The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic may have disrupted the economy and job market, but employers are still hiring. With mandatory quarantines in effect, even “essential” businesses are now relying on virtual platforms to interview students for full- and part-time positions and internships.

If you’ve been selected for a virtual interview, preparation is key to avoid potential problems.

“Test your technology to ensure you have internet connectivity prior to the interview and confirm that your camera and microphone are working,” said Rena’e Love, a career counselor in the University of Delaware Career Center. “If your picture is grainy or you experience an echo, you may need to buy a webcam with a built-in microphone, which is hard to do five minutes before the interview. Don’t procrastinate.”

While interviewing from home, you have control of your surroundings. Love suggests finding a room with optimal lighting near a blank wall to guarantee that you are the focal point of the conversation — not your incomplete chores. “Whether you sit on your living room couch or in your home office, tidy up,” Love said. “It’s hard to convince employers that you’re detail-oriented and organized when there’s laundry visibly piling up in the corner.”

Once you’ve set the scene, it’s time to record and rehearse. “Don’t let your first real virtual interview be your first time interviewing virtually,” said Rachel Coppola, senior associate director of the Career Development and Campus Engagement Team. “Big Interview is such a great tool to practice, record yourself and see how you look. Do you fidget? Is your lighting good? Is your camera positioned at the right height? Practice, practice, practice.”

Get used to focusing on your camera. Research indicates that employers remember applicants who make eye contact, even by artificial virtual means. “Looking at your computer’s camera can be awkward,” said Coppola. “People have a tendency to look at the screen, but it can seem like you aren’t looking in the right direction. Look in their online ‘eyes,’ so to speak.”

You may not have changed out of your pajamas in a few weeks — and who could blame you? But don’t get too comfortable when you’re about to go on camera. Wear business professional clothing to demonstrate that you’re a qualified candidate.

“Virtual interviews should still be taken just as seriously as in-person interviews,” said Nichole Hitchner, a  career counselor in the UD Career Center. “Prepare as if it is in person by dressing the part. Do your research on the company and position and practice answering sample questions.”

Some common interview questions you should prepare to answer include: Why are you interested in the role? What do you consider to be your biggest professional achievement? What are you looking for in a new position? Be ready for anything but resist the urge to type up a speech. Canned responses can sound inauthentic. “Practice, don’t memorize,” said Love. “You don’t want to sound overly rehearsed. Instead, write some high-level thoughts down on Post-It notes that you can stick to your computer if needed.”

And questions should go both ways. Have thoughtful questions in mind to pose to a hiring manager, such as: What does a typical day in the life of this role look like? What are the company’s goals this quarter? How would you describe the ideal candidate for this position?

When the time comes, eliminate noise by turning off the TV, silencing your cell phone and close windows to muffle neighborhood sounds. “Make sure you’re in a quiet area, free from distraction,” said Hitchner.

During the interview, monitor your body language and react expressively to the hiring manager. “Smiling is always a good idea and so is a slight nod to acknowledge that you hear them,” said Coppola.

Capitalize on an opportunity to deviate from the script and connect on a personal level. Is the interviewer from your hometown? Did they reference a movie you happen to love? Find a way to show you’re listening and bond. “Don’t be afraid to have a short aside about a common interest,” says Love. “It’s not easy to connect with everyone, but it’s a crucial part of a virtual interview. You might be at the end of a long list of people the hiring manager spoke to that day. The recruiter might enjoy a break from the routine questions; you want them to remember a personal story.”

After your interview, be sure to follow up via email within 24 hours to confirm your interest in working for the company. “If there was something specific you bonded over, mention that in the email so you stay top of mind,” Love said. “Or if an interviewer brought up a particular business challenge, use the follow-up as a way to propose potential solutions.”

Hopefully, your virtual interview will lead to a virtual offer. If you need more guidance, schedule an appointment with a career counselor on Handshake.