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What Is a Video Interview?

The video interview is an online job interview that takes place via a video platform rather than in the presence of the interviewer. The interviewee would usually make use of a computer or a laptop with a camera and mic to talk to one or more interviewers.

It comes in various forms based on the nature of the employer and the stage of the recruitment process. The employer may engage in live interviews with the interviewee or even ask the candidate to provide pre-recorded responses to questions set out by the employer.

Live Video Interviews

During a live video interview, the interviewer and the candidate have a conversation simultaneously. The process resembles that of an ordinary interview but differs in that it is conducted via video. The interview can be concerned with the qualifications of the candidate and whether they are suitable for the post.

One-Way or Pre-Recorded Video Interviews

The one-way video interview does not have a live interviewer conducting it. The candidates are asked questions onscreen, and they have to respond to them through a recording that the company can view after the interview.

This is one of the types of job interviews where candidates must communicate without receiving live feedback from the interviewer. 

Remote Versus In-Office Video Interviews

The video interview can either be conducted for a full-time remote job or for a traditional office-based job role. It is important to note that the interview format itself does not necessarily mean whether the job will ultimately be remote or office-based.

If it is an office-based job, the employer could conduct video interviews in the initial phase before conducting in-person interviews.

How Video Interviews Differ From Face-to-Face Interviews

While the questions and evaluation criteria will be the same as in the conventional interview, the online method includes other considerations. The candidates must take into consideration the positioning of their camera, their microphone, the lighting, their internet connectivity, and their online surroundings while at the same time making natural eye contact.

Preparing for an online interview involves technical preparation too.

Why Employers Use Video Interviews

The employer can make use of video interviewing in order to ensure that the first stage of recruitment is an easy process, especially when the candidates are from different geographical regions. The same can also be used by organizations to do preliminary screening prior to conducting interviews.

Knowing what to expect helps candidates understand how to prepare for an interview, including preparing their answers and ensuring the technical environment is ready. 

What Should You Do Before a Video Interview?

Effective preparation for video interviews should take place before recording them. It is not necessary to try to learn all possible questions related to an interview because it is more important to understand the position and be able to elaborate on resume content.

1. Research the Company and Job Description

Begin by getting a clear idea about the kind of work that the company does, the role that is being advertised, and the particular skills required according to the requirements of the employer.

You will need to use this information to prepare yourself for those aspects that the interviewer is likely to focus on.

2. Prepare Your Key Talking Points

Prepare a couple of examples from your background in education, projects, internships, or prior work experiences. It is essential to pick instances that demonstrate your expertise in the skills needed for the job.
If the job requires problem-solving, prepare an example that demonstrates the problem-solving skills employers need, such as identifying an issue, tackling it, and successfully finding a solution. With a couple of examples ready, you will not have to remember anything by heart.

 

3. Review Your Resume

Carefully review your CV prior to the job interview. Always be ready to justify why you put something down on your CV, especially if you have listed any projects, accomplishments, technical expertise, internship experience, and work history.

Always remember that if you put down some program, certification, or project on your CV, you will definitely be asked to justify it at the job interview.

4. Prepare Questions for the Interviewer

Make sure you have some questions prepared to ask about the position, team, responsibilities, expectations, and learning opportunities. The right questions may also give you an insight into whether this position is what you need.

Do not ask anything that is obviously covered by the job description. It would be better to use your time during the interview to get a clearer picture of the position.

Finding out more about the company and getting prepared to answer role-related questions remains important, regardless of the type of interview.

How to Set Up Your Technology for an Online Interview

Technical glitches that may happen while you are being interviewed online can disturb what could have been a productive session. Conducting some easy checks on your technology before your online interview will save you from avoidable technical problems.

10-Minute Technology Check

Complete this quick checklist approximately 10 minutes before the interview:

1. Open the interview platform: Confirm that the meeting link works and that you are using the correct account.

2. Check the camera: Make sure the camera is working, positioned at eye level, and showing a clear image.

3. Test the microphone and speakers: Confirm that you can hear clearly and that your voice is reaching the other person without distortion.

4. Check the internet: Verify that your connection is stable. If possible, keep a mobile hotspot or alternative connection ready.

5. Close unnecessary applications: Shut down downloads, streaming services, and programs that may consume bandwidth or cause interruptions.

6. Silence notifications: Turn off notifications on your computer and phone so messages and alerts do not interrupt the interview.

7. Check your power: Make sure your laptop has sufficient battery or is connected to power.

8. Keep your backup ready: Have your phone, headphones, or mobile hotspot available if a technical problem occurs.

Ensuring that your microphone, speakers, camera, and internet connection work properly prior to the interview will minimize any unforeseen technical glitches. It is always good to have another piece of technology or access just in case.

The objective is very straightforward—enter the interview with all your technology already checked out.

[Explore more: Can a Video Resume Help You Stand Out as a Student?]

How to Create the Right Background and Lighting

Your surroundings can affect your professional appearance when you do a video interview. You do not have to go for a fancy arrangement. You have to ensure that your surroundings are calm and quiet to conduct a professional interview.

Choose a Quiet Location

Pick a room or place where you may not get disturbed. Lock the doors and windows and let others know that you are going for an interview. Do not pick any public places like a café, as there might be disturbances.

Keep the Background Clean

It is imperative that your background does not take center stage before you do. You may get rid of any items that could be a distraction to the interviewer.

Position the Light Correctly

Make sure that your main light is placed in front of you and not behind you. You can use natural lighting from the window if it lights up your face but does not create dark shadows. If your main light is behind you, the camera will be exposed to bright light, making your face appear dark.

Keep the Camera Stable

Position your laptop/webcam on a firm surface. Do not try to interview while holding your phone or using an unstable surface. Place your camera at eye level so that the picture looks natural and professional.

Check the Camera Frame

Before entering the interview, open the preview of your camera and see what the interviewer sees. Ensure that you have your face visible and no movement in the background on your end.

A simple, controlled environment allows the interviewer to focus on your answers and communication rather than unnecessary visual or audio distractions.

[Discover more: Workplace Behavior Tips for New Employees to Grow Their Careers]

What Should You Wear for a Video Interview?

The clothes to wear for a video interview must be in line with the job, the employer, and the organizational culture while maintaining your overall professional presentation. Not all interviews will require you to wear formal attire. In the case of corporate jobs, there may be a need for you to maintain a more formal dress code, while creative, tech, or start-up firms may allow for a more laid-back dress code.

• Choose Professional Clothing

Choose clothing that is clean and well-fitting, and that is right for the job and the firm you are working for. For jobs in corporate, finance, consulting, or other client-facing positions, you might consider wearing a formal suit or one of the business professional dresses. 

For creative, technology, or other firms that have a casual environment, smart casual may be right for the workplace.

• Keep Your Appearance Clean and Well Presented

As important as what you wear is how you present yourself. Make sure that you are wearing wrinkle-free clothes and are looking well-groomed. Just by being groomed and well-dressed, you may be able to appear better prepared on camera.

Because the interview will be focused on your face and your upper body, make sure that you look put together.

• Avoid Distracting Patterns

Patterns such as stripes or very detailed patterns may be distracting and could even distort on the webcam, especially when using low-quality webcams. Bright colors, reflective items, or large images may also distract viewers from viewing your face.

In case of doubts, use solid colors or subtle patterns.

• Dress Appropriately Even When Interviewing From Home

This does not imply that you have to dress casually since the interviewer will not be able to see the rest of your attire. You must dress the way you would like to dress for a professional engagement with that organization.

This will help you get into a professional state of mind as well.

• Check Your Outfit Under the Available Lighting

Lighting can change how colors and patterns appear on camera. Before the interview, open your video platform and check how your outfit looks with the same lighting and camera setup you plan to use.

Look for:

• Colors that appear natural on camera
• Clothing that does not blend into the background
• Minimal glare or reflections
• Patterns that remain clear without creating visual distractions

A quick camera check before the interview can help you avoid surprises and make sure your appearance looks professional on screen.

How to Prepare Answers for Common Video Interview Questions

Preparation for video interviews is not about rote learning of answers. It is about having an understanding of the purpose behind the questions being asked and preparing examples that may be modified during the interview itself.

• Question-to-Answer Strategy

• Use the STAR Structure for Behavioral Questions.

Behavioral questions often ask you to describe how you handled a real situation. Instead of giving a long or unfocused response, organize your answer using the STAR structure:

• S, Situation: Briefly explain the situation or context.
• T, Task: Describe what you were responsible for or what needed to be achieved.
• A. Action: Explain the specific steps you personally took.
• R, Result: Describe the outcome and, where possible, what you learned from the experience.

For instance, if asked to "Describe an occasion when you had to cope with a tough deadline," don't just state your ability to work effectively under stress; give a genuine instance and describe the scenario, the role, the steps you took, and the result.

The STAR technique works best when answering questions on teamwork, conflict management, problem solving, leadership, deadlines, mistakes, and adaptability.

Focus on Structure, Not Memorization

In a video interview, one should be prepared for the important issues but not for complete answers. This is because over-practiced answers may sound artificial and hard to modify when asked about something else.

A better approach is to prepare:

• The main point you want to communicate
• One relevant example
• Two or three supporting details
• The result or takeaway