Video interviews aren’t just a trend anymore; they’re the new normal, and honestly, it’s like trying to have a serious conversation while your cat decides your keyboard is the perfect napping spot or your internet connection chooses that exact moment to mimic dial-up from the 90s. That’s the reality of modern job hunting. We have all seen the news: remote work isn’t just a fad; it’s a fundamental shift. Companies are finding fantastic talent globally, and candidates are discovering jobs that fit their lives, not just their location. It means fewer stuffy commutes and more opportunities but also facing a new world of digital introductions.

Sure, skipping the travel and saving time is a huge win. But let’s be honest: a video call differs from sitting across a desk from someone. Suddenly, your background, lighting, and even how your voice sounds through a microphone matters more than ever. You’re not just selling your skills but your ability to present yourself professionally in a digital space. Technical glitches, unexpected noises, and the sheer awkwardness of staring at your face on a screen can throw anyone off their game.

Luckily, mastering the art of the video interview isn’t rocket science. Today, you will learn the essential dos and don’ts, giving you tips from an HR perspective to shine online and land that dream job, even if your cat is determined to be the show’s star!

Test equipment/connection

That moment, your computer decides to freeze right when you need it the most. So, a little prep goes a long way when it comes to a video interview. Think of it like a dress rehearsal for your digital debut.

• Your Device- Grab your laptop, tablet, or even your phone: whatever you need to handle a video call without turning it into a slideshow. Just make sure it’s charged and ready to go!
• The Sound and Sight Check- Seriously, don’t skip this. Your camera, microphone, and speakers are your virtual handshake. Could you give them a test run? Jump on a quick call with a friend, or use your device’s built-in testing features. Headphones can also cut down on background noise, which is a massive plus.

• Internet, Internet, Internet- This is the big one. A shaky connection can make you look unprofessional, even if you’re the most qualified person in the world. Run a quick speed test; there are tons of free ones online, like Speedtest.org. And if you’re feeling extra cautious, a Skype test call is a great way to double-check your audio and video quality.
• The “Just in Case” Plan- Stuff happens. Your internet goes down, or your laptop takes an unscheduled nap. Have a backup plan. Could you switch to your phone? Or could you let the interviewer know you’re experiencing technical difficulties and ask if you can reschedule? Having a plan B can save you from a major headache.

Avoid unprofessional usernames/emails

Have you ever heard the phrase ‘first impressions matter’? Well, that starts before you even say a word in the digital age. Your username and email address are often the first things a potential employer sees. They’re like your digital handshake.

Using an unprofessional username or email can instantly give the wrong impression. It might make you look immature, careless, or even unprofessional. You don’t want to start your job search with a strike against you!

1. Usernames– Choose something straightforward when setting up your video call accounts (Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, etc.).

• Instead of: “CoolDude2000” or “PartyAnimal85”
• Try: “John.Smith” or “JohnSmith”

2. Email Addresses– Your email is your digital calling card.

• Instead of: “[email protected]” or “[email protected]”
• Use: “[email protected]” or “[email protected]”

Why does this matter?

• First, it shows you’re serious about the opportunity.
• Second, it’s easy for the interviewer to identify you.
• Third, it avoids any potential distractions or negative connotations.

Bonus Tip: Your profile picture is part of this, too. Choose a photo that’s:

• Clear
• Well-lit
• Professional-looking (no party pics, please!)

It’s all about putting your best foot forward, even before the interview starts. It’s a small detail, but it can make a big difference!

Choose a suitable location

Video interviews are here to stay; honestly, they’ve flipped the script on how we land jobs. You can interview from your own space without travel headaches, and companies can meet awesome people they might have missed otherwise. But there’s a catch- your living room suddenly becomes your stage, and you’ve got to make it work.

One of the biggest things is picking the perfect spot. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about setting yourself up for success.

• Quiet Zone- Seriously, forget the cafe chaos. You need to hear and be heard, and that means a space where you can focus.
• Decent Lighting- No one wants to see you as a silhouette. Natural light is your best friend, but if that’s not an option, make sure your face is well-lit. Avoid overhead lights that cast harsh shadows.

• Background Basics- Think clean and simple. A blank wall? Perfect. A bookshelf? Even better. Just ensure it’s tidy and doesn’t reveal your entire life story.
• Comfort is Key. You’ll sit for a while, so pick a comfy chair. Give yourself enough room to move your hands naturally. You don’t want to look like you’re trapped in a box.
• “Do Not Disturb” Mode- Let everyone in your house (or apartment building!) know you’ll be busy. Put a note on the door, send a text—whatever it takes to avoid interruptions.

Look, it’s all about creating an environment where you can shine. You want the interviewer to focus on you, not the pile of laundry in the background. A little prep goes a long way, showing you’re serious about the opportunity.

Dress neatly

It’s easy to think, “It’s just a screen; nobody will notice,” but trust me, they do. Dress like you’re going to the office. Even if you’re interviewing from your kitchen table, wear something to an actual, in-person interview. Think business casual or whatever the company culture suggests.

Why does it matter?

• First, it shows you’re serious.
• Second, it’s about respect for the interviewer and the opportunity.
• Third, it signals that you understand professional norms.

What to avoid?

• Anything too casual. That means no jeans, t-shirts, shorts, or anything you’d wear to the beach.
• Anything distracting, like super flashy jewelry or anything that might distract the interviewer from what you’re saying.
• Anything revealing.

Comfort is key. You’ll sit for a while, so make sure your clothes fit well and aren’t itchy or uncomfortable. Also, grooming matters. Make sure your hair is neat. A clean face and brushed teeth go a long way.

You want to look like you made an effort. It’s not about being a fashion model but showing that you take this seriously. Think of it as showing up prepared like you would for an in-person meeting.

Research: Company/ Job

You wouldn’t attend a first date without knowing anything about the person, would you? The same goes for a job interview, primarily online. You’re walking into a digital room and want to show them you’re not just some random face on a screen. You’ve got to do a little digging. It’s not about memorizing their history but showing you’ve put in the effort.

1. What’s their deal?

• What’s their mission? (What do they care about?)
• What are their values? (What’s important to them?)
• What are they working on? (Products, services, big goals?)

2. Who are they talking to?

• Who are their customers?
• Who are their competitors?

3. Does this job fit you?

• Read that job description! (What skills are they asking for?)
• How does your experience line up? (Where do you shine?)
• Does your personality fit with the company culture?

4. Ask questions!

• Prepare a few thoughtful questions. (Shows you’re engaged.)
• Asking questions demonstrates that you aren’t just there to get a job but that you are there to contribute.

Why bother? Because it shows you’re interested, not just spamming your resume everywhere. Plus, it helps you determine if you want to work there. You’re interviewing them as much as they’re interviewing you. You want to make sure it’s a good fit both ways.

Don’t be late or unprepared

Being late is a major red flag. You wouldn’t stroll into a doctor’s appointment 20 minutes late, would you? It’s about respecting everyone’s time. Does it matter? Yes! It shows you’re reliable. Also, it tells the interviewer you’re genuinely interested. And it avoids starting the interview flustered and stressed. Below is a simple plan to nail the timing:

1. Double-check everything. Confirm the date, time (and time zone!), and video platform used. Mistakes happen, so it’s worth a quick email or message to be sure.
2. Set reminders. Your phone’s calendar is your best friend. Set multiple reminders, one a day before and another an hour before.
3. Early is on time. Log in at least 10 minutes early. It gives you time to ensure your camera, microphone, and internet are working smoothly and to take a few deep breaths and relax.
4. Have your stuff ready. Before the interview, gather everything you might need:

• Your resume.
• Your cover letter.
• Your portfolio or work samples.
• Do you have any notes you want to reference?
• Are there any other documents that you need to share??

Having everything organized means you’re not scrambling at the last minute and can focus on making a great impression. It’s really about showing you’re prepared and taking the interview seriously.

Smile and make eye contact.

It’s not just about your resume anymore; it’s about how you come across on that little screen. And honestly, staring at a camera is weird at first. But remember:

1. Smile like you mean it. It sounds simple, but a genuine smile makes you more approachable. Before jumping on the call, think of something that makes you happy or funny. It helps you relax, and that natural smile will come through.
2. Eye contact is key. This one is tricky. In a real-life chat, you’d look someone in the eyes. In a video call, that means looking directly at the camera lens, not at the person on the screen. It feels odd, I know, but trust me, it makes the interviewer feel like you’re talking right to them. You’re having a real conversation, even though you’re miles apart.
3. Be friendly, be yourself, and let your personality shine. Don’t be afraid to show some warmth. People want to hire someone they’ll enjoy working with, even if it’s remotely.

It’s about making that connection, even through a screen. You want to come across as someone who’s not only capable but also someone easy to get along with. And those little things make a huge difference: the smile and eye contact!

Avoid interrupting

Have you had those awkward video interview moments where you accidentally talk over someone because of a tiny internet delay? It’s like speaking through a walkie-talkie with a bit of static. It’s super easy to step on each other’s words accidentally. But those little delays are just part of the video call experience. So, how do we handle them without sounding rude?

1. Listen, really listen. Pay close attention to what the interviewer says. Wait for a natural pause before jumping in. Think of it like a real-life conversation, just with a slight lag.
2. If you do accidentally interrupt? No biggie. It happens! Just say something simple like, “Oh, sorry, please go ahead,” or “My apologies, I didn’t mean to cut you off.” A quick, sincere apology goes a long way.
3. Patience is your friend. If you notice a delay, take a breath and give the interviewer a moment to finish their thought. Sometimes, a few seconds can feel like an eternity in a virtual setting, but that pause is crucial.
4. Visual cues help. Watch the interviewer’s body language. Hold off for a second if they look like they’re about to say something.

It boils down to being mindful and understanding that technology isn’t always perfect. We’re all human; a little grace goes a long way in a video interview.

Use the STAR method

Behavioral or situational questions are among the most common questions in an interview. An example is when the interviewer asks you to describe a specific situation from your experience that demonstrates your skills or abilities for the job. They might ask you to tell them when you solved a problem, handled a conflict, led a team, or achieved a goal. To answer these questions effectively, use the STAR method, which stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. 

• Situation. Describe the situation or context of the example. Where and when did it happen? Who was involved? What was the challenge or problem?
• Task. Narrate the task or goal that you had to accomplish or achieve. What was your role and responsibility? Also, what did you want to do or change?
• Action. Recount the steps you took to complete the task or solve the problem. What did you do and why? How did you use your skills or abilities?
• Result. Share the result or outcome of your action. What did you achieve or accomplish? How did you measure your success? What did you learn or improve?

Using the STAR method will help you provide specific and relevant examples that showcase your strengths and potential for the job.

Don’t lie or exaggerate

It’s tempting to puff up your resume a little or stretch the truth about a skill here and there. But trust me, it’s a recipe for disaster.

1. They’ll find out that interviewers are sharp. They ask follow-up questions, they check references, and they can spot inconsistencies. You might think you’re getting away with something, but the odds are they’ll see right through it.
2. Reputation matters. A lie can bite you later, even if you slip through the initial interview. If you get the job and can’t perform, or if the recruiters discover the truth down the line, your credibility is tainted. That’s not just this job; that’s your professional reputation.
3. It’s stressful. Living a lie is exhausting. You’ll constantly be worried about getting caught, and that stress will show. It’s way easier just to be yourself.
4. It’s about fit. A good job isn’t just about getting hired; it’s about finding a place where your skills and experience match. If you’re honest about what you can do, you’ll likely see a role where you can thrive.

The bottom line is to be honest and realistic about what you bring to the table. It’s about finding the right job for you, not just any job. And that starts with being authentic.

Follow up after the interview

Okay, you’ve just finished the interview; great job! But don’t just sit back and wait. A quick follow-up is like putting a cherry on top of a successful interview. It shows you’re genuinely interested in the job and helps keep you fresh in the interviewer’s mind. Plus, it’s just plain professional.

Aim to send a thank-you email or message within 24 hours. In it, thank them for their time, clearly state your continued interest in the position, and briefly remind them of a key skill or experience that makes you a good fit. If you need to clarify anything from the interview, now’s the time. Finally, say you look forward to hearing about the next steps. A thoughtful follow-up can make a real difference.

Stay Positive and Proactive

You send out applications, ace an interview, and then… silence. It’s easy to feel discouraged, wondering if you said the wrong thing or if your resume got lost in the digital void. However, hiring decisions are complex. Budgets shift, timelines change, and finding the perfect fit sometimes takes time. It’s not always about you. So, focus on what you can control instead of letting doubt creep in.

Patience and persistence are your best allies. Keep those applications going, and don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Explore different roles and companies; you might discover opportunities you never considered. While you’re waiting, use this time to level up. Update your resume, practice your interview skills, and build your network. Reach out to people in your field, attend virtual events, and make meaningful connections.

Most importantly, keep learning. Take online courses, read industry blogs, and stay curious. Every step you take is an investment in your future. Remember, every “no” gets you closer to a “yes.” Keep your chin up, keep growing, and keep pushing forward. Your next opportunity is out there!

Look, video interviews might seem weird at first. Staring at a screen instead of someone’s eyes can feel like talking to a wall. Remember that they’re a part of how we find jobs now; honestly, they open many doors. Imagine you can connect with companies worldwide from your living room. And that’s pretty cool!

So, don’t let the tech freak you out. Remember those tips we talked about? They’re not just rules; they’re your tools. Use them to show off your fabulous self. Be genuine, let your personality shine, and don’t be afraid to be a little creative. You’re not just a face on a screen; you’re a person with skills and dreams, and that’s what matters.

We hope this guide helped you feel more confident about your following video interview. If you’ve got any questions or a funny video interview story of your own, drop them in the comments below! We’d love to hear from you. And if you want even more interview tips and tricks, check out our budding YouTube channel to help you land that dream job. Now go out there and rock that interview! Voila! Until next time!