Online Interview Questions

How to best prepare for common online interview questions. More and more employers are using online job interviews as an initial screening tool.

If you are well prepared and take the right steps to ensure your online job interview goes well, it can be less stressful than an in-person interview and will get you the results you want.

Flat illustration of online job interview with relevant icons

The key to a successful virtual interview is confidence and feeling comfortable in front of the screen. This is where preparation and practice enable you to present yourself in the right way.

Prepare for an online interview by practicing your answers to these common virtual interview questions.

8 Online Interview Questions and Answers

1. Tell me a little about yourself

This question sets the stage for your online interview. The key things to remember are to be concise and target your answer to the job opportunity. A full discussion of how to best answer this question can be found at Tell Me About Yourself

Sample interview answers for different situations.

2. Why do you want this job?

This is where your homework comes into play. Know as much as possible about the job and the company before you sit down for your interview.

Focus on what you can do for the company rather than what the employer can do for you. Practice this interview answer beforehand so you can answer with confidence and clarity. Sample Interview Answers

3. Why do you think you are the right candidate for this job?

Discuss your related skills and experience. Highlight your on-point competencies. Discuss your all-round fit with the job and company. Find your unique selling point, something that can differentiate you from the competition. Good Sample Answer

4. What is your biggest accomplishment to date?

Your life is full of achievements. Focus on a relevant work-related achievement to discuss. If you have little work experience consider a personal goal you achieved. Interview Answer

5. What motivates you?

Motivation is crucial in every job. Expect online interview questions that explore your motivation. The passion and energy you convey in answering this question will add credibility to your answer. Sample Interview Answer

6. Why do you want to leave your job?

There are some key pitfalls to avoid when answering this online interview question.

Avoid saying anything negative about your previous employer, focus on the future not the past and ensure that the things you say you are looking for in a job can be met by the position and company you are interviewing with. Good sample answers

7. Where else have you applied?

Interviewers ask this to determine how interested you really are in their job opportunity. They want to know if the types of jobs you have applied for are in line with this position. Sample Interview Answer

8. Do you have any questions?

It is critical to have a couple of insightful questions ready to ask. Prepare these ahead of time. Avoid asking anything that has already been answered during your interview or something you could easily have picked up from the job posting.

Here is a comprehensive list of good questions to ask in your online interview.

Prepare for these 2023 online interview questions

The world of work has changed with hybrid (part remote, part in-office ) work becoming more and more common. Here are some current interview questions that you can prepare for ahead of your online interview:

What have you enjoyed about working from home?

What have you found challenging about working remotely?

How have you adapted to a change in your working conditions?

Essential job interview questions

Tips for Answering Online Interview Questions

5 Online Interview Tips - infographic
  • Sometimes it is difficult to make out what the interviewer is saying. Don't attempt to answer a question that you have not heard properly. Ask for clarification or for the interviewer to please repeat the question and avoid answering incorrectly. 
  • Avoid talking over your interviewer, there is sometimes a time lag so be sure they have finished speaking before you respond. Pause, silently count to five and then answer.
  • You need to speak very clearly and avoid mumbling or talking too fast. Avoid "ums" and "uhs" in your answers, they are much more noticeable in a virtual or online interview. Interview Communication Tips
  • It is more difficult to convey enthusiasm from a distance than in-person. Make sure you show your interest by using the right facial expressions and through the tone of your voice and the right words.
  • Keep your answers concise. Most of your online interview responses should be no longer than 1 or 2 minutes at a time. The interviewer can always ask for more information.
  • When the interviewer is talking, display active listening by nodding your head and making good eye contact.
  • Be aware of your interviewer's body language and understand and act on the message you are receiving. Find out more at Interview Body Language
  • Avoid making jokes about having an interview online. Comments about how weird it is to be in an online interview make you appear inexperienced and unprofessional.

Essential Online Interview Tips

After Your Online Interview

Just as with an in-person interview it is essential to follow up after your online interview with a well written interview thank you note or email to your interviewer.

Wait for a reasonable time period to lapse and then be proactive about following up on the progress of your job application with an interview follow up email

What is a Zoom interview and how to use Zoom functions

Zoom interviews are becoming increasingly popular as in-person interviews have become problematic. Find out the essential techniques for a Zoom video interview and make sure you are well prepared for this type of job interview.

What is a Zoom Interview and the secrets to Zoom interview success.

9 essential tips for Zoom interviews

Find out what to do before, during and after your Zoom job interview.

Tips for a Zoom interview

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Be ready for any interview question you may have to face in your online interview.

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