Presenting Yourself with Confidence in Virtual and In-Person Interviews

Interviews aren’t just about what you say, they’re about how you show up. The way you carry yourself, your energy, and even the setup of your virtual space all play a role in how confident and capable you appear. Even if you’re feeling nervous (which is completely normal), you can still project confidence. And trust me, the way you present yourself can make or break an interview.

Let’s get into the practical stuff, how to master your body language, set up a professional virtual interview space, and calm those pre-interview nerves so you walk in, or log in, feeling like you own the room.

1. Mastering Non-Verbal Communication and Body Language

People pick up on body language way faster than they process words. Before you even answer a question, your posture, eye contact, and facial expressions are sending signals about who you are. The trick is to use this to your advantage.

For Both Virtual and In-Person Interviews

• Posture Matters – Sit or stand tall, shoulders relaxed. If you slouch, you might look disengaged, even if you're interested.

• Smile Naturally – No need to plaster on a fake grin, but a warm, genuine smile makes you approachable.

• Eye Contact –

  • In-Person: Keep it natural. Too much staring feels intense, too little makes you seem unsure. Strike a balance.

  • Virtual: Look into the camera occasionally instead of staring at your screen—it creates the illusion of eye contact.

    
    

Example: Ever talked to someone who barely looks at you? It feels awkward. Now imagine that in an interview, it signals discomfort or a lack of confidence. Even if you’re nervous, making intentional eye contact makes a difference.

For In-Person Interviews

• Handshake: If it’s expected, make it firm, not a death grip, but not limp either. If you’re unsure, practice with a friend.

• Gestures Matter: Use your hands naturally when talking. Keeping them stiff by your side makes you look robotic, while excessive fidgeting can be distracting.

For Virtual Interviews

• Hand Visibility – Occasionally using hand gestures keeps things engaging, but don’t overdo it.

• Focus – Keep your eyes on the camera, not your notes or the keyboard. If you’re reading too much, it’s obvious.

Pro Tip: Record yourself answering common questions and watch it back. It’s a bit cringy at first, but it helps you see how you come across and tweak any awkward habits.

2. Setting Up a Professional Virtual Interview Environment

Your background, lighting, and setup say things about you before you even introduce yourself. A messy space can signal disorganization. Poor lighting can make you look like you’re hiding something. Small tweaks make a huge difference.

Choose the Right Space

• Quiet and Distraction-Free: Let your family or roommates know you’ll be in an interview. If needed, put a sign on your door.

  
  

• Good Lighting: Facing a window works best, or use a ring light. Avoid sitting with your back to a bright window, you’ll turn into a silhouette.

  
  

• Optimize Your Background:

  • A clean, neutral space is best.

  • A bookshelf or a simple wall works well.

  • No laundry piles, clutter, or distracting decorations.

Test Your Tech Beforehand

• Check your mic and camera: Do a test call the day before and again 30 minutes before the interview.

• Have a backup plan: Keep a second device ready in case of tech issues.

Example: I once coached someone who showed up to their virtual interview sitting on their bed with a pile of clothes behind them. The hiring manager assumed they weren’t serious. Same person, next interview, cleaned up background, used proper lighting. Instant credibility.

Pro Tip: Keep a glass of water nearby and put your phone on silent before the interview starts.

3. Techniques to Reduce Interview Anxiety

Here’s the thing, everyone gets nervous before interviews. The goal isn’t to eliminate nerves, but to manage them so they don’t throw you off.

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

• Know the Company & Role: Understand their values, mission, and recent updates.

• Practice Common Questions: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions.

• Prepare Questions to Ask Them: This makes you look engaged and in control.

Calm Your Mind

• Deep Breathing: Try box breathing – inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds, repeat. It physically calms your nervous system.

• Visualize Success: Close your eyes and picture yourself speaking confidently, connecting with the interviewer, and getting the job offer. Your brain believes what you tell it.

Manage Pre-Interview Jitters

• Move Your Body: A quick walk, stretching, or even a few jumping jacks help release nervous energy.

  
  

• Power Poses: Stand like a superhero, hands on hips, shoulders back, for two minutes before your interview. It boosts confidence. Yes, it sounds silly, but it works.

  
  

• Arrive Early, But Not Too Early:

  • Virtual: Log in 10 minutes before.

  • In-Person: Arrive 10-15 minutes early. Any sooner and you might put unnecessary pressure on the interviewer.

Reframe Anxiety as Excitement

Instead of thinking, “I’m so nervous,” tell yourself, “I’m excited for this opportunity.” Your brain doesn’t know the difference between nervousness and excitement, it’s all energy. Channel it.

Pro Tip: Remember, interviews are not just about them choosing you. You’re also evaluating if they’re the right fit for you. This mindset shift helps ease the pressure.

Final Thoughts

Confidence in interviews isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being prepared and present. From mastering body language to setting up a professional virtual space and managing nerves, every little detail adds up to how you come across.

So here’s your next step:

• Choose one tip from each section and practice it today. Whether it’s rehearsing body language in a mirror, setting up your interview space, or trying a breathing exercise, small tweaks build real confidence.

You’ve got this, and I’m rooting for you every step of the way.