8 Ways To Show You Are A Leader During Virtual Job Interviews
It’s undeniably harder to make a memorable impression in virtual job interviews than when you're sitting across the table from a hiring manager in person. The screen acts as a scrim that dilutes your presence, and there’s increased potential for distractions. Yet, whether they happen in the real or virtual world, first impressions last. In this setting, you need to prove you’re a leader despite the limitations of the medium.
The people interviewing you are decision-makers. They’re assessing whether you have the leadership skills and potential they’re looking for. When you demonstrate your leadership qualities right from the start, you’ll not only boost your chances of landing the job, but also set yourself up for success in future leadership roles. Here are eight ways to show you’re a leader during a virtual job interview.
1. Get Your Digital Brand In Order
Before your interview, chances are high that your interviewer will look you up online. In fact, “92% of companies use social media platforms to look up candidates before an interview,” according to the Muse. What they see is their first impression of you as a candidate. That’s why it’s essential to polish your digital presence, particularly your Google search results and LinkedIn profile.
Start by googling yourself (“narcissurfing,” as some call it) and take a critical look at what comes up. Does it reflect someone with leadership potential? Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date, complete, and replete with examples of your leadership skills. Highlight projects you’ve led, initiatives you launched, and challenges you’ve overcome. Your online presence should reinforce your personal brand as a confident and capable leader.
3. Be Extra Human
The 13” screen can feel impersonal and create distance between you and the interviewer. Compensate by bringing warmth and humanity into your interaction. Be empathetic and approachable. For example, having a link to your résumé (and other online content that backs up your claims) ready to paste into the chat shows thoughtfulness and an effort to make things easier for your interviewer.
Remember, leaders inspire and engage people. Stories are a great way to make a personal connection (more on that below). Smile, listen actively, and let your personality come through. This isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about making them see you as someone they’d love to have on their team.
5. Ask Strategic Questions
Leaders think beyond their immediate tasks and keep their focus on the bigger picture. During your interview, demonstrate this mindset by asking thoughtful, strategic questions (here’s a list of 23 questions to consider). When you ask questions, you turn your interview into an interactive conversation with more depth and engagement. Asking strategic questions show that you’re already thinking like a leader, not just a candidate.
7. Share Stories Of Growing Others
Leadership isn’t just about personal success; it’s about helping others succeed. Share examples of how you’ve supported your colleagues, mentored less experienced team members, or helped peers achieve their goals. Management guru Jack Welch famously said, “Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.” Talk about times when you inspired others to exceed their own expectations or helped someone navigate a tough situation. These stories highlight your focus on others and ability to lead with empathy and vision.
Read ways 2,4,6,8 and the complete Forbes article
