A video interview requires just as much preparation as an
in-person meeting, plus the added challenge of ensuring your tech and
environment are professional. Follow these steps to make a strong impression:
1. Test Your Technology in Advance
Technical issues can disrupt your interview and leave a bad
impression. Check everything ahead of time:
Internet
Connection
- Ensure
you have a stable and fast internet connection.
- If
possible, use a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi for better stability.
- Have a
backup plan, such as a mobile hotspot, in case your internet goes down.
Video Platform
(Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, etc.)
- Download
and install the necessary software in advance.
- Test
logging in, adjusting settings, and using key features (e.g., screen
sharing).
- If the
interview link isn't provided, confirm it with the recruiter ahead of
time.
Webcam &
Microphone
- Test
your camera and microphone before the interview using a tool like Zoom’s
test call.
- Use a
headset or external microphone for better audio quality and to reduce
background noise.
- Position
the camera at eye level to maintain natural eye contact.
2. Set Up a Professional Environment
The background and setting in your video interview influence
the interviewer’s perception of you.
Choose a Quiet
Space
- Find a
quiet room with no distractions or background noise.
- Inform
family members or roommates about the interview time to avoid
interruptions.
Check Your
Lighting
- Sit
facing a natural light source or use a lamp in front of you to
avoid shadows.
- Avoid
sitting with a window behind you, as it can make you appear in
silhouette.
Background &
Framing
- Use a neutral
background (a clean wall, bookshelf, or tidy room is ideal).
- If
needed, use Zoom’s virtual background or the blur effect to
hide distractions.
- Ensure
the camera captures you from the chest up, maintaining a
professional frame.
3. Dress Professionally
Even though you’re at home, dressing appropriately shows
professionalism and confidence.
What to Wear
- Wear business
casual or formal attire, depending on the company culture.
- Stick
to solid colors (avoid bright patterns or stripes that can be
distracting on camera).
- Ensure
your clothing is clean and wrinkle-free.
Pro Tip
Dress completely, not just from the waist up—if you
need to stand up unexpectedly, you won’t be caught off guard!
4. Be Well-Prepared
Research the
Company & Job Role
- Visit
the company’s website, social media, and recent news.
- Understand
their mission, values, and industry trends.
- Read
through the job description carefully and match your skills to
their requirements.
Know Your Resume
Inside Out
- Be
ready to discuss your past experience, projects, and achievements.
- Use
the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to answer
behavioral questions.
Prepare Answers
for Common Questions
Some typical interview questions include:
- “Tell
me about yourself.” → Have a structured 1-2 minute response
focusing on relevant experience.
- “Why
do you want this job?” → Connect your skills and passion to the
company’s needs.
- “Tell
me about a challenge you faced at work and how you handled it.” → Use
a real-life example.
- “Where
do you see yourself in 5 years?” → Show ambition but also interest in
growing within the company.
Have Questions
Ready for the Interviewer
At the end of the interview, you’ll likely be asked, “Do you
have any questions for us?” Good questions to ask:
✔ What are the key priorities for this role in the
first 6 months?
✔ What does success look like in this position?
✔ Can you tell me about the team I’ll be working
with?
5. Perfect Your Body Language & Communication
Even in a virtual setting, non-verbal cues matter.
Speak Clearly
& Confidently
- Pause
briefly before answering to avoid interrupting due to audio lag.
- Speak
at a moderate pace and enunciate clearly.
- If
you don’t understand a question, ask for clarification instead of
guessing.
Make Eye Contact
- Look at
the camera, not the screen, when speaking to create a sense of eye
contact.
- If
you’re checking notes, glance at them briefly but don’t read off them
directly.
Use Positive Body
Language
- Sit upright
with an open posture to appear engaged.
- Nod
occasionally to show you’re actively listening.
- Smile
naturally when appropriate—it makes you look friendly and confident.
6. Handle Technical Issues Gracefully
Even with preparation, tech problems can happen. Here’s how
to handle them professionally:
- If
your video or audio lags, politely acknowledge it:
“I’m sorry, I think there was a lag. Could you repeat the question?” - If
your internet cuts out, quickly reconnect and email the interviewer if
necessary:
“I apologize for the disruption. I’m back now, and I appreciate your patience.” - Keep
the interviewer’s email or phone number handy in case you need to
reschedule or switch to a phone call.
7. Follow Up After the Interview
A strong follow-up reinforces your interest in the role.
Send a Thank-You
Email (Within 24 Hours)
- Express
gratitude for the opportunity.
- Mention
something specific from the conversation to make it personal.
- Reaffirm
your enthusiasm for the role.
Example of a
Thank-You Email:
Subject: Thank You for the Interview – [Your Name]
Dear [Interviewer's Name],
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today about
the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I really enjoyed learning more
about the team and the exciting projects you're working on.
Our discussion about [specific topic] made me even more
excited about the opportunity to contribute my [relevant skill/experience]. I
believe my background in [mention key strength] would be a great fit for this
role.
Please let me know if you need any more information from me.
I look forward to the next steps and hope to be a part of your team.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Email]
[Your LinkedIn (if applicable)]