Video interviews are now a normal part of the recruitment process. Whether you’re speaking to a recruiter, hiring manager or a panel of interviewers, the fundamentals of a good interview remain the same – but being on camera introduces a few additional things to consider.
A video interview might take place via Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet or another platform. You may also be asked to complete a recorded or one-way video interview, where you respond to questions without an interviewer being present.
Whatever the format, good preparation can make a huge difference.
At Jonathan Lee Recruitment, we speak to candidates every day about interviews and the recruitment process. So, we’ve put together our 10 top video interview tips to help you prepare, feel confident and give yourself the best possible chance of securing your next role.
Why preparation matters for a video interview
It can be tempting to think that a video interview is less formal than attending an interview in person. After all, you’re probably sitting at home rather than walking into a company’s offices.
But it’s still an interview.
Your answers, experience, communication skills and suitability for the role are just as important as they would be face-to-face. The difference is that you also need to make sure the technology and your surroundings don’t get in the way.
A few simple checks before the interview can remove many of the distractions and allow you to concentrate on the conversation.
1. Research the company and the role
The first rule of any interview still applies: do your research.
Read through the job description carefully and think about how your experience relates to the requirements of the role.
Research the company too. Look at its website, recent news, LinkedIn presence and any information you have been given by your recruiter.
If you know who will be interviewing you, it can also be useful to understand their role within the organisation and their professional background.
Think about:
- Why are you interested in the company?
- Why does this particular role appeal to you?
- Which parts of your experience are most relevant?
- What examples can you give that demonstrate the skills they are looking for?
- What would you like to know about the company or role?
The job description is particularly useful here. Rather than simply reading it, use each major responsibility or requirement as a prompt for an example from your own experience.
2. Test your technology before the interview
One of the biggest advantages of preparing for a video interview is that you can test almost everything beforehand.
Don’t wait until five minutes before the interview to discover that your microphone isn’t working.
Check:
- Your camera
- Your microphone
- Your speakers or headphones
- Your internet connection
- The interview platform
- Your username or display name
- That you know how to join the meeting
- That any required software or updates have been completed
If possible, carry out a test call using the same device and location you intend to use for the actual interview.
Don’t just check that your camera works. Listen to a recording of yourself too. Poor audio, background noise or an unreliable microphone can make it much harder for an interviewer to concentrate on your answers.
If something does go wrong during the interview, don’t panic. Explain the problem clearly and work with the interviewer to resolve it.
3. Choose the right location
Think carefully about where you are going to take the interview.
Ideally, choose somewhere:
- Quiet
- Comfortable
- Well lit
- Free from interruptions
- With a reliable internet connection
Pay attention to what the interviewer can see behind you. You don’t need to create a studio, but a tidy and relatively neutral background is preferable to anything distracting.
If you’re working from home, let anyone else in the house know that you have an interview and don’t want to be interrupted.
And remember the things you can’t see on screen.
Put your phone on silent, turn off unnecessary notifications and make sure other devices aren’t likely to interrupt you.
A barking dog or unexpected doorbell isn’t necessarily going to ruin an interview – these things happen – but removing avoidable distractions will help you feel more in control.
4. Get your camera, lighting and audio right
Small changes to your setup can make a surprisingly big difference.
Position your camera correctly
Try to position your camera around eye level rather than looking down into a laptop on a desk.
Ideally, the interviewer should see you from around the chest or shoulders upwards.
Avoid sitting too close to the camera and make sure your face is clearly visible.
Think about lighting
Good lighting doesn’t need to mean expensive equipment.
Natural light can work well, but try to have the light in front of you rather than directly behind you. Sitting with a bright window behind you can leave your face in shadow.
Check your audio
Clear audio is more important than having a perfect-looking background.
If you have headphones with a good microphone, consider using them. Whatever equipment you choose, test it beforehand.
Check the camera lens
It sounds obvious, but give your camera a quick clean. A slightly blurry image is an easy problem to avoid.
5. Join the interview early
The old “arrive 10 minutes early” rule still applies – it’s just slightly different when the interview is online.
Aim to be ready around 5–10 minutes before the scheduled start time.
Have the meeting link open and make sure your camera and microphone are ready.
This gives you time to deal with any last-minute problems rather than joining the interview feeling rushed and flustered.
It’s also worth keeping a phone nearby in case you experience a genuine technical problem and need to contact the recruiter or interviewer.
If the connection fails completely, having a contact number means you can explain what has happened rather than simply disappearing from the meeting.
6. Dress and behave professionally
It’s easy to forget that a video interview is still a professional interview.
Just because you’re at home doesn’t mean the usual standards disappear.
Dress appropriately for the role and company, and make sure you are comfortable with how you appear on camera.
Think about your posture, your language and your surroundings.
You don’t need to become overly formal or change your personality. In fact, it’s important that your personality comes across.
But remember that the interviewer is still assessing whether they can see you fitting into their organisation and working effectively with their team.
Treat a video interview with the same professionalism you would bring to a face-to-face meeting.
7. Prepare your answers – but don’t read from a script
Preparation is important, but there’s a big difference between preparing and reading.
Write down key points you want to remember, but avoid having a full script sitting next to your screen.
If you’re constantly looking away to read your notes, the interviewer will notice. More importantly, you’ll find it much harder to have a natural conversation.
Instead, prepare examples around the areas you expect to be discussed.
For competency-based questions, the STAR approach – Situation, Task, Action and Result – can be useful for structuring your answers.
For example, if you’re asked about a time you solved a difficult technical problem, think about:
Situation: What was happening?
Task: What were you responsible for?
Action: What did you actually do?
Result: What was the outcome?
Try to be specific wherever possible. If you can demonstrate the impact of something you achieved with figures or measurable results, even better.
And remember: you don’t have to fill every second with words.
It’s perfectly acceptable to take a moment to think before answering a question.
8. Remember that body language still matters
You might not be sitting across a table from the interviewer, but you’re still communicating visually.
Try to:
- Sit upright
- Look engaged
- Smile naturally
- Nod and react when appropriate
- Use natural hand gestures
- Maintain good eye contact
- Avoid constantly looking at yourself on screen
One difference with video interviews is that looking directly at the interviewer’s face on your screen doesn’t always appear as eye contact to them.
When you’re speaking, occasionally looking towards the camera can help create the impression of direct eye contact.
Don’t overthink this, though. You don’t need to stare at the camera for an entire 60-minute interview.
The most important thing is to have a conversation rather than simply delivering rehearsed answers to a webcam.
9. Have a plan if something goes wrong
Technology isn’t perfect.
Your connection might drop. Your audio might stop working. Your camera might freeze. The interviewer might have problems too.
Don’t let the possibility of something going wrong become another source of anxiety.
Instead, have a simple backup plan.
Before the interview, make sure you have:
- The interviewer’s or recruiter’s contact details
- Your phone nearby
- The meeting link easily accessible
- Your CV and the job description available
- A backup location if your usual space becomes unavailable
If something does go wrong, stay calm.
For example:
“I’m sorry, I think my connection has dropped slightly. I’ll reconnect now.”
A technical problem is unlikely to be the deciding factor in an interview if you deal with it calmly and professionally.
10. Prepare questions to ask
An interview isn’t just about the company deciding whether you’re right for the role.
It’s also an opportunity for you to decide whether the role and organisation are right for you.
So when the interviewer asks, “Do you have any questions for us?”, try not to answer with a simple “No, I think you’ve covered everything.”
Prepare a few questions in advance.
For example:
- What would success look like in this role during the first six months?
- What are the biggest challenges facing the team at the moment?
- How is the team structured?
- What opportunities are there for development?
- What do you enjoy most about working for the company?
- What are the next steps in the recruitment process?
You may not need to ask all of them. Some may naturally be answered during the conversation.
Keep your questions relevant and use the opportunity to demonstrate that you’ve been listening.
And if you have questions written down, that’s absolutely fine. A physical notepad can be useful because it allows you to refer to them without constantly looking away from the screen.
What to do after a video interview
Your preparation doesn’t necessarily stop when the call ends.
Take a few minutes to think about how the interview went.
Were there any questions you could have answered better? Did the interviewer mention something you’d like to research further? Is there anything you forgot to ask?
If appropriate, a short follow-up message thanking the interviewer for their time and reaffirming your interest in the role can also be a positive way to finish the process.
If you’re working with a recruitment consultant, let them know how you felt the interview went too.
Your recruiter can often help with feedback, next steps and any questions you may have about the process.
Video interview checklist
Before your interview, run through this quick checklist:
Technology
- Camera tested
- Microphone tested
-
Speakers/headphones tested
-
Internet connection checked
-
Correct interview platform installed or accessible
- Meeting link tested
Environment
-
Quiet location
-
Tidy background
-
Good lighting
-
Camera at eye level
-
Phone on silent
-
Notifications turned off
- No likely interruptions
Interview preparation
-
Researched the company
-
Read the job description carefully
-
Prepared examples from your experience
-
Practised answering questions aloud
-
Prepared questions to ask
-
Have your CV available
- Know who you’re meeting
On the day
-
Ready 5–10 minutes early
-
Professionally dressed
-
Water nearby
-
Phone available as a backup
-
Calm, positive and ready to talk
Final thoughts
A video interview shouldn’t be something to worry about.
The most important thing is still the same as any other interview: show the employer who you are, explain what you can bring to the role and demonstrate why you’re interested in the opportunity.
The technology simply provides the setting.
Prepare properly, test everything beforehand and give yourself enough time to settle before the interview starts. Once the call begins, focus on listening, answering the questions clearly and having a genuine conversation with the people on the other side of the screen.
If you’re looking for your next opportunity in engineering, manufacturing, aerospace, defence, automotive, energy, technology or other specialist sectors, take a look at our latest vacancies or register your CV with Jonathan Lee Recruitment.
Good luck with your interview!
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