Mastering a virtual interview at GOC 

We're excited that you're considering opportunities at GOC! Below are a few tips we put together 
to help you put your best foot forward during your upcoming virtual interview. Best of luck and 
we're rooting for you! 
 
 
1. Find a conducive environment and remove distractions​. 
Planning ahead is crucial! Determine where to take your interview and make sure you 
have an appropriate physical location set up. Eliminate all forms of distractions during 
the day of your interview​—​for instance, silencing your mobile phone or closing nearby 
windows to block out neighborhood traffic noises. It’s also important that the lights are 
turned on, so the interviewer can see your face clearly on camera. The background of 
your interview should be plain and simple, ideally with a white or grey background behind 
you. If you need to take your interview from your bedroom, tidy up and remove clutter!  
 
Before  After 

   

   
 
2. Be present. W
​ hile you might be on your computer, it’s not ideal to search the web 
or click around your notes while answering mid-interview. This is because on video, it’s 

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 easier to tell when a candidate’s eyes are darting around while reading another screen, 
instead of looking directly at the interviewer. It’s important to appear focused and 
engaged during the interview so try to limit all other screen distractions. 
 
3. Test your technology ahead of time.​ T​ o ensure you’re set up for 
success when you are taking a video interview, make sure to check that your internet 
connection is stable and your camera and microphone are working. Consider testing the 
interview link five minutes before the start of your interview to ensure there are no issues 
connecting.  
 
4. Body language counts.​ ​It can be challenging to make a personal connection 
instantly when you’re not meeting your interviewer physically. However, improving your 
presence on the interview call can make a huge difference to the quality of the meeting 
and your ability to communicate. You can do this by being expressive while answering 
questions or simply nodding when you share similar views in the discussion. Consider 
taking the interview at a table versus on the couch while being at home. To show you’re 
engaged, consider sitting at the edge of the chair to sit upright and refrain from 
slouching back.  
 
5. Be yourself.​ ​Just like going for an on-site interview, it’s important to be yourself! 
Let your passion for the role shine and come with questions to show that you’ve 
prepared for your interview. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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