Virtual interviews no longer serve as a substitute for meeting in person: They now represent normal hiring infrastructure.
Across academia, industry, and research institutions, they have become embedded in how organizations identify and evaluate talent. What began as a necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic has evolved into a lasting shift in professional culture. Today, initial screenings, finalist conversations, and even full hiring processes often unfold entirely online. For candidates in STEM, professional presence must now translate clearly through a screen.
I experienced this shift firsthand when I interviewed virtually for my postdoctoral position at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. I still remember glancing at the small green camera light just before the conversation began, aware that this digital window carried real consequence. That discussion, conducted entirely online, led to one of the most formative opportunities of my career. It also reshaped how I think about preparation. My technical depth and research vision earned me essential attention, but so did something less obvious: how effectively I communicated through technology.
In virtual settings, first impressions are shaped not only by a candidate’s expertise but also by their presence or clarity on camera. How do they visually present themselves? How clearly do they make themselves heard? How comfortably do they navigate the virtual medium? For many women in STEM, presenting themselves effectively onscreen is not a minor technical detail; it is part of being taken seriously. This skill does not replace substance; it frames it.
Preparing Beyond the Answers
In an in-person meeting, a candidate can gain presence from the interview room, which provides a structure and setting for the discussion. In a virtual interview, however, the candidate must create their own room. Lighting, camera placement, background, and sound quality all influence how the conversation feels. Dim lighting can obscure expression. A low camera angle can unintentionally distract. Background noise can fracture an otherwise strong explanation.
None of these details defines a candidate’s qualifications. Yet each can shape the potential employer’s attention. An interviewer wants to focus on analytical thinking, creativity, and long-term potential. When technology becomes a barrier—even briefly—it competes with content.
Thoughtful preparation reduces that friction. Positioning the camera at eye level helps simulate natural eye contact. Facing a window or light source improves visibility. Testing audio in advance prevents avoidable interruptions. These small, practical steps communicate professionalism and care.
During my own virtual interviews, once my setup felt stable and intentional, I noticed a shift in myself and in the conversation. I stopped thinking about the platform. The exchange became immersive, dynamic, and intellectually energizing. Technology faded into the background, and the focus returned to ideas. That should always be the goal.
Just as we dress ourselves carefully for an in-person meeting, we should give our digital environment similar attention. It becomes part of our professional narrative.
Technology as a Practical Investment
As remote collaboration becomes routine in STEM, many professionals view basic technology upgrades as pragmatic investments. Built-in cameras and microphones may be sufficient, but quality varies. In some cases, an external webcam or microphone enhances clarity and consistency, particularly during longer technical discussions.
When setting up your own technology, focus on reducing unnecessary distractions, not on achieving perfection. Clear audio and steady video allow ideas to take center stage. When interviewers do not have to adjust volume or strain to see expressions, the conversation flows more naturally.
Strive to eliminate such digital interruptions as notifications, background applications, or competing browser tabs, which can subtly divert attention from you as you talk and respond to questions. Close unused programs, silence alerts, and communicate boundaries to anyone nearby to create space for full engagement. These deliberate choices signal respect for the process and confidence in one’s preparation.
In competitive environments, small details accumulate. Each such detail does not individually determine an outcome, but together they create coherence and credibility.
Using AI Thoughtfully in Interview Preparation
Alongside virtual hiring opportunities, candidates now have access to artificial intelligence tools that can support interview preparation. Used responsibly, AI can assist in organizing thoughts, refining explanations of complex projects, and identifying areas where responses may lack clarity or focus.
For individuals transitioning between sectors, returning to a field after time away, or interviewing in a second language, these tools can function as structured rehearsal partners. They offer opportunities to test phrasing, anticipate questions, and strengthen narrative alignment with a specific role.
At the same time, authenticity must remain front and center. Interviewers focus on real-time thinking and intellectual agility. Overly scripted responses can feel detached from lived experience. Candidates use AI most effectively when they use it to strengthen the clarity of their message without losing their own voice. Preparation should build confidence, not rigidity.
Balancing Preparation and Authenticity
Strong interviews—virtual or in person—balance readiness with genuine engagement. Technology can support a candidate’s clarity, but it cannot substitute for curiosity, rigor, or integrity. Preparing for a virtual interview means aligning message and medium so that neither competes with the other.
Virtual interviews will likely remain prominent across STEM disciplines. Scientists can no longer treat digital fluency as optional; they must view this skill as part of modern professional competence and as part of adept leadership. The ability to communicate complex ideas clearly across digital platforms reflects adaptability, awareness, and confidence.
Ultimately, preparing well for an online interview helps candidates create optimal conditions for connection. With a solid technical foundation, they can focus fully on contributing thoughtfully, listening carefully, and demonstrating the depth of who they are as scientists and professionals. In fact, when technology supports rather than distracts, expertise speaks for itself.
Dr. Yagmur Yegin is a Scientist and Engineer who earned an MS and PhD from Texas A&M University and completed postdoctoral research at MIT. Dr. Yegin’s work centers on formulation science, antimicrobial technologies, and environmentally friendly material systems, with applications in consumer products, food safety, and sustainable packaging. Dr. Yegin has contributed to interdisciplinary research across academia and industry, including the development of biodegradable packaging, antimicrobial systems, and nano- and microparticle technologies aimed at replacing intentionally added microplastics in consumer formulations. Throughout Dr. Yegin’s career, she has authored over 30 peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and patents, and has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing her contributions to science and engineering. Outside of her professional work, Dr. Yegin enjoys cooking, road trips, spending time with family, and volunteering for charitable causes.
This article was originally published in AWIS Magazine. Join AWIS to access the full issue of AWIS Magazine and more member benefits.