Ace Your Virtual Interview: Expert Tips for Aviation Job Seekers
- hollybirmingham
- Sep 24
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 30
In today’s competitive aviation job market, first impressions often happen online. With more airlines, MROs, OEMs, and aviation businesses using virtual interviews as the first step in their hiring process, job seekers must be prepared to showcase their skills and professionalism through a screen. While the format may feel less personal than an in-person meeting, it presents a valuable opportunity to demonstrate adaptability, an essential quality in aviation.
This article shares expert strategies to help you ace your virtual interview and stand out as a top candidate.
Expect the unexpected with technology
The biggest reason virtual interviews don’t go to plan is technology.
Preparation is key, not just for the interview content, but for the tech itself. Start by familiarising yourself with the interview platform in advance. The ability to navigate the platform can be very beneficial if you need to use the app’s functions (like screen sharing).
Testing your device microphone and camera and having a full battery is another necessity for ensuring a smooth and successful virtual interview. If any of these problems occur, it could delay your interview, or give the impression you’re unprepared.
Wi-Fi connectivity can be the biggest challenge when it comes to technology. Ensure you have a strong connection prior to the commencement of your interview to avoid any disruption.
Despite carrying out your tests and research, things can still go wrong. Whether it be from a device update, connectivity issue, or random device errors, having a backup device at the ready could be what saves your interview.
Following the right preparation steps will create a solid foundation for a great interview.
Presentation equals professionalism
Just because you’re interviewing from home doesn’t mean it’s any less formal than in person. Smart visual presentation remains crucial.
During an in-person interview, your singular presentation priority is ensuring you look the part. Virtually, not only must you maintain your smart attire, but you should also ensure a clutter-free, visually pleasing background. This will present a good first impression, as well as showcase your eye-for-detail and commitment to the process.
Professionalism also comes through in body language. Maintain good posture, make eye contact, use natural gestures, and don’t forget to smile. These cues help create a more engaging and positive virtual atmosphere.
The time with your interviewer is valuable, and, much like in a face-to-face environment, should not be interrupted. A quiet and clean area would be the most suitable choice to set up. If you’re sharing your space with others, let them know in advance that you’ll be unavailable.
Think of your virtual interview set up as a full 360-degree presentation. Smart attire, a tidy area, and a quiet environment, will all contribute to making the right impression.
Mastering communication
Now that you’ve focused on your first impression and prepared for the unexpected, ensuring you ace your interview responses is the final step to ensuring a positive experience.
A virtual interview will be structured in a similar way to an in-person interview. However, some answers might have a time limit if the interview is with AI (Artificial Intelligence). But, with a time limit or not, preparing your answers to common questions will act as your guide, which will be particularly beneficial during those quickfire rounds. Pre-planning your answers and having clear organised notes in front of you will help you create a panic-free environment. You’ll be prepared even if the most challenging questions arise.
You can discover the top, most common questions interviewers ask by visiting our Tuesday Tip posts on our LinkedIn.
Preparing your answers is key, but they must be relevant. Turning a good interview into a great interview will depend on how you tailor your responses to the airline or company. This can easily be done by carrying out valuable research ahead of time. Highlighting what you can contribute to their company, showcasing your knowledge of their corporate values and operations, and demonstrating how you’ll fit into their team, will make it clear you’re the right candidate for the role.
With all your answers perfectly prepared, how you present them is just as important. Reading these directly from notes will give the wrong signals and could impact the success of your interview. Prior verbal practice will make a huge, positive difference.
After a successful interview, the work doesn’t stop there. Send your interviewer an email to thank them for their time. This can really help to showcase your dedication, professionalism, and respect, increasing your chances of standing out.
In conclusion
A virtual interview takes time, commitment, attention to detail, and adaptability, qualities that are essential in the aviation industry.
Showcasing your knowledge on the airline or company, your confidence in using new tools or technology, alongside your professionalism, will make the interviewer more confident that you would be an asset to their team.
These attributes demonstrate your career commitment, good communication and organisation skills, problem-solving abilities, and a genuine passion to join their team. All of which are highly valued by employers.
Discover the soft skills needed to succeed in aviation here.
Research and preparation are your flight path to success. Use the information provided, prepare thoroughly, and approach your virtual interview with confidence to secure the best possible outcome.
