{"id":22419,"date":"2025-07-30T14:40:22","date_gmt":"2025-07-30T19:40:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/resumespice.com\/?p=22419"},"modified":"2025-07-23T16:03:07","modified_gmt":"2025-07-23T21:03:07","slug":"video-job-interview-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/resumespice.com\/video-job-interview-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"21 Tips for Nailing Your Next Video Interview (2025)"},"content":{"rendered":"

For many employers, the pandemic expedited their use of video interviewing, with some estimating that <\/span>over 80% of companies used video calls<\/span><\/a> to screen candidates.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Even as employees trickle back into the office, video interviews are likely here to stay, as they offer some clear benefits over traditional, in-person interviews. Most notably, video interviews<\/a> allow for a more efficient process, eliminating the need for travel, fighting traffic, and finding (and paying for) parking. The result is a much more streamlined scheduling and interviewing process. <\/p>\r\n

However, just because your next interview might take place over video conferencing, it\u2019s not to be taken lightly. Video interviews involve many of the traditional rules and norms of an in-person interview, while also incorporating a unique set of considerations for which a successful candidate must prepare.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Rest assured, the team at <\/span>ResumeSpice<\/span><\/a> has thought of everything you need to know to ace your next video interview:<\/span><\/p>\r\n

1. Make sure your camera and video are working properly.<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

\"interviewThis may seem like a no-brainer, but in the anxious hours leading up to your interview, you might forget to test your audio and video equipment. Don\u2019t assume just because your headphones always work on your phone, that they will on your computer. Test the exact camera, microphone, headphones, and volume control you\u2019ll use during the actual interview.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Also take some time to understand the video conferencing system you\u2019ll be using (like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Webex). These all have slightly different functionality.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\r\n

2. Be mindful of your background.\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Once you have all your technology in good working condition, consider your background. An interview is probably not the best time for that roller coaster background or some other distracting background. You\u2019ll have plenty of time to showcase your personality once you get the job, so leave the colorful Christmas lights or palm tree-lined beaches for a video chat with friends.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Instead, choose something calm and neutral to portray a professional appearance. If you plan not to use a background, keep your setting warm and neutral. A simple house plant or minimally decorated shelving will suffice.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\r\n

3. Pay attention to lighting.<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Lighting may seem like a miscellaneous and unimportant detail. It\u2019s not. Good lighting can make you appear more vibrant, giving you an air of confidence and can-do enthusiasm. It\u2019s important to position lighting in front of you. Placing a light behind you can cast shadows and make you more difficult to see. LED lamps are preferable, as they produce less heat.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\r\n

4. Limit glare.<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

While a warm bright light is preferred, sometimes bright lights can cause a significant glare. This usually comes from jewelry or watches and eyeglasses. Before your interview, set up the exact lighting you\u2019ll use to get a sense of where, or if, there is significant glare. Then eliminate it.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\r\n

5. Be prepared.<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

\"\"As with a traditional interview, be sure to do your homework ahead of time. Research some of the latest news about the company. This can be some of their latest products, initiatives, or financial information.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Also, try to find the bio or other professional information about the person with whom you'll be speaking. You can look for areas where you can make a personal connection, such as their alma mater or their previous positions. Being prepared will show that you are excited about the position and the company.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\r\n

6. Stay focused.<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Interviews are nerve-wracking. You\u2019re being evaluated on everything you say, don\u2019t say, how you look, and even how you hold yourself. You know you\u2019re going to be asked some tough questions and while you can reasonably predict some of them, other questions might leave you momentarily speechless. When at your computer, it can be tempting to open up a window and start Googling (it\u2019s <\/span>right there!<\/span><\/i>). Don\u2019t.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n

No matter how skilled you think you are at Googling, it will be clear you\u2019re not 100% focused on the interview. Stay focused on highlighting your skills and experiences.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\r\n

7. Practice.<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Practice makes perfect may be cliche, but that\u2019s because it\u2019s true. Practicing your video interview with a trusted friend is invaluable. Not only will it help you sort out logistical issues, but it will also help you create more polished answers. Simulating the experience (even with a friend) will help you feel more confident when it\u2019s time for the \u201creal\u201d interview.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u00a08. Be personable.<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n

Because virtual interviews can feel impersonal, there is the risk of coming off stiff. Don\u2019t be afraid to share a quick, personal story that either reveals a positive character trait or relates to something your interviewer shared about themselves or the company.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

9. Be professional<\/b>.<\/span><\/h2>\r\n

\"\"But don\u2019t get too personal. You still want to maintain a sense of professionalism in the way you speak, your appearance, and the setting. Turn notifications off and keep your phone on silent. <\/span><\/p>\r\n

If you\u2019re at home, be sure you are in a room with a closed door. Ensure pets and children are being cared for by someone else, somewhere else.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\r\n

10. Acknowledge any distractions but quickly move on.<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

We all know, despite our best-laid plans, unforeseen distractions may occur. Our advice: Acknowledge the distraction and then move on. Dog starts howling at a squirrel? Kids decide to engage in WrestleMania just outside the door? Apologize and refocus. (We\u2019ve all been there!)<\/span><\/b><\/p>\r\n

11. Prepare to make eye contact.<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

One of the most awkward parts of engaging in a video interview is making eye contact. (This is one of the reasons they can feel so impersonal.)\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n

To give the interview the sense that you\u2019re making eye contact, it\u2019s important to look into the camera instead of fixating on the interviewer (or yourself). Position the camera so it is at eye level, straight ahead \u2014not positioned up or down. Be sure you\u2019re sitting at a proper distance so you\u2019re neither too far, nor too close to the screen.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\r\n

12. Test how you sound.<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

As with a traditional interview, it\u2019s important to minimize the number of ums, likes, and other speech fillers you use. You also want to be aware of how slowly, quickly, and clearly you are speaking. The best way to do this is to record yourself practicing with a friend. Most people are surprised to hear how they sound and it may be awkward to watch\/listen to yourself, but that\u2019s the only way you\u2019re going to improve.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

13. Be early<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\r\n

Like in an in-person interview, you want to be sure you are the one waiting for the interviewer. Not the other way around. Being 3-5 minutes early shows you are responsible, detail-oriented, and eager.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\r\n

14. Digital handshake.<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

When the interviewer does appear, take a moment to say hello and acknowledge them just as a handshake would do if you were meeting in person. This can be as simple as a nod of the head to suggest \u201cit\u2019s nice to meet you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n

15. Be expressive<\/b>.<\/span><\/h2>\r\n

The more expressive you can be, the more it will reduce the awkwardness that comes with trying to read someone through a screen. Let the interviewer know you are listening by offering a friendly smile or a nod of the head. Think about all the non-verbal communication two individuals share in a traditional conversation and set out to express similar non-verbal cues.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\r\n

16. Don\u2019t cut the other person off.<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Because of split-second delays that often take place digitally, cutting someone off unintentionally is relatively common. Research suggests that natural speech consists of short (0.15 seconds), medium (0.50 seconds), and long (1.50 second) pause. Pause for an extra half-second before speaking so you can be sure the other person is done and is ready to listen.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\r\n

17. Explain long pauses or delays in conversation.<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

There\u2019s always a chance the interviewer is going to ask a question for which you don\u2019t have a prepared answer. Long pauses can feel exponentially long virtually. Similar to how you would handle distractions, it\u2019s always best to explain them and recover.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Be honest. If it is a tech issue, acknowledge the tech. If it\u2019s because the question threw you for a loop, saying you need a moment to think about your response is perfectly acceptable.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

18. Speak up if the connection falters.<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Even if your conversation started strong, your connection might become staticky or glitchy. Don\u2019t pretend you can hear well if you can\u2019t.\u00a0 Let the interviewer know they\u2019re breaking up so you don\u2019t mistakenly answer a question you thought was asked.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\r\n

19. Remember, an interview is just a conversation.<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

\"\"Sure there could be tech issues, issues with making a warm connection digitally, issues with the quality of your responses, but remember, at the end of the day, an interview is simply a conversation between two people trying to get to know each other.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n

You want to learn about your interviewer and the company as much as they want to learn about you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n

20. Have an emergency plan.<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\r\n

Plan for the worst, not because it might happen, but because you\u2019ll feel more relaxed knowing you have a plan for the worst-case scenario. Maybe it\u2019s the day your battery decides to malfunction, your internet connection inexplicably fails, or your camera (the one you tested and practiced with) suddenly goes on strike.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n

What will you do? Maybe you call back via phone immediately. Or maybe you have a backup device. Be sure to have a backup plan in place.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\r\n

21. Treat it like a regular in-person interview.<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Our last tip summarizes all the above: treat your video interview like a regular in-person interview. It may be more convenient but it still requires preparation and the same level of seriousness you would apply to a traditional in-person interview.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Need help preparing for your next video interview?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Our <\/span>ResumeSpice<\/span><\/a> career consultants would love to help you <\/span>ace your next interview<\/span><\/a>. Reach out today by phone – 832.930.7378 – or <\/span>contact us online<\/span><\/a>\u00a0to set up a time. Ready to move forward? You can purchase an <\/span>interview prep session here<\/span><\/a>. We\u2019d love to work with you!<\/span><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

For many employers, the pandemic expedited their use of video interviewing, with some estimating that over 80% of companies used video calls to screen candidates. Even as employees trickle back into the office, video interviews are likely here to stay, as they offer some clear benefits over traditional, in-person interviews. Most notably, video interviews allow…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2207,"featured_media":51508,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[36,695,641,696],"class_list":["post-22419","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-interviewing","tag-interview-tips","tag-video-call","tag-video-interview","tag-zoom-interview"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t