Video interviews are now the norm for first-round interviews, and often for entire hiring processes.
The technology is different. The dynamics are different. But the mistakes candidates make are entirely preventable.
Here's how to nail your video interview.
The Technical Setup (Get This Right First)
Technical issues derail more video interviews than bad answers. Eliminate them before they happen.
Internet Connection
Minimum requirement: Stable connection, ideally wired (ethernet) if possible
Test it: Run a speed test. Video calls need at least 1.5 Mbps upload/download, but 5+ Mbps is safer.
Backup plan: Know your mobile hotspot capability. Have the dial-in number ready if video fails.
Camera
Position: Camera at eye level or slightly above. Stack books under your laptop if needed.
Quality: Built-in laptop cameras are usually fine. If yours is low quality, a basic external webcam improves things significantly.
Angle: You should be centered in the frame with your head and shoulders visible. Not too close (just your face), not too far (tiny in the frame).
Audio
Use headphones. They eliminate echo and improve audio quality significantly.
Test your microphone before the interview—record yourself and listen back.
Close other applications that might make notification sounds.
Lighting
Face your light source. Natural light from a window in front of you is ideal.
Avoid backlighting. A window behind you makes you a silhouette.
If natural light isn't available: Position a lamp behind your laptop, pointing toward your face.
Your Video Interview Environment
Background
Keep it simple: Plain wall, bookshelf, or tidy home office.
Avoid:
- Unmade beds
- Cluttered rooms
- Distracting artwork or posters
- Windows with bright light behind you
Virtual backgrounds: Use only if your real background is problematic. Test thoroughly first—glitchy virtual backgrounds are worse than a slightly messy real room.
Noise
Choose a quiet space. Tell household members you have an interview.
Close windows if there's street noise.
Mute yourself when not speaking if there's unavoidable background noise.
Minimize interruptions
- Put your phone on silent (not vibrate)
- Close unnecessary browser tabs and applications
- Turn off desktop notifications
- If you have pets or children, arrange for someone to manage them during the interview
Video Interview Body Language
Body language is harder to read on video, so you need to be more intentional.
Eye Contact = Camera Contact
The counterintuitive truth: To make eye contact, look at your camera lens, not the screen.
When you look at the interviewer's image on screen, it looks like you're looking down or away from their perspective.
Practice this. It feels unnatural but makes a huge difference.
Tip: Put the video call window directly under your camera so your eyeline is close to the camera when you glance at it.
Facial Expressions
On video, your face is the primary communication tool.
- Smile when appropriate—it shows engagement
- Nod to show you're listening (slightly exaggerated compared to in-person)
- Avoid resting face that looks bored or disengaged
Hand Gestures
Use hand gestures, but keep them in frame. Gesturing off-camera looks awkward.
If you naturally talk with your hands, position yourself so they're visible.
Posture
Sit up straight, leaning slightly forward to show engagement.
Don't lean back—it reads as disinterested on camera.
Don't swivel or rock in your chair.
What to Wear for a Video Interview
Dress Fully Professional
Yes, even though they can only see your top half.
Why:
- You might need to stand up unexpectedly
- Dressing fully puts you in a professional mindset
- Pajama pants are a risk you don't need to take
Colors That Work on Camera
Good: Solid colors, particularly blue, green, gray, or burgundy Avoid: Pure white (too bright), pure black (can blend with background), small patterns or stripes (can create visual distortion)
Grooming
The camera sees everything. Check your appearance on camera before the interview—lighting reveals things mirrors don't.
Stop Guessing. See Exactly How You Sound.
Reading about interviews won't help you. Speaking out loud will.
Get specific feedback on what's working and what's killing your chances. Know your blind spots before the real interview.
During the Video Interview
The First 30 Seconds
- Join 2-3 minutes early
- Confirm audio and video work
- Greet them with energy: "Great to meet you" with a genuine smile
- Wait for any awkward connection delays before diving in
Managing the Conversation
Pause slightly before answering. Video has a slight delay; jumping in immediately can cut them off.
Keep answers concise. Rambling is more noticeable on video where engagement is harder to gauge.
Verbally acknowledge you're listening. "Yes," "I see," or "That makes sense" helps since they can't see you nodding as clearly.
If Technical Issues Happen
Stay calm. Technical issues are common and not your fault.
If your video freezes: Mention it if you think they can hear you, then turn off video and continue audio-only.
If audio cuts out: Use the chat function to communicate. Suggest redialing or using a backup number.
If everything fails: Email immediately after to reschedule. Things happen; handling it gracefully shows professionalism.
Common Video Interview Mistakes
Mistake 1: Looking at yourself instead of the camera
Your self-view is distracting. Hide it if you can, or place it near the camera.
Mistake 2: Reading from notes too obviously
Having notes is fine—obviously reading them is not. Use bullet points, not scripts.
Mistake 3: Multitasking
They can tell when you're reading emails or browsing. Close everything except the video call.
Mistake 4: Poor audio quality
Bad audio is more disruptive than bad video. Invest in the audio experience.
Mistake 5: Not testing in advance
Test everything the day before AND 30 minutes before. Technology fails at the worst moments.
Mistake 6: Forgetting to record (for one-way video interviews)
One-way video interviews (where you record responses) are increasingly common. Read instructions carefully and test the platform before starting.
One-Way Video Interviews
Some companies use asynchronous video interviews where you record responses to prompts.
How they work:
- You receive a link to a platform
- Questions appear on screen
- You record yourself answering (usually with limited prep time and takes)
- The hiring team reviews later
Tips for one-way video interviews:
- Read all instructions before starting
- Know how much prep time and recording time you have
- Practice with the platform if there's a demo mode
- Treat it like a live interview—same energy and engagement
- Don't over-polish—they know it's recorded, but robotic delivery is worse
Video Interview Checklist
Day Before
- Test camera, microphone, internet connection
- Set up your space (background, lighting, chair height)
- Choose your outfit and make sure it looks good on camera
- Download/update the video platform if needed
- Confirm the interview link works
30 Minutes Before
- Close unnecessary applications
- Turn off notifications
- Silence your phone
- Do a final tech check
- Use the bathroom
- Have water nearby
5 Minutes Before
- Join the call
- Check your audio and video
- Take a breath and get focused
The Technology Isn't the Hard Part
Getting the tech right is table stakes. What actually determines whether you get the job is the same as any interview: Can you clearly articulate your value under pressure?
Video adds some friction, but the fundamentals don't change. You need to:
- Answer behavioral questions with compelling stories
- Demonstrate genuine interest in the role
- Ask thoughtful questions
- Manage interview nerves so you can think clearly
Practice your answers before your video interview →
Get comfortable with your material so the technology becomes an afterthought, not a distraction.
