Video Interview Tips for Success

By Daniel Bortz, Monster contributor

If you’re among the many people who are camera shy, it’s time to take steps to fix that. Your next job could depend on it, and not because we predict you’ll switch careers and get into movies or broadcasting anytime soon. It’s because video chat platforms—FaceTime, Google Hangouts, Zoom, Skype, etc.—have changed the way employers connect with job candidates. For video interview tips, read on to learn how to put your best face forward.

Video interviews can understandably be challenging for job seekers. You might feel self-conscious about how you look or sound on camera, or you're worried about your connection breaking. Awkward. Take these steps to set yourself up for success.

6 Video Interview Tips

  1. Check your connection
  2. Have a plan if things go haywire
  3. Choose the right setting
  4. Dress the part
  5. Mind your body language
  6. Don't rely too heavily on notes

1. Check Your Connection

You’ll want to nail down the mechanics before a video interview. This entails doing the following:

  • Check your Internet speed. For a clear HD video connection, you need at least 1 Mbps (Megabites per second), according to LifeWire.com. You can test your Internet speed at www.SpeedTest.net. Switching from Wi-Fi to a wired Ethernet connection may improve your Internet speed. If your home’s internet connection is crummy, consider going to a local library, where you can do the interview in a private room with stable Wi-Fi.
  • Make sure your device (computer, tablet, or phone—whichever you feel most comfortable working with) is fully charged. Or, plug it into an outlet, to avoid a battery outage.
  • Check the audio. You may need to wear headphones if your computer has a lousy speaker system, or buy an external microphone.
  • Check the camera. If you need to purchase a webcam, do some research to choose one that's easy to use and right for your set-up
  • Familiarize yourself with the video platform. New to Skype or Zoom? Get comfortable with the program before your audition.

2. Have a Plan If Things Go Haywire

Reality check: Technology just fails some times, regardless of how many times you checked your Internet connection. So, before you begin a video interview, provide the interviewer with a phone number where you can be reached if there are any technical difficulties.

3. Choose the Right Setting

Among the most pivotal video interview tips is the importance of a proper environment. Find a quiet, private, and well-lit place to do the interview—making sure to avoid coffee shops and other communal spaces where you can’t control the background noise. And choose a room with a clutter-free backdrop.

Lighting is also important. If a window is behind you, it could cast a shadow over your face and make it difficult for the interviewer to see you. Generally, your best strategy is to sit opposite an open window. If you’re doing the interview at night—which may very well be the case if you have a full-time job—you can brighten up dim space by adding floor or desk lamps.

Pro tip: Do a test at the same time of day that your interview is scheduled for, so you get an exact sense of what the lighting will look like.

4. Dress the Part

Although you’re not going into an office to meet with the interviewer face to face, you still need to dress appropriately for a video interview. Generally, you’ll want to wear the same professional clothes that you’d wear to an in-person interview at the company. The exception? Don’t wear plaid or stripes—they can be distracting on camera.

Moreover, read up on your prospective employer’s fashion culture, as some workplaces are obviously more casual than others. A blazer and tie, for example, may not be required if you discover the company’s dress code is jeans and a T-shirt. Dress one notch above what’s expected.

5. Mind Your Body Language

Maintaining good eye contact is crucial during any job interview, but it’s especially important during video interviews. Your camera should be at eye level. Try not to be looking down or looking up when you're speaking. And don’t forget to nod and smile when it’s appropriate. You're not a robot, after all.

6. Don’t Rely Too Heavily on Notes

It’s smart to have a copy of your resume nearby, just as you would during an in-person interview, but don’t be tempted to have a cheat sheet in your lap, such as a list of answers to common interview questions.

There are exceptions, though—for example, saying to an interviewer, “I’m looking away for a second so that I can find the data from that project I worked on” is totally fine.

Make a Great First Impression

One of the best video interview tips we can give you is to have smart answers at the ready. (No kidding!) It’s time to focus on what you’re going to say to win over a potential employer. Need some help preparing smart answers? Make a Monster profile for free today. You’ll get interview insights, career advice, and job search tips sent directly to your inbox. You’ll learn how to answer questions—everything from why you want the job to what your weaknesses are—in such a way that your skills and value shine through, even if you’re a hundred miles away.