiasts. 4. Show Some Personality (But Don’t Overdo It) Yes, be professional. But also be you. If the job calls for someone dynamic, enthusiastic and resourceful, don’t write like a 1997 fax. “I thrive in fast-paced environments, love solving problems under pressure and bring a can-do attitude even when the coffee machine’s broken.” That’s better than: “I am a hardworking, detail-oriented professional with excellent communication skills.” 5. Address the Gaps, if You Need To Got a gap in your CV? Switched industries? Relocated? Don’t ignore the elephant in the room—tame it. Use the cover letter to explain transitions positively and proactively: “After relocating to Manchester to support a family move, I’m now eager to rejoin a customer-focused sales team in a fast-moving environment.” Own your story. Employers appreciate honesty and context over silence and mystery. 6. End with Purpose Don’t just end with “Thanks for your time.” You’re not sending a postcard. Wrap it up with intention. Try: "I’d love the chance to bring my experience in [insert skill] to your team and help [insert company] drive [insert relevant goal]. Looking forward to speaking further.” Be polite. Be confident. And make it clear you want to take the next step. Final Word: It’s Not About Being Perfect—It’s About Being Relevant We’re not asking for the next Booker Prize winner here. We’re asking for clarity, intent and a bit of personality. Think of your cover letter as a handshake before the handshake. It’s your opener. Make it count. And if you’re applying through an agency like us? Use your recruiter. We know what hiring managers want, what they ignore and how to help you fine-tune your pitch so it actually lands. Ready to make your next job move with a killer cover letter and a CV to match? Get in touch . We’ll help you cut through the noise.