Looking for some video interview tips? You’ve come to the right place…
So, you’ve been invited to a video interview. This news might fill you with dread, relief that you don’t have to leave the house, or perhaps a bit of both.
Whatever your reaction, virtual interviews are now a common step in the hiring process. While they share many similarities with a face-to-face meeting, there are some unique challenges to navigate. Knowing how to prepare for a video interview, from setting up your tech to answering common questions, can make all the difference.
This guide provides practical video interview advice to help you feel confident and make a great impression on your online interviewer. We’ll cover everything from preparing your space to mastering your on-screen presence.
“A video interview is still a real interview, just with a screen between you and (hopefully) your future employer. Dress the part, double-check your tech, and make sure your space reflects your professionalism. Looking into the camera helps you connect, and keeping your answers clear and focused ensures you leave a lasting impression.”
David Constance, Business Manager | Reed
How to prepare for a video interview
Good preparation is the key to success in any interview, and virtual interviews are no exception. Here are our top video interview tips to help you get ready.
1. Prepare your surroundings
Make sure you choose a quiet space for the interview where you won’t be disturbed.
It’s always a good idea to have a clear, uncluttered background. This helps you concentrate and reminds you that you’re in a formal setting. Tidy up the area behind you and remove any potentially embarrassing or distracting items.
Your interviewer can see more than you might think, and something you thought was out of view could give the wrong impression.
Interview types: What you need to know
2. Check your tech
Technology isn’t always reliable, so it’s essential to test your equipment beforehand.
Whether you’re using a laptop, tablet, or phone, do a trial run with the interview software – be it Zoom, Google Meet, or a specialised platform. Check your internet connection, webcam, and microphone are all working correctly – because no one can pull off the blurry, constantly freezing look without resembling something from a bad 80s arcade game.
You should also find the best angle for your camera and adjust your chair height to ensure you’re framed well.
3. Look the part
A video interview should be treated with the same professionalism as an in-person one.
It’s a good idea to wear the same outfit you’d choose for a face-to-face meeting. Dressing professionally will also put you in the right mindset, and while it might be tempting to only dress the top half and wear pyjama bottoms, we don’t recommend it.
What if you need to stand up unexpectedly? It’s better to be fully prepared.
4. Avoid interruptions
Minimise the chance of any awkward interruptions during your interview.
Arrange for childcare if needed, switch off your phone, and let your friends and family know you’ll be unavailable. Close any other programmes on your computer and turn off the TV or music.
The last thing you want is someone shouting to ask what you want for dinner in the middle of your call. It’s a tough choice, we get it. But one to be discussed after the interview.
5. Have your notes ready
One of the benefits of a video interview is that you can have notes nearby.
You can use them to remember key points about the company, the role, or specific examples you want to mention. However, don’t rely on them as a script. Reading directly from your notes can make you sound robotic and prevent you from making good eye contact.
Use them as subtle prompts, not a screenplay.
How to prepare for an interview
6. Practise your answers
While you don’t want to sound rehearsed, practising your answers to common interview questions can help you feel more confident.
A video interview practice run with a friend or family member is a great way to get feedback on your answers and your on-screen presence.
This is particularly useful for an on demand video interview, where you record your answers without a live interviewer.
Common interview questions and answers
What to do during a video interview
Once the preparation is done, it’s time for the interview itself. Here’s how to present your best self on camera.
Look at the camera
Eye contact is tricky in a video call.
If you look at the interviewer on your screen, it will appear to them that you’re looking down. Instead, try to look directly at the camera as much as possible, especially when you’re speaking.
This will create the effect of direct eye contact and help you build a better rapport. And don’t forget to smile.
Be mindful of your body language
Even though you’re not in the same room, your body language is still important.
Sit up straight, lean in slightly to show you’re engaged, and look attentive. Be aware of sound quality – speak clearly and don’t cover your mouth. Try to keep hand gestures natural; use them to emphasise a point but don’t overdo it.
If you’re not sure what to do with your hands, holding a pen can help keep them occupied.
Body language interview dos and don’ts
Listen carefully and speak clearly
Pay close attention to the online interviewer’s questions.
Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if you didn’t hear or understand something. When you speak, do so clearly and at a moderate pace.
Virtual interviews can sometimes have a slight delay, so it’s good practice to pause briefly after the interviewer has finished speaking to avoid talking over them.
Five common job interview mistakes
Common video interview questions and answers
Now you know how to handle the technical side, let’s look at some common questions for a video interview and how to answer them (courtesy of ‘Why You? 101 Interview Questions You’ll Never Fear Again’):
How do you deal with stress and failure?
The interviewer wants to see that you can handle pressure constructively.
Claiming you’re immune to stress is unrealistic. Instead, explain the specific techniques you use to manage difficult situations. This shows you’re self-aware and resilient.
Every job involves pressure, and your ability to deal with it is a key skill.
Right answer: ‘I try to turn stress into productivity by prioritising tasks and taking short breaks to refocus. I also find that analysing the source of the stress and thinking of a constructive solution helps to put my mind at ease and prevents future issues.’
Wrong answer: ‘I don’t do stress, it just rolls off my back.’
What’s your ideal work environment?
This question assesses whether you’re a good fit for the company culture.
Tailor your answer to the organisation and the role. If the job requires a lot of independent work, mention that you enjoy having space to concentrate. If it’s a collaborative role, talk about your love for teamwork.
The key is to do your research on the company’s work environment beforehand.
Right answer: ‘I enjoy a mix of collaborative work and time to focus on my own tasks. I like having space to concentrate, but I also value having teammates around to bounce ideas off and ask for help when needed.’
Wrong answer: ‘Basically, I’m just looking for somewhere I can have fun. Which reminds me, what are your views on alcohol in the office?’
What is it about this job that you would least look forward to?
Don’t pretend every aspect of the job is your favourite.
This question is about your honesty and your ability to handle the less glamorous parts of a role. Pick an obvious drawback and explain how you would manage it.
Acknowledging a negative shows self-awareness, but focus on your ability to handle it professionally.
Right answer: ‘As an Estate Agent, I don’t enjoy telling someone their house won’t sell for what they’re asking. I don’t look forward to disappointing people, but I have to be honest to make sure they have the best chance to succeed. I know they’re usually annoyed at the situation, not me personally. So, to answer your question, I don’t look forward to disappointing people, but I have to be as honest as I can to make sure they have the best possible chance to succeed.’
Wrong answer: ‘Probably the journey home. And that’s got nothing to do with my Prius…’
Tell me about a big change you’ve had to deal with
This question is your chance to show that you view change as an opportunity to grow.
Use a recent example to highlight the positive outcomes of adapting to change and explain how avoiding it could have led to negative consequences. This demonstrates your openness to new experiences and your understanding of why change is necessary.
For extra impact, research the company’s recent changes and reference them in your answer. This shows you’re proactive and can connect your experiences to the organisation’s goals.
Right answer: ‘When the government introduced health and safety exams for construction workers, it was always clear we’d end up with fewer accidents on site, and better workers too. But some of my colleagues understandably didn’t like the idea of ‘going back to school’. So I explained exactly what the computer-based exam entailed, and that the software was easy to use. Everyone passed, and no one left the site. You have to work out why people oppose change, and sometimes it’s not the reason you think. And, I visit fewer colleagues in hospital these days, which is always a plus…’
Wrong answer: ‘I don’t deal with change. It deals with me…’
How to answer competency-based interview questions
Frequently asked questions
What is a one-way video interview?
A one-way or on demand video interview is a pre-recorded interview where you’re given a set of questions and a time limit to record your answers. There’s no live interviewer present. Employers use these as an initial screening tool.
What are the main types of virtual interviews?
The two main types are live video interviews and pre-recorded (or one-way) interviews. Live interviews are just like a traditional face-to-face interview conducted over a platform like Zoom or Skype. Pre-recorded interviews involve you recording your answers to preset questions.
What if my internet connection fails?
Technical glitches happen. If you lose connection, try to rejoin the call immediately. If you can’t, send a quick email to the interviewer to let them know what’s happened and ask how they’d like to proceed. Most employers are understanding of these issues.
What is a red flag when doing virtual interviews?
A big red flag is showing up looking totally unprepared – think messy background, dodgy lighting, or avoidable tech issues. If your interviewer spends more time admiring your cluttered laundry pile than listening to your answers, that’s a problem. So, take a minute to check your setup before you click ‘join.’
How do you stand out in a video interview?
Want to be the candidate they remember for all the right reasons? Prep ahead, look straight at the camera (not at your own reflection), and let your enthusiasm shine through. Tailor your answers to the company and the role, smile, and answer like a real human, not a robot who’s read one too many articles on “‘perfect interview answers.’
What’s the best colour to wear for a virtual interview?
Keep it simple and go for neutral or solid colours. Blue, grey, or white are classics as they look sharp on camera and won’t steal the spotlight from your personality. Avoid wild prints unless you want your shirt to be the main talking point.
Can you decline a video interview?
Absolutely! If a video interview doesn’t work for you – maybe the timing’s off or you have concerns about the format – it’s OK to politely decline or ask for an alternative, like a phone call or in-person meeting (if possible). Just be professional, give a brief reason, and show appreciation for the opportunity. Burning bridges isn’t a good look, but advocating for what works best for you? Always a win.
Ready for your interview?
By following these video interview tips and preparing for the most commonly asked interview questions, you can approach your next virtual meeting with confidence.
Remember, a video interview is your chance to show an employer not just your skills and experience, but also your professionalism and personality.
With the right preparation, you can let your best qualities shine through the screen and land the job you love.
How to prepare for an interview
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Great advice, thank you.
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