For a video interview, test the meeting link, microphone, and camera before the appointment. Place the camera near eye level, light your face from the front, and keep your notes close enough to glance at. Prepare relevant examples so a clear picture is matched by clear answers.
Key takeaways
- Test the meeting link, microphone, and camera before the appointment, and confirm the time zone, platform, and whether the interview is live or recorded.
- Place the camera near eye level, light your face from the front, and keep brief notes close enough to glance at.
- Put sound ahead of a perfect picture, and prepare relevant examples so a clear image is matched by clear answers.
A laptop pointed up from a low table can make an ordinary conversation feel oddly formal. Before rehearsing expressions or gestures, get the equipment into a position where you can speak comfortably.
Check the practical details first
Confirm the time zone, meeting platform, and whether the interview is live or recorded. Read the recruiter’s instructions. Test access early enough to resolve a missing login or permission request.
The National Careers Service recommends researching the employer, reviewing the role, preparing examples, and practicing the interview format. It also distinguishes live interviews from recordings, where you may have limited time to answer. Read its video interview advice.
Keep the recruiter’s contact details available in case the connection fails. Knowing what you will do next can prevent a small technical problem from taking over the meeting.
Make your face easy to see
Use a stable surface or laptop stand to bring the camera closer to eye level. Sit far enough back that the image includes your head and shoulders without cutting off the top of your head.
Face a window or a soft light where possible. Check for a bright window behind you, glare on glasses, and a background effect that cuts into your outline. Choose the setup that gives a clear, steady image.
You do not need a studio. Remove visible distractions and check that you can sit comfortably for the expected length of the interview.
Put sound ahead of a perfect picture
Record a short test using the microphone you plan to use. Listen for low volume, echo, and sounds from nearby devices. Close notifications and any applications likely to interrupt the call.
During a live interview, leave a little space after the other person finishes. If audio drops, say which part you missed and ask for it again. Guessing the question creates more difficulty than a brief clarification.
Keep notes useful and brief
Place a few prompts near the screen: the examples you want to discuss, a relevant result, and questions for the interviewer. Full paragraphs can tempt you to read rather than respond.
Look toward the camera occasionally while speaking, and look at the screen when you need to follow the interviewer. Continuous lens contact is unnecessary. For gestures and posture, see job interview body language.
Practice the opening once
Record your introduction and one example. Check that your voice is clear and your main point is easy to follow. Make a practical adjustment, then return to preparing the substance of your answers.
FaceMyth’s free preview offers another perspective on how your facial cues can come across at first glance. It complements this preparation without evaluating your interview performance or predicting an offer.
Frequently asked questions
How do I prepare for a video interview?
Test access early, confirm the platform and time zone, position the camera near eye level with front lighting, and keep short prompts near the screen. Prepare examples so your answers are as clear as your picture.
Where should I put the camera and lighting?
Use a stable surface or laptop stand to bring the camera close to eye level, sit far enough back to show your head and shoulders, and face a window or a soft light. Watch for a bright window behind you and glare on glasses.
What should I do if the audio drops during the interview?
Leave a little space after the other person finishes, and if audio drops, say which part you missed and ask for it again. Guessing the question creates more difficulty than a brief clarification.