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Virtual hiring is here to stay. Whether you’re meeting a recruiter over Zoom, preparing a one-way recorded interview, or presenting to a panel on Teams, video interviews require a blend of preparation, technological know-how, and confident communication.
In this guide, we’ll break down essential video interview tips, from planning your setup to following up after the interview, so that you can make a strong impression and land the job.
What Is a Video Interview?
A video interview is a remote job interview in which you speak with the interviewer via video on your computer or mobile device. There are several types of video interviews:
- Live video interviews: These take place in real time on platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, or Microsoft Teams. They closely resemble in-person interviews but require strong communication skills in a digital setting.
- Pre-recorded video interviews: In this format, you record responses to preset questions without an interviewer present. One-way video interviews are often used early in the hiring process and usually have time limits for each response.
- Panel video interviews: A group of interviewers joins the call, each asking questions and evaluating your responses. This format requires extra attention to eye contact, active engagement, and coordination when multiple people ask questions.
- Technical or presentation-based video interviews: In this video interview format, you may need to share your screen to present your work or demonstrate role-specific skills, such as coding, design, or data analysis.
How to Prepare for a Video Interview
Unlike in-person meetings, virtual interviews require attention to technology, your environment, and on-camera presentation. Explore the following tips for video interviews to prepare.
Test your technology
A quick technology check helps you avoid last-minute issues and start the conversation with confidence. Before your video interview, test your camera, microphone, speakers, and internet connection to ensure everything is working smoothly.
Open the interview platform in advance to make sure it’s updated and compatible with your device. Close unnecessary tabs or apps to prevent lag, and have a backup plan, such as a second device or hotspot, ready just in case.
Choose the right location
One of the core video interview best practices is selecting a quiet, distraction-free space where you can focus and feel confident. Choose a private area away from household activity, close doors if possible, and silence notifications on your devices.
If there’s a risk of background noise, consider using noise-canceling headphones to maintain clear audio throughout the interview.
Optimize your background
Good lighting and a clean background help you appear professional and engaged on camera.
Position yourself facing a natural light source or a soft lamp to avoid shadows or uneven lighting, and check for glare from windows or overhead lights.
Use a simple, uncluttered background that keeps the focus on you, or a neutral virtual background if needed. This ensures your on-screen presence is polished and distraction-free.
Dress for the occasion
A polished, professional appearance is a key component of interview preparation, even through a screen. Plan an outfit with solid, professional colors and steer clear of busy patterns.
Align your outfit with the company’s culture. Business casual is suitable for most office roles, while more formal attire may be expected for corporate positions.
Ensure your hair is neat, facial hair is well-groomed, and makeup (if worn) appears natural. Accessories should be minimal, and even though your outfit will only be visible from the waist up, consider dressing fully anyway to maintain a focused, professional mindset.
Practice common questions
Just as with an in-person interview, a video interview requires practicing in advance to ensure you stay focused, organized, and ready to showcase your qualifications.
Preparing answers to common interview questions helps you feel confident and articulate during your video interview. Anticipate role-specific questions related to your skills and experience, and practice explaining your achievements with concrete examples.
Rehearse your answers aloud, ideally on camera, to get comfortable with your tone, pacing, and body language. Keep bullet points or key phrases nearby to guide you without reading verbatim.
Preparation is key to a successful interview. Research the company, understand the role, and be ready to showcase how your skills and experience align with what they’re looking for.- Dr. Jasmine Escalera, Career Professional
Live Video Interview Tips
Explore the following tips for a video interview to learn how to confidently navigate live virtual interviews and make a strong impression on hiring managers.
Arrive early and minimize distractions
Joining your video interview a few minutes early gives you time to test your equipment one last time, check your camera angle, and ensure your lighting and background are set up properly.
Arriving early also allows you to calm your nerves and mentally prepare for the conversation.
Minimize distractions by closing unnecessary apps, silencing notifications, and letting others in your household know you’ll be unavailable.
A focused, interruption-free environment shows professionalism and helps you make a confident first impression from the moment the call begins.
Maintain eye contact and body language
Position your camera at eye level and focus on looking directly into the lens rather than at the screen to create the impression of direct eye contact and engagement with the interviewer.
Sit up straight, use natural gestures, and lean slightly forward to show engagement. Smile and nod when appropriate, but avoid interrupting the interviewer.
These nonverbal cues help convey strong interpersonal skills and professionalism.
Speak clearly and manage pauses
Clear, deliberate speech is essential during a video interview. Avoid speaking too quickly, as rapid answers can be hard to follow and may reduce your impact.
Pause briefly between points to account for any connection delays and give the interviewer time to process your response.
Reference notes sparingly and avoid reading directly from them, keeping your answers natural and conversational. This approach helps you come across as confident and composed.
Handle technical issues calmly
Technical problems can happen during any video interview, so it’s important to stay composed to demonstrate your professionalism and adaptability.
If your audio or video cuts out, restart the device or platform if necessary, and politely ask the interviewer to repeat any questions you missed.
Keep your backup plan ready, such as a second device or hotspot, and focus on resolving issues quickly without letting frustration show.
Keep your answers focused and concise
During a video interview, limit responses to one or two minutes per question, using structured examples like the STAR method to illustrate your skills and experience.
Avoid going off on tangents or including unnecessary details, and stay mindful of the interviewer’s time. Concise, well-organized answers help you appear confident, professional, and easy to follow, leaving a strong impression.
We recommend practicing with common behavioral interview questions to ensure your answers are clear, focused, and well-prepared.
Remember to prepare questions for the interviewer. Asking questions demonstrates your interest in the role, shows that you’ve researched the company, and helps you learn more about the team and work environment.
Pre-Recorded Video Interview Tips
Pre-recorded video interviews, also known as one-way interviews, require extra preparation since there’s no live interviewer to give feedback. Following these one-way video interview tips can help you present yourself confidently and professionally.
Control your pacing for timed answers
In a pre-recorded video interview, time limits can make it easy to rush or leave answers incomplete. Structure your responses so you cover all key points within the allotted time.
Practicing your answers in advance helps you speak slowly and clearly, and present confident, organized responses that fit the platform’s timing requirements.
Keep your tone warm and energetic
Even without a live interviewer, your energy and engagement should come through on camera.
Speak with a friendly, enthusiastic tone, smile naturally, and use subtle gestures to convey confidence and approachability. Maintaining warmth and energy helps you connect with the viewer, making your responses more memorable and impactful.
Use job-specific keywords in your responses
Some platforms use AI to analyze responses for relevance, tone, and alignment with the role.
Incorporating keywords from the job description naturally into your answers can help both the software and human reviewers recognize that your experience matches the position.
Consider jotting down key terms in a notes app or on a sticky note placed near your camera. This way, you can reference them subtly as you answer questions.
Re-record answers if the platform allows you to
Many pre-recorded video interview platforms let you re-record your responses before submitting. Take advantage of this feature to review your answers for clarity, pacing, and professionalism.
Re-recording allows you to correct mistakes, refine your delivery, and ensure your responses showcase your skills and experience in the best possible way.
What to Do After a Video Interview
For every interview round you complete, strategic post-interview steps can help you leave a lasting impression and stay organized in your job search.
Send a thank-you email within 24 hours
Sending a thank-you email promptly after your video interview shows professionalism and reinforces your interest in the role. Keep your message concise and personalized.
Thank the interviewer for their time, mention a specific point from the conversation, and briefly reiterate why you’re a strong fit for the position.
A thoughtful interview follow-up email can leave a positive impression and help you stand out from other candidates.
Reflect on what went well
After your video interview, take time to review your performance. Identify the answers and moments where you felt confident and effectively communicated your skills.
Reflecting on what went well (and opportunities for improvement) helps you build confidence and identify strategies to replicate in subsequent rounds of interviews.
Track your applications to stay organized
Keep a detailed record of the positions you’ve applied for, the dates and times of your video interviews, the platform or software used, and any follow-up actions required.
Note whether interviews were live or pre-recorded, as this can affect your preparation for future rounds. Tracking these details helps you stay organized, ensures you don’t miss deadlines or links, and allows you to reflect on each video interview experience.
Staying organized and proactive demonstrates professionalism and helps you maintain momentum in your job search.
Key Takeaways
- Prepare your technology and environment. Test your internet, camera, and microphone, choose a quiet, well-lit space, and minimize distractions.
- Dress and present professionally. Wear solid, camera-friendly colors, maintain good posture, and use natural gestures to convey confidence.
- Practice your answers. Prepare STAR examples, rehearse common questions, and keep notes handy without reading verbatim.
- Engage effectively during the interview. Maintain eye contact with the camera, speak clearly at a steady pace, and stay focused on concise, structured responses.
- Follow up thoughtfully. Send a thank-you email within 24 hours, reflect on your performance, and track your applications for timely follow-up.
FAQ
Can I use notes during a video interview?
Yes, you can use notes during a video interview, but it’s essential to do so strategically. Keep key points, bullet lists, or job-specific keywords on a sticky note or in a digital notes app placed near your camera so you can reference them discreetly.
For example, you might include sample questions on leadership or other role-relevant topics, like those in our leadership interview questions guide. Avoid reading directly from your notes, which can come across as rehearsed or disengaged.
How can I make a good impression on camera?
To make a strong impression during a video interview, focus on your appearance, body language, and engagement. Here are key video interview preparation tips:
- Dress professionally and maintain good grooming.
- Position your camera at eye level for natural, direct engagement.
- Ensure your background is clean and well-lit, avoiding distractions.
- Sit up straight and use subtle gestures to show attentiveness.
- Smile naturally and maintain eye contact with the camera.
- Speak clearly and at a moderate pace, pausing when needed.
- Prepare key points or notes to stay organized.
Following these tips helps you appear confident, polished, and engaged during your interview, increasing your chances of standing out to employers.
How should I handle interruptions during a video interview?
Even with careful preparation, unexpected interruptions, such as a pet, family member, or technical issue, can happen during a video interview.
It’s important to plan how to handle these calmly and professionally. Stay composed and avoid letting the interruption fluster you. If necessary, apologize briefly and then smoothly return to the conversation.
Having a backup plan, such as a secondary device or a quieter location, can help if disruptions continue. Maintaining focus on the interviewer and demonstrating poise shows adaptability and professionalism, qualities that are noticed even in a virtual setting.
How do I prepare for a video interview for a remote role?
Preparing for a remote video interview requires both standard interview readiness and attention to the virtual work environment.
Key video interview tips for remote positions include:
- Prepare your technology and background. Ensure your camera, microphone, and internet connection are reliable. Find a quiet, well-lit space with a clean background.
- Understand the company’s remote culture. Research the tools, communication methods, and expectations for remote employees.
- Prepare for remote-specific questions. Practice answers related to time management skills, collaboration, and self-motivation in a virtual setting.
- Have notes and key points ready. Keep important information or keywords nearby to reference subtly during the interview.
These tips can help you walk into your remote video interview confidently, showcase your adaptability, and highlight your ability to thrive in a virtual work environment.
How can I manage nerves during a video interview?
Feeling nervous during an interview is normal, and there are several strategies to help you stay calm and confident. A key component of learning how to prepare for a video job interview is determining which techniques work best for you.
A great place to start is practicing your answers to common questions, including role-specific ones, such as manager interview questions, and more general ones. Preparation helps reduce anxiety by familiarizing you with the types of questions you may encounter.
Additional strategies include doing a few deep-breathing exercises before the interview to center yourself, visualizing a successful conversation with the interviewer, and practicing in front of a mirror or recording yourself to review body language and tone.
How we reviewed this article
Since 2012, we have helped more than 11 million job seekers. We want to make your career journey accessible and manageable through our services and Career Center’s how-to guides and tips. In our commitment to bring you a transparent process, we present our Editorial Process.
Elizabeth is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and a member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches. She is committed to helping job seekers navigate the job market and succeed in their careers.
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