Video Interview Tips

Video interviews are now a normal part of hiring for internships and graduate roles. They save employers travel and let students interview from a college room or a home. They also bring their own challenges: awkward cameras, bad lighting, patchy internet and the strange feeling of talking to a screen. The good news is that most of what goes wrong is preventable. A few hours of preparation can turn a stressful format into one where you feel in control, with notes at hand and your best self on display.

Formats and platforms change, so this guide names no specific tools. It is general information, not career advice. Follow the employer's instructions, which take priority over any general tip.

Two types of video interview

Live video interviews. A real-time conversation with one or more people through a video platform. Similar to an in-person interview in content, with the added technical layer.

Recorded (one-way) video interviews. You receive questions, usually with a short time to prepare, and record answers within a time limit. Reviewers watch later. You cannot interact or ask questions. Often used for early screening.

Prepare for both. They share many principles, with different strategies.

Set up your space

• Choose a quiet room where you will not be interrupted. Tell housemates or family. Put a sign on the door if needed.
• Use a plain, tidy background. A blank wall or tidy shelf works. Avoid distracting posters or clutter. Check what is visible behind you.
• Avoid virtual backgrounds unless needed, because they can glitch. If you must, choose a simple, professional one, and test it.
• Position the camera at eye level. Stack books or a box under a laptop if needed. A camera that looks up your nose or down at you is unflattering.
• Sit at a table with a stable surface. Avoid sitting on a bed or sofa.
• Keep a glass of water nearby.
• Silence notifications on all devices. Close other apps and tabs.
• Keep necessary items within reach: pen, paper, resume, the job description and a charger.

If you do not have a suitable space, ask your college. Many libraries and careers centers have booths or rooms for video interviews.

Light and sound

Good light and sound matter more than an expensive camera.

Lighting.

• Face a window so that natural light falls on your face. Do not sit with a window behind you, which turns you into a silhouette.
• Use a lamp in front of you if the room is dark. Place it slightly above eye level behind the screen.
• Avoid harsh overhead lights that cast shadows.
• Test at the time of day of the interview.

Sound.

• Use headphones with a built-in microphone or a simple external microphone for clearer sound.
• Avoid echo by choosing a room with soft furnishings.
• Test the volume.
• Minimize background noise: close windows, turn off fans and music.

Test your technology

Do a full test run at least a day before, and again an hour before.

• Check your internet speed and stability. Use a wired connection if possible. Sit near the router.
• Test the platform the employer uses. Download any required software or updates early. Create an account if needed.
• Check your camera and microphone in the platform's settings.
• Record a short test video and watch it. Check framing, light, sound and background.
• Charge your device, and plug it in.
• Close unnecessary programs.
• Have a backup device nearby, such as a phone with the platform installed.
• Save the interviewer's contact details and the support number.
• Check your screen name and profile picture. Use your real name and a neutral or no image.

Dress and appearance

• Dress as you would for an in-person interview, matching the employer's culture. Choose solid, simple colors that look good on camera.
• Dress fully, not just from the waist up. It helps you feel professional and avoids embarrassment if you must stand.
• Avoid busy patterns, very bright whites or shiny jewelry that may glare or distract.
• Groom as usual.
• Check how you look on screen in your test.

Body language and speaking

Communication on video relies on face, voice and posture.

• Look at the camera when you speak. It feels like eye contact to the viewer. Looking at the screen makes you seem to look slightly away.
• Look at the screen when listening, if that feels natural, or glance at the camera at times.
• Sit upright with your shoulders relaxed.
• Keep your hands visible and calm. Natural gestures help, but avoid too much movement.
• Smile when appropriate.
• Nod to show you are listening.
• Speak clearly and a bit slower than usual, since there can be a delay.
• Pause before answering. It avoids talking over others.
• Do not interrupt. Wait for the speaker to finish.
• Be enthusiastic. Energy can drop on screen, so add a little more warmth than usual.

Notes and preparation

In live interviews, a few notes can help, if you use them well.

• Keep brief notes with key points and examples, not scripts.
• Place notes beside the camera so that your eyes do not wander too much.
• Do not read. Glance, then speak naturally.
• Keep the job description and resume in view.
• Have questions to ask written down.
• Do not use other devices to look up answers or chat. Many platforms detect screen sharing and attention.

In recorded or assessed interviews, check the rules about notes. If they are not allowed, do not use them.

Start and finish well

• Log in five to ten minutes early. Do not join too early if the platform has a waiting room, but be ready.
• Greet with a smile. "Good morning, thank you for speaking with me."
• Check audio and video with a quick, "Can you hear me clearly?"
• Make small talk if invited.
• Listen carefully to introductions and the format.
• At the end, thank the interviewers, ask your questions, confirm next steps and say goodbye. Wait for the call to end properly.
• Send a thank-you email within a day.

Handling technical problems

Problems happen. How you respond matters.

• Stay calm. Interviewers expect occasional glitches.
• If the video freezes, say so, and turn off the camera briefly to improve the connection, or rejoin.
• If the audio fails, try a different microphone, or call in by phone if the platform allows.
• If you lose connection, rejoin quickly. If you cannot, email or call the interviewer and explain.
• If there is background noise, apologize and fix it if you can.
• If someone enters the room, apologize briefly and continue.
• Have a hotspot ready. Your phone can provide internet in an emergency.

A calm, professional response often leaves a better impression than a flawless call.

Recorded video interviews: extra strategies

• Read the instructions carefully: number of questions, time to think, time to answer and number of attempts.
• Practice with sample questions and time yourself.
• Prepare the story bank, and think about how to structure answers quickly.
• Use the preparation time to jot down two or three points.
• Start with a brief opening line, then follow a clear structure.
• Keep to the time limit. Practice finishing neatly.
• Look at the camera, as there is no live person.
• Show energy and warmth, because it is easy to sound flat.
• If you can re-record, do not aim for perfection. Make a good attempt.
• Check your setup before starting, since the clock may run once you begin.

Reviewers may watch many videos in a row, so clarity and a friendly tone stand out.

Accessibility and adjustments

If you need adjustments, such as extra time, captions, a different format or a quiet environment, ask the employer in advance. Many are required to consider reasonable adjustments. Mention your needs politely, and offer information about what would help. If you have caring responsibilities or limited internet access, tell them early and ask about options.

Safety and privacy

• Check that the interview request is genuine. Verify the organization and the interviewer before you share personal details.
• Be cautious with links sent by unknown people.
• Do not share sensitive information such as bank details in an interview.
• Be wary of "interviews" conducted only through messaging apps with requests for money or documents.
• Know what will be recorded and how it will be used.

Our guide to avoiding student money scams lists patterns used in fake recruitment.

Common mistakes

• Not testing technology.
• Cluttered or noisy background.
• Looking at the screen, not the camera.
• Reading from a script.
• Dressing too casually.
• Poor lighting.
• Joining late.

A quick checklist

• Have I tested the platform, camera, microphone and internet?
• Is my space quiet, tidy and well lit?
• Am I dressed appropriately and sitting at camera height?
• Do I have brief notes and questions ready?
• Do I have a backup plan for technical problems?

Final thoughts

A video interview is still an interview. Prepare your space and technology, then focus on your answers and on being warm and clear. Look at the camera, keep notes brief and stay calm if something goes wrong. With practice, the screen fades and the conversation takes over.