Video Interview Tips: Before, During and After

The invitation comes with a link: the interview will happen on screen. A video interview follows the same rules as an in-person one, plus a technical layer: connection, camera, sound and setting. This guide covers what to watch for before, during and after a video interview.

What should you check before a video interview?

Test the meeting link, your camera, microphone and internet in advance, and set up a quiet, well-lit spot. Point by point:

• Open the link early: Whatever app the interview uses, open the link the day before and try it. If the app wants to install or update, don't leave it to the last minute.

• Test camera and microphone: Headphones cut down echo and background noise.

• Light from the front: A window behind you leaves your face in shadow. Sit facing the window or a lamp.

• Keep the background simple: A plain wall or a tidy room is enough.

• Turn off notifications: Silence your phone, and close notifications and unnecessary tabs on your computer.

• Have a backup plan: Keep your battery charged, and share a phone number they can reach you on if the connection drops.

What should you wear to a video interview?

Whatever you'd wear to an in-person interview. The camera usually shows only your top half, but you might need to stand up to grab something, and being fully dressed for it helps you feel at ease. Very fine patterns can shimmer on camera; plain colours look calmer.

What should you watch for during a video interview?

Look at the camera, keep answers short and clear, and pause a beat so you don't talk over people. In more detail:

• Eye contact: Looking at the camera rather than at the face on screen comes across as eye contact.

• Allow for lag: Audio can arrive a moment late. Wait briefly after the other person finishes before you start.

• Taking notes is fine: Just say you're taking notes; otherwise it can look like you're busy with something else.

• Be ready to share your screen: They may ask you to; tidy your desktop and open windows beforehand.

• Stay calm if the connection drops: Rejoin straight away; if you can't, let them know by email or phone. Technical problems are normal; what matters is how you handle them.

Are video interview questions different?

Mostly not; the questions are the same as in person. If the role is remote or hybrid, you may also be asked how you work remotely, how you organise your work and how you keep in touch with the team. We cover what later rounds ask in the second interview guide.

After a video interview

At the end, ask about the next step and when you'll hear back. The next day you can send a short thank-you note; there are examples in the thank-you email after an interview guide. Reading how it went through a camera is hard; we cover which signs actually mean something in how do you know an interview went well.