Nail Your Virtual Job Interview: Simple Tips

Virtual Job Interview Tips for South Africa’s Job Seekers

Virtual job interview tips in South Africa are more relevant than ever because most job interviews now happen online.

With a bit of prep, you can shine in a video interview—even from your kitchen table. At HoHR, we help small businesses hire great people. So here are our straightforward tips to help you show up confidently and make the most of your online interview.

Before the Virtual Job Interview: Get Set Up

1. Check Your Tech

Ensure you know which platform the interview will be conducted on (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet, Teams).

Test it the day before. Check your webcam and sound.

Try to use earphones—they help reduce echo and make you sound clearer.

2. Tidy Your Background

Find a quiet place with a clean background. A blank wall or tidy corner works well.

Try to face a window or a light source so you’re not in the dark.

OR set a digital background via your digital platform.

3. Dress Smart-casual

Even though you’re at home, dress like you would for a real interview. A neat shirt or blouse goes a long way.

4. Get to Know the Basics

Read up on the company. Visit their website and LinkedIn.

Make sure you understand what the role involves and why you want it.

During the Interview: Keep It Simple & Friendly

1. Look at the Camera

It feels weird, but looking at the camera helps the interviewer feel like you’re making eye contact.

2. Be Yourself—But Prepared

Speak clearly and don’t rush.

If you don’t know an answer, it’s okay to say: “I need a moment to think about that.”

3. Ask Questions

Good ones include:

“What does a typical day in this role look like?”

“How does your team usually work together remotely?”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Being late – log in 5 minutes early.

Being too casual – this is still a real interview.

Talking over people – wait a second after they speak before replying (lag happens).

Background noise – try to keep pets, family, and phones quiet during the call.

Questions to prepare for the Virtual Job Interview:

1. What Value can you add to the position and the company?

2. What are your Top 3 Strengths?

Find that golden skill, that thing that sets you apart and makes you the

perfect fit for the role.

3. Competency-Based Questions:

Think of situations where you have encountered specific situations such as

conflict. How would you handle these constructively, and what solutions

would you propose? What have you achieved in previous roles? Go through

the technical aspects of tasks aligned with the competencies required for the

role you are applying for.

4. What are your Salary Expectations?

Know your worth and do your homework on market related salaries.

5. What is your availability?

6. Do you have any questions?

Your answer should be “YES!” Gather the facts that will help you make the

final decision if you are the successful candidate.

7. Lastly, believe that you are who the company needs and trust that you know your subject best!

It’s pretty rare to find a person who looks forward to interviewing and

being interviewed, so trust me if you are feeling nervous about confronting

the difficult questions, you are not alone!

The interviewer wants to get to know the REAL person behind the CV, so BE YOURSELF.

So take a deep breath, set yourself up well, and go in with confidence. You’ve got this.

Looking for Your Next Role?

At Hands‑On Human Resources, we support small businesses across South Africa with recruitment, talent sourcing, onboarding, and people-first policies.  #HRinGoodHands