Mastering Virtual Interviews in 2025
Virtual interviews have become the standard in South Africa's job market. Whether you're interviewing for a remote position or an in-office role, mastering video interviews is essential. Here's your complete guide to acing your next virtual interview.
Technical Setup
Equipment Checklist
- Stable Internet: Test your connection 24 hours before (use speedtest.net)
- Camera: Built-in laptop camera is fine - position at eye level
- Microphone: Earphones with built-in mic work better than laptop audio
- Backup Device: Have your phone ready with mobile data as backup
- Backup Plan: Have interviewer's phone number in case of tech failure
Pro Tip:
Close all unnecessary programs and browser tabs. Disable notifications. Update your software before the interview - not during!
Lighting & Background
- Face a window or light source - avoid backlighting
- Use a plain, tidy background or virtual background
- Ensure your face is well-lit and clearly visible
- Test your setup on a video call with a friend
Top 20 Interview Questions in South Africa
Common Questions:
- "Tell me about yourself"
- "Why do you want to work here?"
- "What are your strengths and weaknesses?"
- "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"
- "Why should we hire you?"
- "Describe a challenge you overcame"
- "What is your salary expectation?"
- "Why did you leave your last job?"
- "How do you handle pressure/stress?"
- "What's your leadership style?"
STAR Method for Behavioral Questions
Use this framework to answer "Tell me about a time when..." questions:
- S - Situation: Set the context (what was happening?)
- T - Task: Explain your responsibility (what needed to be done?)
- A - Action: Describe what YOU did (be specific)
- R - Result: Share the outcome (quantify if possible)
Body Language & Presentation
✓ Do:
- • Maintain eye contact (look at camera, not screen)
- • Smile and show enthusiasm
- • Sit up straight with good posture
- • Use hand gestures naturally
- • Dress professionally (top and bottom!)
- • Keep a glass of water nearby
✗ Don't:
- • Look at yourself on screen constantly
- • Fidget or touch your face
- • Read from notes obviously
- • Have distracting items in frame
- • Eat or drink (except water)
- • Let others interrupt you
Questions to Ask the Interviewer
Always prepare 3-5 intelligent questions. Never say "No, I don't have any questions."
Great Questions to Ask:
- • "What does success look like in this role after 6 months?"
- • "Can you describe the team I'd be working with?"
- • "What are the biggest challenges facing the department?"
- • "How does the company support professional development?"
- • "What's the next step in the interview process?"
Common Technical Issues & Solutions
Problem: Poor internet connection
Solution: Switch to mobile data, move closer to router, or ask to reschedule
Problem: Audio echo or feedback
Solution: Use earphones, mute when not speaking, ask others to mute
Problem: Can't join the meeting
Solution: Test link 30 min early, have backup meeting ID/phone number ready
Final Checklist - 30 Minutes Before
- ☐ Test camera, mic, and internet
- ☐ Close unnecessary apps and tabs
- ☐ Have CV and notes ready
- ☐ Glass of water within reach
- ☐ Phone on silent (but nearby as backup)
- ☐ Notify household members not to disturb
- ☐ Deep breath - you've got this! 💪
Ready to Apply?
Now that you're prepared to ace your virtual interview, start applying for opportunities on FutureLinked ZA.
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