In today’s job market, the video interview has become a key part of modern recruitment. With the rise of remote working and flexible hiring processes, many employers in the UK now rely on video interviews to assess candidates. Whether it’s a live call or a pre-recorded assessment, your ability to perform well on camera can significantly influence your chances of landing the role.
In this guide, we’ll walk through practical advice on how to succeed in a video interview. These tips are designed for job seekers across all sectors, whether you’re applying for a role in administration, customer service, healthcare, or tech. With a little preparation and the right mindset, you can present yourself as a confident and capable candidate.
Preparing for a Virtual Interview the Right Way
Preparation for a video interview starts long before the actual call. As you won’t be walking into a traditional office setting, creating a professional atmosphere in your environment is key.
- Understand the Format:
Make sure you know ahead of time if the interview will be live or taped. In a live interview, you’ll talk to the hiring manager right then and there. In a taped interview, you’ll have to answer pre-written questions within a certain amount of time. Both need slightly different ways of getting ready. - Test Your Tech:
Reliability in technology is very important. Before you go, make sure your internet connection is stable and test your camera and microphone. Take out your laptop or desktop computer and use that instead of your phone if you can. A lot of people use platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet, so learn how they work. A test call with a friend can help you check the sound, lights, and how you look on the screen. - Choose the Right Setting:
Your surroundings should be clean, quiet, and distraction-free. A basic background works nicely, and natural lighting is frequently the most flattering. Avoid sitting in front of a window or in bright light, which can cast harsh shadows or produce a silhouette impression. - Dress Professionally:
While you may be at home, dress as you would for a face-to-face interview. Choose smart, neutral clothing and avoid bold patterns that can look distracting on screen. Dressing well also puts you in the right frame of mind and boosts your confidence.
Preparing to Impress the Interviewer
- Research the Company and Role:
It is important to prepare thoroughly. Find out about the group’s beliefs, most current work, and long-term objectives. If you know what they want, you can make sure that your comments meet their needs. Starting Point Recruitment says that you should look at the company’s website, LinkedIn page, and detailed job description. - Practice Common Questions:
Prepare answers to typical interview questions like “Tell me about yourself” or “Why do you want to work here?” Structure your responses using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result), which helps you explain experiences clearly and effectively. - Prepare Questions to Ask:
Employers like genuinely interested people. Get ready to ask the interviewer two or three well-thought-out questions. These could include questions about how teams are organised, how to move up in the company, or the culture of the workplace. - Maintain Eye Contact and Body Language:
Look directly at the webcam, not the screen, to maintain eye contact. Sit upright, smile when appropriate and use natural gestures. Keep your hands visible and avoid fidgeting. Positive body language creates a strong impression even through a screen.
Common Video Interview Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Being Unprepared Technically:
Getting disconnected, changing the recording settings, or stopping in the middle of an interview can throw off your flow. You should test your gear twice: once the day before the interview and again the day of. Keep an extra device close by if you can. - Reading Off Notes:
While it’s okay to have a few bullet points nearby, don’t rely on reading. It can make your delivery feel robotic. Practice your answers so you can speak naturally, making it easier to connect with the interviewer. - Forgetting to Follow Up:
Just like a traditional interview, follow up afterwards with a thank-you email. Express appreciation for the opportunity and briefly highlight your enthusiasm for the role. This small step can reinforce a positive impression. - Ignoring the Interview Setting:
Noise, messy backgrounds or pets appearing on screen can be distracting. Choose a quiet spot and let others in your household know when you’ll be unavailable. - Overusing Fillers:
Phrases like “um”, “like”, and “you know” are common, but too many can undermine your confidence. Practice speaking clearly and at a measured pace. It’s fine to pause briefly to collect your thoughts.
Staying Calm and Focused Under Pressure
Nerves are normal, but getting ready makes them less intense. Have a glass of water handy, take a deep breath, and remind yourself that the interviewer wants you to do well. Keep your cool and act like a pro if something goes wrong, like a dropped link or noise in the background.
People looking for jobs often don’t realise how important their mood is during interviews. Being sure of yourself, positive, and real can go a long way. Don’t just see the interview as a test; see it as a chance for both you and the company to see if the job is a good fit.
Building Confidence for Future Interviews
Video interviews are now an important part of hiring people all over the UK. You can stand out in the right way if you carefully plan your presentation and practise giving it. Everything is important, from the way you talk to people to how the technology is set up.
We at Starting Point Recruitment know that video interviews can be scary, especially if you’ve never done one before. You’ll have a good chance of winning if you go into the process well-prepared and professionally.
Don’t forget that every conversation is a chance to learn. Think about what went well and what could be done better. You will get better at virtual interviews over time and feel more confident as you do them.