How to Ace Your Video Interview from Home

Video interviews have become standard, particularly post-pandemic. Many employers now conduct initial and final interviews via video. Unlike in-person interviews where you have a room's energy and casual conversation, video interviews require specific skills and preparation. This guide reveals exactly how to ace your video interview from home.

Technical Preparation: Test Everything in Advance

Never join a video interview without testing your technology beforehand. Technical failures harm your first impression. Test these elements at least 24 hours before your scheduled interview:

Video camera: Ensure your camera works clearly. Clean your camera lens if needed. Test the camera in the room where you will interview. Adjust it so your face is centered and clearly visible. Your camera should be at eye level, not looking up or down at you.

Audio: Test your microphone and speakers. Speak into your microphone and listen to a recording to check audio quality. Background noise is distracting and unprofessional. If you have background noise, invest in a USB microphone that focuses on your voice and minimizes background sound.

Internet connection: Test your internet speed. Video interviews require stable, reliable internet. Consider connecting via ethernet cable rather than wifi for maximum stability. If your wifi is unreliable, sit close to your router or consider using mobile hotspot as backup.

Platform: Test the video interview platform in advance. If using Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, or another platform, download it, create a test meeting, and practice joining and using features. Familiarize yourself with screen sharing, chat, and other functions you might need.

Lighting: Test your lighting. Your face should be clearly visible without shadows. Face a window with natural light, or position a desk lamp to light your face. Avoid having bright light behind you creating a silhouette. The interviewer needs to see your face clearly.

Choose Your Background Carefully

Your background communicates about your professionalism. Choose a neutral background that does not distract from you. Ideal backgrounds include a plain wall, a bookcase with professional books, or a simple home office setup.

Avoid chaotic backgrounds with clutter, personal items, or distracting decor. Remove any items that might seem unprofessional. Even if you are interviewing from your bedroom, use that plain wall as your background, not the messy closet.

Some people use virtual backgrounds. This is acceptable if you use a professional background. Avoid fun or casual virtual backgrounds. Stick with professional options like a home office or neutral setting.

Dress Professionally

Even though you are at home, dress as if you were interviewing in person. Wear business casual or business formal clothing depending on the company culture. If uncertain, err on the side of more formal.

Avoid casual clothing like t-shirts, sweats, or athletic wear. Avoid loud patterns or bright colors that distract on video. Wear colors that photograph well and complement your skin tone.

Dress professionally from head to toe. Even though the camera only shows your upper body, wearing professional clothing from head to toe puts you in a professional mindset and shows respect for the interview.

Optimize Your Lighting and Camera Angle

Position your camera at or slightly above eye level. This angle is most flattering and allows you to look into the camera naturally. Avoid positioning your camera below eye level, which looks unflattering.

Ensure your lighting is adequate. Your face should be clearly visible. Natural window lighting is ideal. If using artificial light, position lights to the sides of your camera, not directly behind you. This creates even, professional lighting.

Test your appearance on camera before the interview. Some video platforms show you a preview. Use this preview to assess your appearance and adjust lighting, angle, or positioning if needed.

Research Thoroughly

Before your interview, research the company thoroughly. Understand their business, recent news, competitors, and culture. Review the job description and understand what they are seeking.

Look up your interviewers on LinkedIn if possible. Understand their role and background. This knowledge helps you personalize your conversation and ask informed questions.

Having done thorough research allows you to speak knowledgeably and demonstrates genuine interest in the company and role.

Prepare Your Talking Points and Stories

Prepare stories and examples that illustrate your skills and accomplishments. Use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result. For each story, describe the situation, your task, the action you took, and the result.

Prepare 5 to 8 stories covering different skills and challenges. Practice delivering each story concisely in 1 to 2 minutes. Most interview questions can be answered using one of your prepared stories.

Write down key points you want to mention about yourself, your skills, and your accomplishments. You do not need to memorize these, but having notes nearby helps you stay focused and remember key points.

Practice Common Interview Questions

Prepare concise, compelling answers to common interview questions. Practice these questions aloud until you can answer smoothly and confidently. Record yourself and listen for areas to improve.

Common questions include: "Tell me about yourself." "Why are you interested in this role?" "What are your strengths?" "What is a challenge you have overcome?" "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?" "Why should we hire you?"

For each question, prepare an answer that is concise (60 to 90 seconds), relevant to the job, and highlights your qualifications. Do not memorize answers word-for-word; instead, internalize key points and speak naturally. If you want professional guidance on interview preparation, Career Katalyst's Interview Preparation services help you practice tough questions, refine your responses, and build confidence before your actual interview.

Manage Your Body Language and Eye Contact

On video, body language is limited but still important. Maintain an engaged posture. Sit upright rather than slouching. Position yourself close enough to the camera that your face is clearly visible.

Make eye contact by looking at your camera, not the screen showing the interviewer. Looking at the screen creates the appearance of looking down. Glance at the screen occasionally to see the interviewer's reactions, but focus on looking at your camera for consistent eye contact.

Smile genuinely when appropriate. Nod and show engagement through facial expressions. Avoid excessive fidgeting or distracting movements.

Manage Your Space and Minimize Interruptions

Before your interview, communicate with anyone else in your home. Ask them to stay quiet and not interrupt. Put your phone on silent. Close unnecessary tabs on your computer. Minimize potential distractions.

Have water nearby in case you need a sip. Have your notes nearby if you need reference points. Have a copy of the job description and your resume nearby in case questions come up.

Ensure you have uninterrupted time for your interview. Most initial interviews last 30 to 45 minutes. Block this time and ensure you can focus fully.

Arrive Early and Adjust if Needed

Join the meeting 5 to 10 minutes early. This gives you time to ensure everything is working properly, adjust positioning or lighting if needed, and get settled before the interview begins.

If you have technical issues, address them before the interview start time. If something seems wrong with your setup, fix it rather than starting with problems.

During the Interview: Listen and Engage

During the interview, listen carefully to questions. Do not interrupt. Answer questions directly and concisely. Share your prepared stories and examples when relevant.

Ask thoughtful questions about the role and company. Show genuine interest and engagement. Remember that interviews are two-way conversations. You are evaluating the company as much as they are evaluating you.

After the Interview: Follow Up

Within 24 hours of your interview, send a thank you email. Reference specific points discussed. Reaffirm your interest in the position. Keep it concise and professional.

This follow-up reminds the interviewer of you and reinforces your professionalism and genuine interest.

Real-World Example

Consider David, a recent graduate interviewing for his first professional role. He joined a video interview with poor lighting, a messy background, and technical issues. He looked down at his notes throughout the interview rather than maintaining eye contact with the camera. He gave long-winded answers and forgot to ask questions. Unsurprisingly, he did not get the job.

After receiving feedback, David prepared thoroughly for his next video interview. He tested his technology in advance, optimized his lighting and background, and dressed professionally. He prepared stories and practiced answering questions. He maintained eye contact with the camera and engaged fully in the interview.

This second interview went dramatically better. David appeared confident, professional, and engaged. He asked thoughtful questions showing genuine interest. Three days later, he received a job offer from that company. The interview preparation and focus on video interview technique were transformative.

Conclusion

Video interviews require specific preparation and skills. Test your technology in advance. Choose a professional background and optimize your lighting. Dress professionally. Research thoroughly and prepare your stories and answers. Manage your body language and eye contact. Stay engaged and ask thoughtful questions.

With thorough preparation and focused interview preparation guidance, you will ace your video interviews and advance to job offers.