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Video Interview: Setup, Etiquette, and Tips

A job interview conducted over video conferencing platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams, requiring attention to technical setup, visual presentation, and on-camera communication skills.

What is a Video Interview?

A video interview is a remote job interview conducted through video conferencing software, allowing employers and candidates to connect face-to-face without being in the same physical location. The most commonly used platforms include Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Skype, and specialized interview platforms like HireVue or Spark Hire. Video interviews have become standard practice for initial screening rounds, final interviews, and all stages of hiring for remote positions.

Definition

A video interview is a job interview conducted over video conferencing platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams, requiring attention to technical setup, visual presentation, and on-camera communication skills. Unlike phone interviews, video interviews allow for visual communication and body language assessment while maintaining the convenience of remote interaction.

Key Facts

  • Platform variety: Most video interviews use Zoom (47%), Microsoft Teams (23%), Google Meet (18%), or proprietary interview platforms (12%)
  • Technical requirements: Stable internet connection of at least 3 Mbps upload/download speed, webcam (720p minimum, 1080p preferred), and noise-canceling microphone or headset
  • Preparation time: Candidates should log in 5-10 minutes early to test equipment and address any technical issues before the interview starts
  • Visual considerations: Eye contact is maintained by looking at the camera (not the screen), and proper framing shows head and shoulders with minimal headroom
  • Recording practices: Many companies record video interviews for review by other team members, which should be disclosed at the beginning of the session

Technical Setup Checklist

Camera

  • Position webcam at eye level (use a laptop stand or stack of books if needed)
  • Ensure camera quality is at least 720p HD; clean the lens before the interview
  • Frame yourself so your head and shoulders are visible with a small amount of space above your head
  • Test camera angle and positioning 30 minutes before the interview
  • Disable beauty filters or virtual backgrounds unless specifically required

Audio

  • Use a headset with built-in microphone or external microphone for clearer audio
  • Test audio input and output levels before the interview
  • Choose a quiet location and silence phone notifications
  • Use noise-canceling features if available in your conferencing software
  • Have a backup audio plan (phone dial-in) in case of technical difficulties

Lighting

  • Position yourself facing a natural light source (window) or use a desk lamp
  • Avoid backlighting (windows behind you) which creates a silhouette effect
  • Ensure lighting is even across your face without harsh shadows
  • Use a ring light or two soft light sources at 45-degree angles for professional appearance
  • Test lighting at the same time of day as your scheduled interview

Background

  • Choose a clean, uncluttered background (neutral wall or tidy bookshelf)
  • Ensure nothing distracting is visible behind you (no open doors, messy rooms, or bright windows)
  • Position yourself 2-3 feet from the background for depth
  • Test your background in the video preview before the interview
  • Consider a professional virtual background only if appropriate for the company culture

Video Interview Etiquette

Before the Interview

  • Download and test the required video platform 24 hours in advance
  • Check internet connection speed and stability
  • Prepare your space by removing distractions and informing household members
  • Dress professionally from head to toe (in case you need to stand)
  • Have a backup device and phone number ready

During the Interview

  • Look at the camera when speaking, not at your own image on screen
  • Maintain good posture and sit still (avoid swiveling or excessive movement)
  • Mute yourself when not speaking in multi-person interviews
  • Keep hands visible and use natural gestures as you would in person
  • Minimize note-taking on keyboard (use pen and paper to avoid typing sounds)
  • Smile and nod to show engagement, as subtle cues are harder to read on video
  • Pause slightly before responding to account for potential audio lag

After the Interview

  • Stay on camera until the interviewer has clearly ended the call
  • Send a thank-you email within 24 hours, mentioning the video format if relevant
  • Review your performance and technical setup for future improvements

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I experience technical difficulties during the interview?

Stay calm and communicate immediately. If audio or video fails, use the chat function to alert the interviewer. Have a backup plan ready: ask if you can switch to phone audio while keeping video, or offer to call in while they troubleshoot. Most interviewers understand that technical issues happen and will be accommodating. Always have the interviewer’s phone number saved in advance as a backup contact method.

How should I handle eye contact in a video interview?

Look directly at the camera lens when speaking or answering questions, not at the interviewer’s image on your screen. This creates the impression of eye contact for the person watching. When listening, you can look at the screen to observe the interviewer’s reactions, but return your gaze to the camera when you speak. Position notes near the camera (not at the bottom of the screen) to minimize eye movement.

Is it appropriate to have notes visible during a video interview?

Yes, having brief notes is acceptable and one of the advantages of video interviews. Keep notes minimal (key points, questions to ask, company research) and position them near your camera so you don’t look down frequently. Avoid reading directly from notes or having too much paper shuffling. Use bullet points rather than full paragraphs, and practice enough that you’re not dependent on the notes.

What should I wear for a video interview?

Dress as you would for an in-person interview at that company. Business professional or business casual for corporate roles, smart casual for startups. Wear solid colors (avoid busy patterns or stripes that can create visual distortion on camera), and avoid bright white or all black. Dress completely (not just from the waist up) in case you need to stand or move. Test your outfit on camera beforehand to ensure it looks professional on screen.

Last Updated: 2026-01-20