What Is Different About Video
The content of a video interview is the same as an in-person one: the interviewer wants to understand your experience, your approach and your fit. What changes is the medium. You have a smaller window for body language, a greater risk of technical problems and fewer natural moments for small talk. Preparing for these differences keeps the technology from getting in the way of your answers.
Some video interviews are live conversations. Others are recorded, where you answer prompts on screen without anyone present. The advice below applies to both, with notes on the recorded format near the end.
Choose and Test Your Setup
Test everything at least a day ahead, and again shortly before the call.
- Device. A laptop or desktop on a stable surface is generally better than a phone. If you must use a phone, prop it up so it does not shake.
- Connection. A wired connection is usually steadier than wireless. If you rely on wireless, sit near the router and ask others in the home to avoid heavy streaming during your call.
- Software. Install or update the application the employer uses beforehand and click through the invitation link early. Check that your name displays properly and that your account details look professional.
- Power. Plug in the device. A dying battery in the middle of an interview is an easily avoidable problem.
- Notifications. Close other programs and silence alerts. Pop-ups can interrupt both you and the screen share.
Sound First, Picture Second
Poor audio is more distracting than a mediocre picture. Use a headset or earbuds with a microphone if you have them, and do a quick recording to check that your voice is clear. Choose a quiet room, close windows and doors, and tell people nearby about the interview. If you speak a little more slowly than usual, any lag matters less.
Frame the Camera and Light the Room
- Camera height. Place the camera at roughly eye level. Stack books under a laptop if needed. Looking up or down at the lens is unflattering.
- Framing. Show your head and shoulders with a little space above your head. Sit an arm’s length from the screen.
- Light. Face a window or place a lamp behind the screen, so light falls on your face. Avoid sitting with a bright window behind you, which turns you into a silhouette.
- Background. Pick a tidy, neutral backdrop. If you use a virtual background, choose a plain one, and confirm it does not distort your outline. A clean wall or shelf is typically the safest option.
- Appearance. Dress as you would for an in-person meeting, including the lower half in case you need to stand. Solid, muted colors usually show up better than busy patterns.
Check Your Online Footprint
Interviewers sometimes look you up before the call, and your account name, profile photo and any visible information show on screen. It makes sense to review your professional online presence and remove anything you would not want a recruiter to see, as covered in guidance about cleaning up your online footprint.
Eye Contact and Presence
On video, looking at the other person’s face on screen appears to them as if you are looking slightly down. Looking at the camera lens creates the impression of eye contact. You do not need to stare at the lens continuously. A reasonable approach is to look at the lens when you are making a key point and at the screen when listening.
Other habits that help:
- Sit upright with relaxed shoulders, and keep your hands visible but still.
- Smile and nod to show you are listening, since silence on a call can feel awkward.
- Speak a bit more slowly and clearly than usual, and leave a brief pause before replying to avoid talking over the interviewer.
- Keep notes nearby, but do not read from them. A few bullet points on a sticky note beside the camera are enough.
These habits connect to broader workplace communication skills, and good active listening matters even more on video, where subtle cues are harder to read. Showing genuine interest and asking brief clarifying questions helps with building rapport despite the distance.
If the role is remote, the interviewer may also be observing how comfortable you are with the tools. Showing you can operate them smoothly is a small advantage when the job involves remote teamwork.
Prepare for Things Going Wrong
Technical glitches happen to everyone. Plan for them:
- Have the interviewer’s phone number or email in case you are disconnected.
- Keep a second device charged and ready, with the meeting app installed.
- If the connection drops, rejoin right away and apologize briefly. Most interviewers are understanding.
- If the audio is unclear, say so politely and ask the person to repeat. You can also switch off your video temporarily to improve bandwidth, if you tell them.
- If something unexpected occurs in the room, such as a pet or a visitor, handle it calmly and carry on.
A composed response to a glitch can leave a better impression than a flawless call.
Recorded Video Interviews
In a one-way format, you answer questions displayed on screen while a camera records you. There may be a short preparation time and a time limit per answer. Treat it the same as a live interview:
- Read the instructions carefully and check how many retakes you are allowed, if any.
- Practice answering to a camera at home, timing yourself.
- Imagine a friendly person on the other side so you sound conversational rather than stiff.
- Structure answers clearly. Many people find the STAR method useful for stories, since it keeps answers brief and focused.
Right Before the Call
Join a few minutes early. Take a breath, have water within reach and keep your resume and notes open on another screen if you like. If you feel jittery, the approaches for handling nerves before an interview apply on video just as much as in person.
Afterward, send a short follow-up message as you would for any interview. A video interview does not need to be perfect; it needs to be clear, calm and prepared, so the interviewer can focus on what you say.