Video interview tips for jobseekers

Why video interviews are different

A video interview tests the same things as a face-to-face one — but the camera changes how you come across. Eye contact means looking at the lens, not the face on screen. Small rooms, bad light and weak sound can distract from good answers. The good news: everything about the setup is under your control, and a little preparation puts you ahead of most candidates.

10 video interview tips that actually work

1. 1

   Test your tech the day before

   Check your camera, microphone and internet connection. Charge your device or plug it in, and close every app you don't need so notifications can't interrupt you.

2. 2

   Choose a quiet, tidy spot

   Pick a room where you won't be disturbed. A plain, uncluttered background keeps the focus on you — and tell anyone you live with when your interview is.

3. 3

   Get the light in front of you

   Face a window or a lamp so the light falls on your face. Never sit with a bright window behind you — it turns you into a silhouette.

4. 4

   Raise the camera to eye level

   Prop your laptop or phone on a stack of books so the camera is level with your eyes. Looking down at a low camera is unflattering and makes eye contact harder.

5. 5

   Dress as you would in person

   Wear what you'd wear to a face-to-face interview for that employer, top to bottom. Solid colours work better on camera than busy patterns.

6. 6

   Look at the camera, not the screen

   When you speak, look at the camera lens — that's what feels like eye contact to the interviewer. Glance at the screen when they're talking.

7. 7

   Prepare short, structured answers

   For common questions, use a simple structure: situation, what you did, and the result. Keep answers to about a minute unless they ask for more detail.

8. 8

   Have notes nearby, but don't read them

   A few bullet points on a card beside the camera is fine. Reading a script from the screen is obvious and breaks your connection with the interviewer.

9. 9

   Practise on camera first

   Record yourself answering two or three likely questions and watch it back. You'll spot habits — rushing, looking away, filler words — that you can't feel while speaking.

10. 10

    Have a backup plan

    Keep the interviewer's phone number or email handy, and your phone charged. If your connection drops, rejoin quickly or call — it happens to everyone and won't count against you.

How to answer common video interview questions

These five come up in most interviews, on camera or off. Prepare your answers out loud — in your head doesn't count.

One-way video interviews

Some employers ask you to record answers to set questions instead of a live call. The same rules apply, with two extras: check how long you have per answer and whether retakes are allowed before you start, and treat the camera like a person — speak to it warmly, not like you're reading a form.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Joining from a bed, sofa or noisy café — it sets the wrong tone before you speak.
• Sitting with a window behind you, so the interviewer sees a dark outline.
• Reading answers from a script on screen — your eyes give it away.
• Leaving your phone unmuted or notifications on.
• Rushing. A short pause before answering looks thoughtful, not slow.

Practise before it counts

The fastest way to get comfortable on camera is to record yourself. Pitch ID lets you record short practice clips for free — answer a common question in 20 seconds, watch it back, and retake it until it sounds like you on a good day. If you like the result, you can even turn it into a video CV with a QR code for your applications.