Digital interview: the technology, the lighting, and the eye contact that make the difference

The digital interview has become part of everyday life in most recruitment processes, but it is not the same as an in-person meeting. What works in a conference room – a firm handshake, eye contact with the person in the room, a natural glance at the whiteboard – does not automatically translate to a screen. The technology, the lighting, and your position in the camera become part of your first impression, sometimes even before you have said a word.

At the same time, the digital format gives you opportunities that do not exist in an in-person meeting. You can prepare notes that are visible only to you, have a calm and controlled environment, and skip the travel. But for it to become an advantage, you need to take control of the technology in advance. Here is what actually matters – and what you should think about to make a strong impression through the screen.

Technology is your first employer

Before you even think about what to say, make sure the technology works. An interview that starts with you struggling with sound or picture gives an uncertain impression, no matter how good your answers are afterwards. Always test your connection, webcam, and microphone well in advance – preferably the day before and again about an hour before the meeting.

Use a headset or headphones with a microphone if you have one, even though the computer's built-in microphone usually works. This reduces background noise and lets you hear the interviewer more clearly. Turn off notifications on your computer and phone, and do not have any other programs open that could ping or pop up during the conversation. If you are using a laptop, place it on a table or a sturdy surface – not on your lap, where the camera angles up toward your nose and gives an unfortunate view.

• Test the sound and picture with a friend or with yourself in advance.

• Keep the charger plugged in or make sure the battery lasts.

• Turn off all programs that could send notifications during the interview.

Lighting and camera – how to look your best

Lighting is one of the most common pitfalls in digital interviews. If you sit with a window behind you, you become a dark silhouette, and if you sit in a dark room, you look grey and hard to read. The goal is for the light to come from the front and slightly from the side, so that your face is clear and your eyes are visible.

Stand or sit with your face toward a window, or place a lamp behind the computer so that it shines on you. Avoid strong light directly above, which can create shadows in your eye sockets. The camera should be at eye level – stack books or use a laptop stand if you need to raise it. That way you avoid the downward-looking angle that makes you look tired or uninterested.

• Sit with the light in front of you – not behind.

• Raise the camera to eye level with books or a stand.

• Make sure you have a clean and neutral space behind you.

Eye contact – look into the camera, not at the screen

In an in-person meeting, you look at the person you are talking to. In a digital interview, it is easy to instead look at the screen – at the interviewer's face or at yourself. But for the person on the other side, it comes across as looking away, and it can give a distant impression.

The solution is simple: look into the webcam when you speak. It feels unfamiliar at first, but that is what creates the sense of eye contact. Feel free to put a sticky note with an arrow or a small figure next to the camera as a reminder. You can also practice talking with a friend in advance and ask for feedback – it helps you find a natural rhythm between looking at the camera and looking at the screen to read reactions.

Body language and presence through the screen

Your body is only visible from the waist up, but it still plays a big role. Sit up straight with your shoulders back, lean forward slightly, and use your hands when you speak – that conveys energy and engagement. Avoid rocking in your chair, fiddling with things, or looking away from the camera when you are thinking.

One thing that differs between digital and physical is that pauses become different. In a room, you can nod or smile to show that you are listening, but through the screen, a silence can be perceived as if you lost your train of thought. So be clear about confirming that you hear and understand – a short 'yes' or 'exactly' goes a long way. And remember that you can take a pause to think, but do say 'let me think for a moment' so that the interviewer knows you are present.

Create a scene that supports you – and end with warmth

Before the interview begins, take a few minutes to prepare your scene. Have a glass of water within reach, close the door to the room, and put up a sign on it so no one disturbs you. Lay out your notes – not as a script, but as prompts you can glance down at when you need to. This is an advantage you do not have in an in-person meeting, so use it.

When the interview is over, thank the interviewer for the conversation and mention something specific that you are taking with you. It could be a question that felt interesting or something you look forward to exploring. End with a smile – it shows even through the screen and leaves a warm impression.

You have prepared, you are in control of the technology, and you know you can create a connection through the camera. That goes a long way. Good luck – you will do great.