A video interview is often used when employers want to meet candidates quickly without arranging an in-person interview. It can feel more convenient, but it still needs proper preparation. Your answers matter, but so do your camera, sound, background, internet connection and body language.
Preparing well helps you look professional, sound confident and avoid technical problems that can distract from your suitability for the role. This guide explains how to prepare for a video interview and make a strong impression.
What is a video interview?
A video interview is an interview carried out through a video call platform such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet or another online meeting tool. It may be a live interview with one or more people, or a recorded video interview where you answer questions on screen.
Employers may use video interviews to check:
- Your experience
- Your communication skills
- Your interest in the role
- Your professionalism
- Your confidence using online tools
- Your answers to key interview questions
- Whether to invite you to the next stage
A video interview should be treated as seriously as an in-person interview.
Confirm the interview details
Before the interview, make sure you know exactly how and when it will happen. Do not leave this until the last minute.
Check:
- Date and time
- Video platform being used
- Meeting link
- Whether you need a password or account
- Who will be interviewing you
- How long the interview is expected to last
- Whether it is live or recorded
If you are applying for several roles, tracking these details helps avoid confusion. You can read How to Track Job Applications Properly for a simple way to stay organised.
Test your technology before the interview
Technical problems can happen, but many can be avoided with a quick test before the interview. Try not to test everything five minutes before the call starts.
Check:
- Your internet connection
- Your camera
- Your microphone
- Your speaker or headphones
- Your device battery
- Your charger
- The meeting link
- Whether the app needs updating
If possible, do a quick test call with a friend or family member. This can help you check sound, lighting and camera position.
Choose a quiet place
Your surroundings can affect how professional you appear. Choose somewhere quiet, tidy and well lit. You do not need a perfect home office, but you should reduce distractions where possible.
Before the interview:
- Tell people nearby that you have an interview
- Turn off the TV or background noise
- Close unnecessary windows or tabs
- Put your phone on silent unless needed for the call
- Keep pets away if possible
- Choose a plain or tidy background
If you cannot avoid a minor background issue, stay calm. A quick apology is usually enough if something unexpected happens.
Set up your camera properly
Your camera should be stable and positioned so the interviewer can clearly see your face. Avoid holding your device in your hand during the interview.
Good camera setup tips include:
- Place the camera at or close to eye level
- Keep your face centred on screen
- Avoid sitting too close to the camera
- Use a stable surface
- Look at the camera when making key points
- Check what appears behind you
If you are using a phone, try to prop it up securely rather than holding it.
Check your lighting
Good lighting helps the interviewer see you clearly. Poor lighting can make the interview feel less professional, even if your answers are strong.
Try to:
- Sit facing a window or light source
- Avoid strong light behind you
- Avoid sitting in shadow
- Use a lamp if the room is dark
- Check your screen preview before joining
Natural light can work well, but make sure it is not too bright or directly behind you.
Dress appropriately
Dress as you would for a normal interview, based on the role and employer. Even though you are at home, your appearance still forms part of the first impression.
Useful tips:
- Choose smart or smart-casual clothing
- Avoid distracting patterns
- Dress properly from head to toe if possible
- Check how your outfit looks on camera
- Keep the focus on your answers, not your clothing
If you are unsure what to wear, read What to Wear to a Job Interview.
Prepare your CV and notes
One advantage of a video interview is that you can keep useful notes nearby. Keep them brief so you do not spend the interview reading from a script.
Have ready:
- Your CV
- The job advert
- Notes about the employer
- Examples of your experience
- Questions to ask
- A pen and paper
- Details of your availability or notice period
If your CV needs improving before future interviews, you can use the TavaJobs CV Builder.
Research the employer and role
Research helps you give better answers and ask stronger questions. You do not need to know everything about the company, but you should understand what they do and why the role interests you.
Look at:
- The company website
- The job advert
- Products or services
- Company values if listed
- Location or remote working details
- Skills and experience required
This helps you connect your answers to the role instead of giving generic responses.
Prepare answers to common video interview questions
Video interviews often include the same questions as phone and in-person interviews. Prepare clear answers, but do not memorise them word for word.
Common questions include:
- Tell me about yourself
- Why do you want this job?
- What are your strengths?
- What are your weaknesses?
- Why are you leaving your current role?
- What experience do you have?
- How do you handle pressure?
- Why should we hire you?
You can read How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” in a Job Interview if you want help with one of the most common opening questions.
Practise speaking on camera
Speaking on camera can feel strange if you are not used to it. A short practice session can help you feel more natural.
Try practising:
- Your “tell me about yourself” answer
- Why you want the role
- Examples of your experience
- Your questions for the employer
- Speaking at a steady pace
- Looking at the camera occasionally
You do not need to act perfectly. The aim is to sound prepared, clear and interested.
Use positive body language
Body language still matters in a video interview. The interviewer can see your facial expressions, posture and how engaged you appear.
During the interview:
- Sit upright
- Smile when appropriate
- Look at the camera when making important points
- Nod to show you are listening
- Avoid looking at your phone
- Do not fidget too much
- Keep your hands relaxed
If there is a slight delay on the call, pause briefly before answering so you do not accidentally interrupt.
Prepare questions to ask
At the end of the video interview, you may be asked if you have any questions. Prepare a few in advance so you are not caught off guard.
You could ask:
- What does a typical day in this role look like?
- What training is provided?
- What are the next steps after this interview?
- What skills are most important for success in the role?
- How would you describe the team?
For more ideas, read Questions to Ask at the End of an Interview.
Know what to do if something goes wrong
Technical problems can happen. What matters is how you handle them. Stay calm and communicate clearly.
If something goes wrong:
- Apologise briefly
- Reconnect if the call drops
- Use the phone number or email if provided
- Explain if your sound or camera has stopped working
- Do not panic or blame the interviewer
- Follow up afterwards if needed
It can help to have the employer’s contact details ready in case the video link fails.
Follow up after the video interview
After the interview, write down what happened while it is fresh. This will help if you reach the next stage or need to follow up later.
After the interview:
- Update your application tracker
- Save any next-step information
- Note questions you were asked
- Write down what went well
- Prepare for the next stage
- Send a polite thank-you or follow-up if appropriate
You can read How to Follow Up After a Job Interview for practical follow-up tips.
Use job alerts to find more interview opportunities
If you are not getting interviews, review whether your applications are well matched to the jobs you are applying for. Job alerts can help you find suitable roles earlier and apply before too many other candidates.
Useful searches include:
Quick video interview checklist
- Confirm the date, time and video link
- Test your camera, microphone and internet
- Choose a quiet place
- Check lighting and background
- Dress appropriately
- Keep your CV and job advert nearby
- Research the employer
- Prepare common answers
- Practise speaking on camera
- Prepare questions to ask
Ready to prepare for your next interview?
Use TavaJobs to improve your CV, search suitable jobs and set up alerts for roles that match your experience.
Final thoughts
A video interview is still a real interview. The format may be online, but employers are still looking at your preparation, communication, answers and interest in the role.
Test your technology, choose a quiet place, prepare your answers and keep useful notes nearby. With the right setup, you can make a strong impression and give yourself a better chance of reaching the next stage.
FAQs
How do I prepare for a video interview?
Test your camera, microphone and internet, choose a quiet place, check your background, read the job advert, research the employer and prepare answers to common questions.
What should I wear for a video interview?
Wear smart or smart-casual clothing that suits the role and employer. Avoid distracting patterns and check how your outfit looks on camera.
Should I use notes in a video interview?
Yes, but keep them brief. Notes can help you remember key examples and questions, but avoid reading from them constantly.
What if my video interview connection fails?
Stay calm, try to reconnect and contact the employer using any phone number or email they provided. Apologise briefly and continue professionally.
Is a video interview as important as an in-person interview?
Yes. A video interview can decide whether you move to the next stage, so treat it with the same preparation and professionalism.
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