Virtual interviews have become a standard part of hiring in Kenya, especially for first-round screenings, remote roles, and NGOs or multinational companies interviewing candidates across different locations. While the core preparation overlaps with in-person interviews, video calls introduce their own set of etiquette rules — and small technical or presentation mistakes can distract from an otherwise strong performance. Here’s how to get it right.
1. Test Your Technology Well Before the Interview
Technical issues during the interview itself create unnecessary stress and can eat into your allotted time. Test everything at least a day in advance:
- Camera and microphone functionality
- Internet connection stability — have a backup option (mobile hotspot) ready if possible
- The specific platform being used (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet) — download and update the app rather than relying solely on a browser version
- Audio quality — test how you sound, not just whether the microphone works
On the day itself, log in 5–10 minutes early to handle any last-minute glitches calmly rather than joining exactly at, or after, the scheduled time.
2. Choose a Clean, Distraction-Free Background
Your background says something about your preparation before you speak a single word. A plain wall, tidy bookshelf, or simple home office setup works well. Avoid busy backgrounds, unmade beds, or high-traffic household areas where interruptions are likely.
If a quiet, tidy space isn’t available: Use a platform’s built-in blur or virtual background feature, but choose a simple, professional-looking option rather than anything distracting or overly branded.
3. Position Your Camera and Lighting Correctly
Camera angle and lighting significantly affect how you’re perceived on screen.
- Position the camera at eye level, ideally by placing your laptop on a stack of books if needed — looking down into a low camera is unflattering and can appear disengaged
- Face a light source (window or lamp) rather than sitting with light behind you, which darkens your face and creates a silhouette effect
- Sit at a reasonable distance so your face and upper shoulders are visible, not too close or too far from the camera
4. Dress as You Would for an In-Person Interview
Dress fully and professionally, not just from the waist up. Beyond the small risk of needing to stand during the call, dressing fully often affects mindset and confidence, even if it’s not visible on camera the whole time.
5. Look at the Camera, Not the Screen
This is one of the most common virtual interview mistakes. Looking at the interviewer’s video image on your screen (rather than the camera lens) makes it appear as though you’re avoiding eye contact. Practice glancing at the camera lens periodically, especially while speaking, to simulate natural eye contact.
6. Eliminate Background Noise and Interruptions
Inform household members or colleagues of your interview time in advance, silence phone notifications, close unnecessary browser tabs and applications, and choose a room where interruptions (children, pets, deliveries) are least likely. If using headphones, test that they don’t create echo or feedback on the call.
7. Keep Notes Nearby, But Don’t Read From a Script
One advantage of virtual interviews is the ability to keep brief notes nearby — key points about the company, your prepared examples, or questions to ask. Use this sparingly; reading directly from a script is usually noticeable and can undercut the natural, confident delivery an interviewer is assessing.
8. Practice Muting and Unmuting Smoothly
Know exactly where the mute button is on the platform you’ll be using, and unmute promptly when it’s your turn to speak. Fumbling with unfamiliar software mid-interview creates unnecessary awkwardness and breaks the flow of conversation.
9. Manage Pauses and Turn-Taking Carefully
Video calls often have slight audio delays, which can cause people to talk over each other more than in person. Pause briefly before responding to make sure the interviewer has finished speaking, and speak slightly slower and more clearly than you might in person to account for any connection lag.
10. Send a Follow-Up Email as You Would After an In-Person Interview
Virtual interviews still warrant the same professional follow-up — a brief thank-you email within 24 hours, reiterating your interest and one key strength relevant to the role. This step is sometimes skipped after virtual interviews simply because the interaction felt less formal, but it carries the same weight as in-person follow-up.
What to Avoid
- Joining from a moving vehicle, a noisy public space, or while multitasking on other devices
- Eating, drinking anything other than water, or handling unrelated tasks during the call
- Leaving your phone visible and glancing at it during the conversation
- Joining late without prior communication about a technical delay
Final Thought
Virtual interview etiquette is ultimately about removing avoidable distractions so your qualifications and preparation are what stand out — not a poor camera angle, background noise, or a shaky internet connection. A few minutes of setup and testing beforehand goes a long way toward presenting yourself as polished and professional on screen.
Browse our daily updated job listings across Kenya, and check our career advice section for more interview preparation guides.
