Video interview advice

About video interviews

Video interviews have become a common part of the hiring process. If you have been invited to one you should prepare by familiarising yourself with all the variables.

All forms of interview can be nerve-wracking. Video interviews can offer some unique reasons for this.

You will be responsible for finding a quiet location with a good internet connection and a computer, smart device, or laptop with a webcam.

Invitation to attend an interview

If you are shortlisted, you will receive an email. This will invite you to attend a video job interview via Microsoft Teams on a particular day and time. Within the invitation you will find the interview details, including:

• day and time of the interview
• position and department
• interview panel members and their job titles
• interview format
• any items required such as photographic identification
• any additional selection exercise or presentation
• any relevant attachments
• the contact information of the interview chairperson

If you want to attend the interview, accept the invitation as soon as possible.

You may also receive a telephone call from one of the panel members, to talk you through the process to make sure you understand. If you do have any questions or concerns, contact the interview chair.

Read the invitation in full and look for any attachments. The panel may ask you to prepare a presentation or additional exercises which will help them choose the best candidate.

Technical considerations

You will need an internet connection with bandwidth speed of at least 1 MB per second. A laptop or desktop computer with a webcam.

In some cases, a tablet or smartphone may also be an option and headphones with a built-in microphone or headphones and a separate microphone.

Make sure that you have closed other apps or windows on your computer that could interrupt the conversation or slow the internet connection.  

If you are not used to video conferencing, it will be useful to do some practice video calls with friends or family members. Ask them to give you feedback about your appearance and eye contact. Go through it a few times until things start to feel natural.

This practice can make all the difference in your interviews. You will find your confidence growing as you become more comfortable in front of the camera.

When things go wrong

There is always a chance that things could go wrong. Here are some backup plans to have ready just in case:

If your video or audio stops working

Before the interview, ask the interviewer for a phone number where you can reach them if you experience technical difficulties. If the video cuts out, call them at that number. Ask if you can continue the interview by phone or if you can reschedule.

If noise interrupts the conversation

If noises (such as sirens or construction) interrupt your video interview, apologize for the interruption, and ask for a few moments until the noise has subsided. You may want to mute the microphone if the noise is severe.

If someone enters the room unexpectedly

If family members, housemates or pets enter the room while you are being interviewed, apologise to the interviewer, ask for a few moments, mute your microphone and turn off your camera, and then step away to deal with the interruption. Make sure that the room is secure before beginning the interview again.

Sharing a presentation or document on Microsoft Teams

If you need to present or share a document, ensure you have the document open and ready before you connect.

When you want to share, you will be able to share the document with the interview panel by clicking ‘share’ on the Microsoft Teams panel. If you experience any problems, offer to send the information via email. In this case, have a drafted email ready to prevent a delay.

How to dress for a video interview

Wear exactly what you would if the interview were in person.

Research the organisational culture before your interview so you have a good idea of what’s appropriate. If you would normally wear a uniform to work, dress formally.

To look your best on camera, avoid bright colours and patterns and opt for softer colours instead. If you are wearing a tie, wear a solid colour rather than a patterned one. If you wear glasses, adjust the lighting in the room to reduce glare from the lenses.

Position the camera so that you are looking up slightly and centred on the screen. While it is likely that the interviewer will only see your upper half, it’s still a good idea to wear professional trousers or a skirt in case you need to stand up for any reason.

Attending your video interview

On the day of the interview, make sure to read any instructions carefully before you connect.

When connecting, you will be placed in the ‘Virtual Lobby’, this is a holding area, the interviewers will invite you into the interview when they are ready.

Do not worry if the interviewers are not on time, they could be overrunning and still interviewing the candidate before you.

Video interview body language

Eye contact

Eye contact is very important during an in-person interview, and you want to convey that same level of connection during a video interview. 

Avoid looking directly at your interviewer on your screen or while you are answering a question. Instead, when you speak, look directly at the webcam. This will align your eyes with the interviewer on the other end.

When you are listening, you can look back at the screen.

Body language

Throughout the interview, keep your mood upbeat and convey optimism with your body language.

One way to achieve this is to have good posture. Sit in your chair with your back straight and your shoulders open. Feet can be planted on the floor and arms can rest in your lap or on the desk.

When you are listening, nod and smile when appropriate to communicate that you’re giving your full attention. Use hand gestures when it feels appropriate and keep your movements close to your body. Avoid fidgeting or letting your gaze drift away from the device.

Using notes

You can’t use notes in a face-to-face interview, so don’t use them in a video interview.

There is no way of using them discretely, no matter how hard you try.

You will be seen glancing away on the video, which makes it obvious to the hiring manager that you are reading from something. The perception will be that you are not confident, prepared, or engaged.

Ending your video interview

At the completion of your interview, ensure you thank the panel for the opportunity and ask any questions you may have about the role.

Once the panel has finished, they will end the video interview with information about what happens next.

Once you have said goodbye, end the video by clicking the red phone icon located on the Microsoft Teams panel.

Send a follow-up thank you email later that day (or the next day if your interview was in the evening). This message may help build a stronger connection with your potential employer and help you progress to the next step.

Video interview tips

• find a quiet, private, well-lit place, free from possible interruptions
• ensure your internet connection is stable
• check that your computer’s audio is working
• test your computer’s webcam
• close any unnecessary web browser tabs and applications
• dress professionally and avoid bright colours
• have a pen, notepad and copy of your resume on your desk
• when listening, nod and smile to show you are engaged
• use hand gestures when appropriate
• place your phone in silent mode
• ensure that you won’t be interrupted, either by locking the door or by alerting others that you cannot be disturbed (a note on the door of the room as well as the door to the outside may be helpful)
• clear the desk space, except for a notepad and pen/pencil for you to take notes
• have a copy of your resume and any other notes ready for you to reference
• set out a glass or bottle of water for yourself
• check that your webcam is working
• check that your audio is working
• close any windows, tabs, or applications on your computer that you’re not using
• check your internet connection and make sure you’re not downloading anything in the background
• set your phone to silent
• check that the background behind you is neutral and free from clutter
• adjust the lights in the room. If things appear dark or dim, you may want to bring in an extra desk lamp to brighten the space