Video interviews are a unique type of interview because of the interpersonal nature of video but the unrelational distance involved. So, it can be really challenging to find an easy flow. These best practice points apply to interviewers just as much to interviewees.

  1. Budget your time. There is limited time in the interview so try to spend it carefully. Don’t spend a lot of time agreeing when a simple nod or “understood” will suffice. Move the conversation forward.
  2. When specific questions are answered, answer with specific details. The temptation is to talk generalities.
  3. When you setup, try to have more light on your face than on everything else. Avoid a bright background and a dark you.
  4. Dress sharp. Not overdressed. Contextually relevant. The west coast is more relaxed. The east coast still hasn’t abandoned the tie.
  5. Control your sound. Some mics are great. Some are terrible. Using headphones with a mic tends to equalize the audio quality for everyone. Minimize background noise distraction. A quiet room at the library is a good option.
  6. Expect audio lag and wait just a few seconds to let the conversation settle before you speak. It’s normal for people to step on one another in a video conference but waiting a bit will mitigate it. You shouldn’t be in a hurry to talk anyways.
  7. Don’t bundle your questions. The temptation can be to ask three questions at once. Typically you get poor answers. Once concise question at a time.
  8. Active listening is key. Don’t think about your next question. Interviewing is about building trust; careful listening and understanding is key to building that trust.
  9. Show up five minutes early.
Questions, answered

The short version.

How do I handle audio lag in a video interview?
Expect lag and wait a few seconds to let the conversation settle before you speak. People stepping on one another is normal in a video conference, and a brief pause mitigates it; you should not be in a hurry to talk anyway.
What is the best lighting and sound setup for a video interview?
Put more light on your face than on everything else, and avoid a bright background with a dark you. Headphones with a mic tend to equalize audio quality for everyone, and a quiet spot, such as at a library, minimizes background noise.
Should I ask multiple questions at once in an interview?
No, ask one concise question at a time. Bundling three questions together typically produces poor answers, and careful, active listening builds the trust an interview depends on more than a rapid-fire list ever will.
How should I manage limited time in a video interview?
Budget it carefully and keep the conversation moving forward. A simple nod or a brief acknowledgment beats long stretches of agreeing, specific questions deserve specific detailed answers rather than generalities, and showing up five minutes early protects the time you have.
What should I wear for a video interview?
Dress sharp but contextually relevant, not overdressed. The west coast runs more relaxed while the east coast still leans formal, so match the expectations of the company you are talking to.