What It Is
Job interviews conducted via video conferencing platforms (Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams) rather than in person. Accelerated from niche to mainstream during the 2020 pandemic.
Pre-2020 vs Post-2020
Before 2020:
- Limited to initial phone screens or remote positions
- Often first-round only, final rounds in person
- Seen as less prestigious than in-person
After 2020:
- Became default for most industries
- Full interview loops conducted virtually
- Many companies went “virtual first” permanently
- Hybrid models emerged (some virtual, final round in person)
Technical Best Practices
Setup:
- Test equipment 15 minutes before
- Use wired internet if possible
- Position camera at eye level
- Ensure good lighting (face the window or use ring light)
- Clean, neutral background (or blur feature)
- Close other applications
Presentation:
- Dress professionally (yes, including bottom half)
- Minimize distractions (pets, kids, roommates)
- Look at camera, not screen, when speaking
- Keep water nearby
- Have resume/notes handy (but don’t read)
One-Way Video Interviews
A controversial trend emerged: asynchronous interviews where candidates record answers to pre-set questions without a live interviewer. Criticized as impersonal and disadvantaging neurodiverse candidates, but efficient for high-volume hiring.
Zoom Fatigue Impact
By 2022, candidates and interviewers reported exhaustion from back-to-back video calls. Some companies returned to phone screens or in-person finals to differentiate and reduce fatigue.