Video interviews have become a standard part of the hiring process, and often used at any stage of the process. If you’ve been away from the workforce for a few years, the technology may feel intimidating. The good news is that it’s never been easier to prepare and shine on camera.
Here is our advice for how to put your best (virtual) foot forward!
1. Find your space and manage interruptions.
If you don’t have a home office, making do with the desk in your living room or kitchen table is perfectly acceptable. Check what’s visible behind you and remove anything distracting or overly personal. Many video platforms have virtual background and blur options, and even basic noise reduction features, which can help you maintain a professional setting.
If interruptions might happen (kids, pets, or delivery drivers) handle them with grace and honesty. Let the interviewer know at the start as most employers understand and appreciate your transparency.
2. Don’t overlook logistics.
For starters, ask what platform will be used so that you can download the application and test it. Consider restarting your computer that morning (or the day before) so any updates get installed ahead of time.
As you explore the platform, take note of how the basic functions work and test out the camera. Adjust your lighting so your face is evenly lit (natural light is best) and position your camera at eye level so your face and shoulders are visible.
3. Practice is key.
To turn nervous energy into confidence, try recording yourself on Zoom or another free tool to rehearse common questions aloud. Practice responses to questions you know are coming – especially the difficult ones. When you review your practice recording, watch for habits like looking down or fidgeting. If you wear glasses, adjust your lighting to reduce glare.
You can also hide your self-view during the actual interview if seeing yourself on screen feels distracting.
4. Take advantage of what cannot be seen on camera.
Think of your video interview as an open-book test. You can keep helpful materials in front of you like your resume, the job description, or a few bullet points on sticky notes near your camera. Just remember to keep your eyes close to the camera when referencing notes so it still looks like you’re maintaining eye contact.
Some candidates post short reminders such as “Pause,” “Smile,” or “Breathe” near their screen to stay relaxed and focused.
5. Recover from a blown answer.
During the interview, if you feel like you’ve hit a wall, are off topic, or otherwise floundering, here’s our advice: Stop talking.
Pause, take a breath, and acknowledge it with honesty by saying something like, “I’m a little nervous because I’m excited about this opportunity. Would it be okay if I started that answer again?” This shows self-awareness and humility, both of which are qualities employers value. A brief reset gives your brain a chance to refocus, and often the second time around, your answer will be much stronger.
6. Have a back up plan.
We all know that technology isn’t perfect. So make sure you have the interviewer’s phone number or email in case your video freezes or your Wi-Fi drops. Most platforms provide a dial-in option so you can continue the interview by phone if needed. If your interview will be conducted through an AI-based or less familiar platform, it never hurts to ask the recruiter for a test link beforehand.
Whether you’ve got a video interview tomorrow or you’re just in preparation mode, Path Forward wishes you the best on your return to work. Make sure to sign up for our newsletter and check out our Returnship Matcher for updates on the latest returnship programs in the US.