Virtual Interview Advantages and Disadvantages (+19 Tips)

If you’re struggling to attract the best candidates or provide them with a positive hiring experience, conducting video interviews could be a key factor in your success as a hiring team.

But before you adopt this format, it's important to know how to navigate them successfully, whether you typically host one-on-one meetings or group interviews.

In this article, we'll look at the advantages and disadvantages of online interviews and share tips to help hiring managers and interviewees alike make a good first impression.

What are virtual interviews?

Virtual interviews are face-to-face interviews conducted online instead of in person, typically over a video call. Most hiring managers hold virtual job interviews via video conferencing software like Livestorm, Skype, Zoom, or Google Meet.

Advantages of virtual interviews

Virtual interviews are now so popular that many businesses choose to make new hires without any in-person meetings at all. Here are some of the main reasons why employers prefer video interviews.

• Reduces time-to-hire
• Greater scheduling flexibility
• Fewer delays or cancellations
• Easy to include team members in the interview
• Allows for a bigger pool of candidates
• You can share the interview with other decision-makers
• You can use multimedia
• Saves on costs

Reduces time-to-hire

Virtual interviews often accelerate the hiring process. They make scheduling simpler, and they make it easier for employers and recruiters to reach out to long-distance candidates.

For many organizations, time-to-hire is a crucial metric. By hiring quickly, you can limit lost opportunities and save on recruitment costs.

Greater scheduling flexibility

Many job candidates have personal and professional obligations that place limits on their availability. However, these obligations present less of an issue for video interviews.

For example, you’ll probably find that most in-person candidates request lunchtime or end-of-day interviews. Alternatively, they may have to take a day off work, which they may struggle to organize at short notice.

With a virtual interview, though, candidates are far more flexible. This makes it much easier to schedule all your interviews for a role over a shorter period of time.

Fewer delays or cancellations

Just as video conferencing interviews simplify the scheduling process, they also make it easier for candidates to stick to dates and times. Candidates won't have to deal with traffic delays or other inconveniences.

Plus, hiring managers and candidates alike can conduct interviews from home, making it simpler to avoid timing issues.

Easy to include team members in the interview

If you have a lot of internal stakeholders taking part in the interview process, you’ll know that often one or two have to drop out, which brings inconsistency to the hiring process.

With the flexibility of virtual interviews, there are fewer occasions where that’s necessary. It's fairer to candidates, and it means you don’t have to go through the process of reporting how an interviewee performed.

Allows for a bigger pool of candidates

If you’re looking far afield to fill your role, you may be frustrated by fantastic candidates who aren’t willing to undertake a long trip for an interview when there’s no guarantee they’ll get the job.

With a virtual interview, your department doesn’t have to pay for a flight or other travel expenses, and your fantastic candidate can still be in contention for the position.

You can share the interview with other decision-makers

Recording a video conferencing interview is infinitely more straightforward than recording an in-person one, and there are a number of reasons to do so.

With the candidate’s permission, you can share interview replays with other decision-makers in the hiring process. Also, you can review interviews (especially helpful if you’re not a great notetaker) and compare specific responses to key questions across different candidates.

Another great reason to record your interviews is to review and provide feedback on the performance of interviewees. If someone in the hiring team is particularly strong in one aspect of how they conduct interviews, why not share a recording to demonstrate what they do so well?

You can use multimedia

When you use the best video conferencing software, including multimedia as part of your interviews is incredibly easy. You can share graphs and tables for technical questions, videos for situational questions, and images or PDFs for brain teaser questions.

Saves on costs

When you don't need to schedule a round of in-person interviews, you can save on travel costs. You can also speak to long-distance candidates who might otherwise be put off interviewing, avoid delays and cancellations, and reduce time-to-hire.

All of these factors bring down costs and save time, giving you a better chance of getting the best candidate for the role.

Disadvantages of video conferencing interviews

As helpful as virtual interviews are, they may pose some problems. Here are some of the most common issues with this interview format.

You need the right video conferencing platform

You can’t have an efficient, consistent round of virtual interviews if you’re not using the right online meeting platform. You should be able to set up and start calls without any hassle, and interviewees shouldn’t have any problems joining a call.

The right platform should be browser-based, so that interviewees don't have to download an app before joining the call. It should also handle call recording seamlessly so you can share the interview with other members of your team.

Connectivity issues

Both interviewees and hiring managers need a reliable internet connection. Otherwise, you could have an interrupted call with lag or frozen images. If the call results in connectivity issues, you may have to reschedule.

Background noise or distractions

Interviewees sometimes struggle to find a quiet space if they’re attending a virtual interview from home. This can affect their ability to perform well during your call. Also, it could affect your ability to fully assess the candidate.

Candidates miss out on a sense of the company culture

You can’t give candidates a feel for your working environment when you're working remotely in the same way as with an in-person interview.

Walking into an office for their interview, a candidate can immediately pick up on stress levels, check out the workplace layout, or observe how the team communicates with each other. For some candidates, this could be enough to convince them this is the best place for them.

You could both be missing non-verbal cues

Whether it’s a firm handshake, steady eye contact, how they dress, or subtle tells in their body language, there are many kinds of non-verbal cues that can give you insights into a person’s personality. These cues can hint at their confidence or hesitance.

Video interviews come very close. But they’re not the same as meeting someone in person. In many cases, this is as important for interviewees as it is for interviewers.

Livestorm for efficient virtual interviews and faster time-to-hire

Video conferencing interviews are fantastic for reducing time-to-hire and getting the best candidate for the role. They also make organizing interviews easier, and reduce the number of cancellations and delays.

But you could miss out on the benefits of video interviews without best video conferencing platform. Livestorm is user-friendly, browser-based, and complete with engagement features like built-in chat, multimedia sharing, and unlimited replays.

That isn't all. Once the hiring process is complete, Livestorm can also support your employee onboarding process and training sessions along with virtual meetings and video conferencing.

How to prepare for a virtual interview

From testing your equipment to preparing your answers, there are many aspects you can plan in advance. Use these tips to prepare for your virtual interview.

1. Know how to meet expectations

As a candidate, you might be required to bring a presentation or even solve a problem on the spot. Find out what's expected of you by asking the interviewer ahead of time.

For example, if you've applied for a more technical role, the interviewer might want to see a demo of your skills and assess how you perform under pressure.

2. Prepare answers to common questions

For candidates, researching the company and the role will give you a better understanding of what to expect from the interview. Review the job posting and highlight any key responsibilities or qualifications.

Prepare answers to common interview questions, such as:

• What do you understand about the role/company?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• What’s your previous job experience?
• Why are you interested in this role?

Remember that your interviewer might be on a time crunch, so keep your answers focused. If you’re worried about taking up too much time on one question, touch base and ask “would you like me to elaborate on that?”

3. Perfect your video call setup

One of the advantages of virtual interviews is that you can control your environment. Wherever you choose to do your interview — at home, in a cafe, or in a library — find a place where you won't be interrupted.

Keep everything you need for the interview within reach, such as a notebook, a pen, your resume, and the job posting. Make sure your laptop is fully charged or plugged in.

4. Set up camera and lighting

Position the camera at eye level, or use a laptop stand to prop it up if necessary. Avoid having the sun behind you, as this might make it difficult to see your face. Built-in cameras aren't always the best quality. Instead, go for video conferencing cameras with clear, high-definition video.

Lighting is just as important as camera placement. Avoid having a light source behind you, as this will cause your face to appear in shadow. Sit facing a window for natural lighting. If you're looking for a remote job that frequently demands video calls, research the best lights for video conferencing.

5. Make sure you have a stable WiFi connection

Whether you're attending the interview call from home or in a public space, you'll want to test your internet connection beforehand. Simply run a speed test to see if your upload and download speeds are high enough.

Close any tabs or programs that might use up bandwidth, such as video streaming services. Have a backup plan, like a mobile hotspot, in case your WiFi connection cuts out during the interview.

6. Choose a background

A professional or neutral background is always a good choice. You want the interviewer to focus on you, not your surroundings. Avoid clutter, TV screens, or anything that might be a distraction.

But if you're applying for a creative role, adding your personality to your background can be a great way to stand out. For example, bookshelves and houseplants can be good conversation starters to help the interviewer get to know you better.

If you don’t have the perfect setting, the best background for video conferencing is virtual. Livestorm’s virtual background library is complete with different images to suit different occasions — or you can upload your own.

7. Test your headphones and mic

An echo or background noise can be very off-putting for the person on the other end. Avoid using your computer's built-in microphone and speakers if possible.

Invest in a good pair of headphones with a noise-canceling mic. Getting the right portable gear is crucial for remote work. This adds an extra layer of professionalism and helps avoid any potential technical issues.

8. Check which platform your call will be hosted on

Most virtual job interviews happen over online meeting software like Livestorm, Zoom, or Skype. While most are browser-based, some might require you to download an app.

Create an account on the platform ahead of time and test it out with a friend or family member. Familiarize yourself with the interface, features like screen and media sharing, compatibility with your device, and any potential glitches.

Tips for a successful virtual interview

While getting your tech sorted is essential prior to your interview, how you present and conduct yourself is just as important. Here are our tips for acing a virtual interview.

9. Dress appropriately

While you might be interviewing from the comfort of your home, it's important to look presentable. Pajamas or athleisure wear won't convey the professionalism you want to exude. Identify what to wear for an interview just as you would for an in-person interview, but pay attention to colors that work well on camera.

If you set up a virtual background, consider how your outfit complements the color palette to make you look good in the video call. Clashing patterns or loud prints can be distracting, so it's best to stick with solid colors.

10. Use visual reminders

There's nothing worse than an awkward silence during an interview. Use visual reminders like post-its if you blank out or need a little help to keep the conversation flowing. Write down key points you want to hit, such as discussing your experience or why you're excited about this particular role.

11. Answer the question

Get to the point quickly, and then elaborate with examples. If you're not sure how to answer a question, take a moment to collect your thoughts before responding.

Or, if you feel like you’ve gone off-topic, you can double-check the question with your interviewer and give a quick summary of the important points.

12. Ask if you can share your screen

If you're asked to talk about a specific project or experience, showcasing your work with a screen share can impress your interviewer. This will give them a better sense of how you can lead a conversation, present your ideas, and think on your feet.

13. Use the mute button if you need to

Whether you want to sip some water, clear your throat, or take a break to relieve some nerves, don't be afraid to mute yourself.

Once you're ready to jump back in, unmute so you can continue the conversation. Remember that your interview is probably being recorded, so any fidgeting or other background noise will be picked up.

14. Request a link to the recording

There's no better way to judge your performance than to watch it back. Some virtual interview platforms like Livestorm send automated recordings to attendees, so check your inbox for any overlooked emails.

If you don’t see a recording, reach out to your interviewer and request one. This will allow you to go back, listen, and reflect on how you did. If there are any areas you feel you could improve on, make a note for next time.

Virtual group interview tips

While a one-on-one interview is nerve-wracking enough, a group interview can add an extra layer of stress. By following these virtual job interview tips, you can stay calm and stand out.

15. Use the “raise a hand” feature

In a video call, it can be difficult to tell when someone is trying to speak. To avoid interrupting or talking over others, use the “raise hand” feature in your video conferencing software. This will notify the interviewer that you have something to say and allow them to unmute you when it's your turn to speak.

16. Avoid staying on mute for the entire interview

Show your enthusiasm for the role by participating in the conversation. Unmuting yourself to ask a question or make a point will let the interviewer know you're engaged and interested.

17. Stick to the script

When you're in a group, it can be easy to get sidetracked. Someone might monopolize the conversation or go off on a tangent, making it difficult to stay focused. Keep your responses relevant to the question and avoid getting distracted by other topics.

18. Ask questions

An interview is a two-way street. This is your chance to learn more about the company, team, and role you're interviewing for. Come prepared with at least three questions to ask at the end of the interview.

With video conferencing software like Livestorm, you can also leave your questions in the questions tab to avoid interrupting the flow of conversation.

19. Follow up with a thank-you note

Once the interview is over, send a follow-up email to thank your interviewer for their time. This is also an opportunity to restate your interest in the role and reiterate why you would be a good fit.

Sending a thank-you note is a small gesture that can go a long way. It's an extra step that helps you stand out from the other candidates.

Frequently asked questions about virtual interviews

How do you stand out in a virtual interview?

You stand out in a virtual interview by being prepared. Test your technology out ahead of time, make sure you have a good virtual interviewing setup, and place visual clues around your webcam so you don’t forget important points. Don’t be afraid to ask interviewers to repeat or clarify questions, and come armed with questions of your own.

How do you introduce yourself in a virtual interview?

Introduce yourself in a virtual interview with a brief personal summary, such as your name, current role, and years of experience, followed by a question for the interviewer or about the company.

What should you not do in a virtual interview?

You shouldn’t stay muted the entire time, interrupt others, or talk over others. You should also avoid getting sidetracked, monopolizing the conversation, or going off on tangents. Instead, focus on the question at hand and be sure to leave time for questions at the end.

What are the benefits of holding video conferencing interviews online?

Some of the main advantages of having video conferencing interviews are that they reduce time-to-hire, save costs, and make it easy to share and review interviews with other members of the team.

What are the drawbacks of holding virtual interviews online?

The main issue with video interviews is candidates can’t sense what the working environment is like. Also, you need a user-friendly video conferencing platform or candidates might struggle to join the call or experience other technical difficulties.

How do you hold an interview online?

Here are some of the main points to remember when conducting a video interview:

• Have a clear understanding of the job requirements.
• Make sure you know how to use the video conferencing software, which will ideally be user-friendly and browser-based.
• Prepare questions carefully and use multimedia for a range of different question types.