Online video interview tips
Video interviews are now common for first rounds and remote jobs. They add their own challenges: technology, the camera and the lack of body-language cues. A little setup removes most of the stress.
Test your technology the day before
Check your internet connection, camera, microphone and the meeting app. Close other tabs and programs, plug in your charger and have a phone hotspot or the interviewer's phone number as a backup.
Set up your space
Sit in a quiet room with light in front of you, not behind. Place the camera at eye level so you are not looking up or down. Choose a tidy, neutral background and tell people at home not to disturb you.
Look at the camera, not the screen
Eye contact on video means looking toward the camera lens, which feels unnatural. Practise glancing at the lens when you make key points. Smile naturally and keep your posture upright.
Speak clearly and pause
Audio delays make interrupting easy. Pause briefly after the interviewer finishes. Speak slightly slower than usual, and avoid filler words by taking a breath before you answer.
Practise on camera first
Do a full practice run in the same setup. A mock interview that uses your camera and microphone shows you how your pacing, filler words and eye contact actually look and sound before the real thing.
Practise this out loud, free
Take a live AI mock interview with questions built from your resume and the job description, then get a clear feedback report.
Start a free mock interviewFrequently asked questions
- How do I make eye contact in a video interview?
- Look at the camera lens when speaking and glance at the screen when listening. Placing the interviewer's window near the camera helps.
- What should I wear to an online interview?
- Dress as you would for an in-person interview, choosing solid colours that look good on camera.