Video Interview Tips & Best Practices (2025 Guide)

Introduction

Video interviews are common for remote roles and first-round screenings. Making a strong impression on camera requires preparation, good setup, and awareness of how you come across. This guide covers setup, body language, common questions, and tips for video interview success.

Table of Contents

Setup and Tech

Camera: Position at eye level. Use a laptop stand or books if needed. Looking down at a laptop can create an unflattering angle.

Lighting: Face the light—window or lamp in front of you. Avoid backlight (light behind you) which silhouettes you. Test how you look before the call.

Background: Neutral and tidy. Plain wall, bookshelf, or virtual background if professional. Avoid clutter or distractions.

Internet: Use wired connection if possible. Close other apps. Have a backup (mobile hotspot) in case of issues.

Platform: Test Zoom, Teams, or whatever they use. Know how to mute, unmute, and share screen if needed.

Test run: Do a practice call with a friend. Check audio, video, and how you look. Join 2–3 minutes early on the day.

Appearance and Environment

Dress: Business professional—same as in-person. Avoid busy patterns (stripes, checks can strobe on camera). Solid colours often work well.

Position: Sit so your head and shoulders are in frame. Leave a little space above your head. Don't sit too close to the camera.

Quiet: Close doors, mute notifications, ask others not to disturb. Put a sign on the door if needed.

Notes: Have your CV and notes nearby but off-camera. Glance briefly if needed—don't read. Keep eye contact with the camera.

During the Interview

Eye contact: Look at the camera when speaking—it creates eye contact with the interviewer. Glance at the screen to read expressions, but return to the camera for key points.

Body language: Sit up straight. Nod to show you're listening. Smile. Avoid fidgeting. Hands visible can help—rest them on the desk.

Pace: Speak clearly and slightly slower than usual. Pause after questions to think. Video can have slight delay—allow for it.

Engage: Show interest. "That's a great question." Ask clarifying questions. React naturally to what they say.

Mute: Mute when you're not speaking if there's background noise. Unmute to speak. Know the shortcut.

Common Video Interview Questions

Video interviews typically cover the same questions as in-person. Prepare for:

  1. Tell me about yourself – Present–Past–Future. 1–2 minutes.

  2. Why do you want this job? – Connect your goals to the role and company.

  3. What are your strengths/weaknesses? – See our weakness guide.

  4. Behavioural questions – Use the STAR method. Prepare 5–8 examples.

  5. Why are you looking to leave? – Stay positive. Focus on growth or fit.

  6. Do you have any questions? – Always have 2–3. Ask about the role, team, or next steps.

For more, see our 50 common interview questions.

Handling Tech Issues

Before: Test everything. Have the recruiter's phone number and email. Know how to reconnect.

If issues occur: Stay calm. "I'm sorry, I'm having a technical issue. Can you hear me?" or "Would it be possible to continue by phone?" Apologise briefly, resolve, and continue. Don't dwell on it.

If you need to reschedule: Contact them as soon as possible. Explain briefly. Offer to reschedule. Most recruiters understand—tech issues happen.

Assessment Test Tips

Video interviews are often followed by assessments or further rounds. Use Assessment-Training.com for numerical reasoning and abstract reasoning practice. Find the right test for your role.

FAQ

How do I set up for a video interview?

Quiet space, good lighting (face the light), neutral background, camera at eye level. Test tech beforehand. Stable internet, charged device.

What should I wear?

Dress as for in-person—business professional. Avoid busy patterns. Solid colours often work best on camera.

Where should I look?

Look at the camera when speaking—creates eye contact. Glance at the screen to read expressions. Return to camera for key moments.

What if I have tech issues?

Test beforehand. Have backup (phone, alternative platform). Stay calm, apologise briefly, resolve. Have recruiter contact to reschedule if needed.

Conclusion

Prepare your setup, test your tech, and dress professionally. Look at the camera, speak clearly, and use the STAR method for behavioural questions. For more interview questions, see our full guide. Good luck!

About the Author

Ingmar van Maurik is a career and assessment preparation expert who helps candidates improve their interview and test performance.

References

  • Assessment-Training.com
  • Glassdoor
  • Indeed