Honorary/Emeritus Professor; Medical Doctor | PhD, Internationally recognised multi award winning;Neurodivergent; Founder of tech 4 good neurodiversity profiling and training company
Virtual interviews are now common, but they can feel overwhelming. A bit of preparation can make a big difference. 1. Test your tech early Check the link, sound, and camera a day or two in advance. Try a practice run with a friend to feel more confident using the platform. 2. Set up your space Choose a quiet, distraction-free spot. Use a neutral or blurred background if possible. Keep a glass of water, a notepad, or a small fidget item nearby to help you feel calm. 3. Use the virtual format to your advantage You can keep notes or cue cards with reminders of your strengths, STAR examples, or questions to ask. Adjust lighting or wear headphones to feel more at ease. 4. Ask for adjustments If certain changes will help you perform better—like getting questions in advance, extra processing time, or having your camera off—it’s okay to ask. You don’t need to share your diagnosis/label, just state what would help. Ask what is being expected; how long will it last; who is on the panel etc., 5. Practise—but stay flexible Speak your answers out loud beforehand, but don’t try to memorise them. Focus on key points you want to share. It’s fine to pause, take a breath, or return to a question later. 6. Plan self-care before and after Give yourself time to settle before the call, and allow time to decompress afterward. Remember that if an employer isn’t open to making some 'reasonable' adjustments, that tells you something too. You deserve to work somewhere that values you as you are.