Starting a job search today means navigating an interview process that looks very different from days past. Companies are using new tools, new formats, and new ways of evaluating candidates, so preparing isn’t just about what you’ll say. It’s about understanding how you’ll be interviewed.
Because interviews can vary from one company to the next, it helps to prepare ahead of time for the range of experiences you might encounter. For example, you might need to answer structured questions on a Zoom call, speak with multiple interviewers at once, or deal with unfamiliar technology. Each of these situations has its challenges, but you can boost your odds by practicing out loud, getting comfortable with the interview tech, and having clear work examples ready. When you know what to expect and you’ve planned for it, you can better focus on showing hiring teams your strongest skills.
Preparing for virtual interviews
Virtual interviews are now a standard part of the hiring process, and they come with many of the same expectations as an in-person meeting, plus a few extra technical details to plan for. The more familiar you are with the platform, your setup, and the format, the easier it is to stay focused on your answers instead of the technology. Here are some practical tips you can use to strengthen your on-screen preparation.
Test your technology beforehand. Check your camera angle, lighting, and audio quality. Position your camera at eye level and ensure your face is well-lit from the front, not backlit by a window.
Choose a quiet, professional background. A plain wall works perfectly. Remove distractions and let household members know you're interviewing.
Practice looking at the camera, not at yourself on the screen. This creates better eye contact with your interviewer. And remember to dress as professionally for virtual interviews as you would for an interview in person.
Navigating panel interviews
Panel interviews can feel overwhelming, but they tend to follow predictable patterns once you know what to expect. You’ll often meet with several interviewers at once, each focusing on different aspects of your experience, communication style, and problem-solving approach. Here are a few ways to navigate the panel with confidence.
Address the person who asked the question, but make eye contact with everyone periodically. This shows you're engaging with the entire panel, not just one person.
Take notes if you’re offered pen and paper. Writing down interviewers’ names helps you address them directly later. Jot down key points from their questions to ensure you answer thoroughly.
Don't rush your responses. Panel interviews often include longer questions with multiple parts. Take a breath, organize your thoughts, and answer each component systematically.
Understanding AI-assisted interviews
While not yet commonplace, 2026 is seeing an increase in the use of AI in the interview and evaluation process, including AI-assisted prerecorded video interviews. Here, you’ll answer predetermined questions on camera, and the system may analyze factors like word choice, communication patterns, and response content.
Prepare as you would for any interview. Use the STAR method (situation, task, action, result) to structure your answers. Be specific about what you did and what resulted from your actions.
Speak clearly and at a moderate pace. Look directly at your camera to simulate eye contact. While the technology varies by platform, most systems evaluate the content and clarity of your responses rather than subjective factors.
Practice beforehand using your phone or computer to record yourself answering common interview questions. This helps you get comfortable speaking to a camera and identify areas for improvement.
Your action plan
Start preparing now by identifying examples from your experience that demonstrate communication, judgment, collaboration, and adaptability. Write them down using the STAR format.
Research the company and role thoroughly. Understand what competencies matter most for this position and prepare examples that align with those priorities.
Practice your setup for virtual interviews. Record yourself answering questions to refine your delivery and ensure your technology works smoothly.
Remember: Interviewers want you to succeed. They're investing time in the interview process because they're genuinely looking for the right person. Your job is to make it easy for them to see why that person is you.
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Talent Acquisition Consultant Mini Sharma shares some helpful tips on how to prepare for an upcoming interview as part of our Ask a Recruiter video series.
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