Virtual Interview Guide: Master Video Interviews
How to prepare for a video interview: technical setup, camera and lighting, body language, backup plans for tech problems and a pre-interview timeline.
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Quick answer
To do well in a virtual interview, test your camera, microphone and internet at least 30 minutes early, light your face from the front, and place the camera at eye level. Look at the lens when you speak, keep a clean background, and have a backup connection and contact details ready in case technology fails.
Key takeaways
- Test your camera, microphone, internet and the video platform well before the call.
- Put the camera at eye level and light your face from the front; avoid windows behind you.
- Look at the camera lens when speaking to simulate eye contact.
- Prepare backups: a second audio device, a mobile hotspot and the interviewer's contact details.
- Dress as you would for an in-person interview, head to toe.
A virtual interview is judged on the same things as an in-person one, plus how smoothly your technology and setup work. Most problems are preventable with a little preparation.
Technical Setup Checklist
Check four areas before the call: camera, audio, internet and lighting. Items marked critical are the ones most likely to derail an interview.
Camera
- Camera at eye level (critical)
- Stable position, not handheld (critical)
- Test video quality (critical)
- Clean lens
Audio
- External microphone or headset (critical)
- Test audio levels (critical)
- Quiet environment (critical)
- Backup audio device ready
Internet
- Wired connection preferred (critical)
- Speed test completed (critical)
- Close bandwidth-heavy apps (critical)
- Mobile hotspot as backup
Lighting
- Face clearly visible (critical)
- Front-facing light source (critical)
- No backlighting from windows (critical)
- Even lighting without harsh shadows
Setup Best Practices
What works, and what to avoid, for each aspect of your setup:
| Aspect | Best | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Camera position | Eye level, arm's length away, stable mount | Looking up or down, too close or far, shaky |
| Frame composition | Head and shoulders, space above head, centered | Too close, cut off at the forehead, off-center |
| Background | Clean, uncluttered, professional, minimal movement | Messy, distracting, bed visible, busy |
| Lighting | Front-facing, soft, even on the face, natural if possible | Backlit, harsh shadows, too dark or too bright |
| Audio quality | Clear, no echo, consistent volume, little background noise | Muffled, echoing, cutting out, background noise |
| Eye contact | Look at the camera when speaking, at the screen when listening | Only looking at the screen, reading notes, distracted |
Master Your Virtual Presence
Body language still matters on video, but small movements are magnified and some signals get lost.
- Maintain eye contact by looking at the camera. When speaking, look at the lens, not the screen, to simulate eye contact.
- Sit up straight and lean slightly forward. Good posture shows engagement.
- Gesture naturally but keep your hands visible. Use gestures as you normally would, within the frame.
- Speak slightly slower and more clearly. Video calls can have small delays, so a measured pace helps.
- Show energy and enthusiasm. Cameras tend to flatten emotion, so be a little more expressive than feels natural.
- Minimise movement and fidgeting. Small movements are amplified on camera.
Handle Technical Issues Like a Pro
Prevent the common problems, and know what to do if they happen anyway.
| Issue | Prevention | Backup |
|---|---|---|
| Poor internet connection | Use a wired connection, close other apps, test speed beforehand | Have a phone number ready and a mobile hotspot available |
| Audio problems | Use an external microphone, test levels, choose a quiet room | Have a backup headset ready; use your phone as an alternative |
| Video freezing or lagging | Close unnecessary apps, use wired internet, update software | Restart if needed, switch to phone audio |
| Platform difficulties | Install and test the platform at least 30 minutes early | Have the interviewer's email and phone number, and an alternative platform ready |
| Background interruptions | Lock the door, tell your household, silence notifications | Acknowledge it professionally, apologise briefly and continue |
Pre-Interview Timeline
Follow this checklist for a stress-free setup.
Countdown to the call
- 30 minutes before: test camera, microphone and internet
- 15 minutes before: close unnecessary applications and browser tabs
- 15 minutes before: silence phone and computer notifications
- 15 minutes before: have your resume, notes and questions easy to reach
- 10 minutes before: put water within reach but off camera
- 10 minutes before: do a final check of hair, clothing and background
- 5 minutes before: log in to the platform and wait in the waiting room
- 2 minutes before: take a few deep breaths and review your key talking points
Platform-Specific Tips
Zoom
- Enable "Touch up my appearance" for a softer look.
- Use a virtual background if your space is not ideal.
- Turn on "Hide self view" to reduce distraction.
- Check "Original sound" for better audio quality.
Microsoft Teams
- Adjust video settings in the preview before joining.
- Use background blur if needed.
- Test screen sharing beforehand if relevant.
- Know where the mute button is.
Google Meet
- Check audio and video settings before joining.
- Pin the interviewer's video to keep focus.
- Use the "Fix my lighting" feature if needed.
- Know where the chat is.
Frequently asked questions
How do I look professional in a virtual interview?
Dress professionally from head to toe, light your face evenly, use a clean background, place the camera at eye level and sit with good posture. Frame yourself with head and shoulders visible and some space above your head. Test the whole setup on camera beforehand.
What should I do if I have technical problems during a virtual interview?
Have backups ready: a phone number to call, a mobile hotspot and an alternative device. If the connection drops, contact the interviewer right away by phone or email. Stay calm and professional; most interviewers are understanding when you handle a technical problem well.
Where should I look during a video interview?
Look at the camera lens when you speak, which comes across as eye contact. When listening, you can look at the interviewer's image on screen. Placing the video window close to your camera reduces the difference. It takes practice but makes a noticeable difference to engagement.
How should I set up lighting for a virtual interview?
Use front-facing light, from a window or lamp in front of you at face level. Avoid light sources behind you, which turn you into a silhouette. A desk lamp or ring light works well. Test it beforehand and adjust until your face is evenly lit without harsh shadows.
What should I wear for a video interview?
Dress as you would for an in-person interview at that company. Solid colors usually look best on camera; avoid busy patterns, stripes and all white or all black. Dress fully, including below the waist, in case you need to stand up, and check the outfit on camera first.
Written by the Woberry Editorial Team
We research each guide from primary sources where we can, name the source for every statistic we quote, and review, fact-check and edit every draft before it is published. We update a guide when the advice or the underlying data changes.
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