It’s time for your big interview! Yes, that promotion is just around the corner—all you have to do is ace this next step. It’s not like you haven’t interviewed before, right? But this one is different. You’re in Orange County, and the interview panel is in Atlanta. And they’re watching your every smile, hand gesture, and brow wipe through video chat.

So how is a video interview different from an in-person interview, and what do you need to do differently to prepare for one?

1. How you dress. What would you typically wear to an interview? A suit and a brightly colored button-up or blouse, right? The same rules apply to a video interview, but with a twist. Interview garb that features a busy or tight pattern may not translate well on camera, so don’t risk a visual distraction. And remember to dress the entire part; just because your interviewers can only see you from the waist up doesn’t mean you should rock your Wonder Woman pajama pants.
2. How you position your body. It may be more comfortable to interview behind a table or desk, but what if you tried standing up? Standing during a video interview allows your body language to flow more conversationally, as if you were giving a group presentation. You can look more natural than if you were hunched over a table.
3. What your room looks and sounds like. Your interviewers will see your smiling face, but they’ll also see if you’re interviewing in the lunch room (hi, vending machine!), so choose your backdrop strategically. Is the room well lit with the lighting on the front of your face? Does it have good acoustics—no loud background noises or creepy echoes? Did you choose a place where you can speak freely and confidently, that is, not whispering in a bathroom stall or talking over the shouts of excited children?
4. How your tech works. Technical difficulties can quickly turn your video interview into an audio interview, or worse, no interview, so make sure your setup works. You want your camera at eye level so you aren’t looking down your nose and they aren’t looking up yours. You can trust your device’s built-in speakers and microphone, or you can use discreet earbuds and a standalone microphone for a more technical experience. Test your ability to make and receive calls.
5. Where you focus. We’re all guilty of making weird gestures and facial expressions on video chat. Just think of the last time you Skyped with friends or family—maybe your eyes wandered to the distractions around you, or you looked at your own video feed instead of theirs—it’s so easy to forget that other people can see you! Remember to keep your eyes focused on the camera and the interviewers’ video feed at all times—this is the equivalent of in-person eye contact, and you know how important that is. Not only will you appear fully engaged, but you’ll be able to better gauge their reactions and respond to the conversation.

Video interviews can be intimidating because there are so many new variables involved! Just remember, like any other interview, a bit of prep work will go a long way. And breathe—you’re going to do great!