How to Prepare for Video Interviews and Online Calls

Learn how to prepare for online interviews with practical tips on environment, appearance, answers, technology and professional behavior.

In today’s digital job market, 85% of companies now conduct interviews remotely (LinkedIn 2023 data), making video interview skills essential for career success.

Unlike traditional in-person meetings, virtual interviews present unique challenges—from technical glitches to maintaining engagement through screens.

This comprehensive guide reveals proven strategies to showcase your professionalism remotely, whether you’re facing a one-way recorded interview or live video call.

You’ll discover how to optimize your setup, avoid common pitfalls, and make memorable impressions that translate to job offers.

Perfect for job seekers at all levels, these techniques will help you stand out in competitive hiring processes while demonstrating your adaptability in our increasingly digital work world.

Understand the Interview Format

Virtual interviews come in two main formats:

Pre-Recorded Video Interviews

• One-way recordings where you answer timed questions
• Common platforms: HireVue, SparkHire
• What recruiters assess:
  • Clarity of responses
  • Comfort with technology
  • Professional presentation

Live Video Calls (Zoom, Teams, Skype)

• Real-time conversations with hiring managers
• What recruiters evaluate:
  • Engagement and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to think on your feet
  • Cultural fit

Key difference: Pre-recorded lacks interaction; live allows dialogue.

Choose the Perfect Interview Location

Ideal Setup Checklist:

Quiet space (no background noise)
Neutral background (blank wall or virtual background)
Good lighting (face evenly lit, no backlighting)
Professional atmosphere (avoid bedrooms/cafés)

Avoid These Distractions:

Pets, children, or family interruptions
Street noise (close windows)
Phone notifications (silence all devices)

Test Your Tech Setup in Advance

24-Hour Pre-Check:

• Camera: Clean lens, proper angle (eye level)
• Microphone: Clear audio (use headphones if needed)
• Internet: Wired connection preferred (minimum 10Mbps speed)
• Backup plan: Have recruiter’s phone number ready

Recommended Tools:

• Webcam: Logitech C920
• Mic: Blue Yeti (or built-in with noise cancellation)
• Lighting: Ring light or natural light source

Master Professional Appearance & Body Language

What to Wear:

• Safe choice: Business casual (collared shirt/blouse)
• Industry-specific:
  • Corporate: Suit/tie or formal blazer
  • Tech/Startup: Smart casual (no hoodies)

Nonverbal Communication Tips:

• Maintain eye contact (look at camera, not screen)
• Sit with straight posture (avoid slouching)
• Use natural hand gestures (but avoid excessive movement)
• Smile periodically to appear approachable

Keep Essential Materials Ready

Within Arm’s Reach:

• Printed/digital copy of your resume
• Job description notes
• Pre-prepared questions for interviewer
• Portfolio links (if applicable)
• Glass of water

Pro tip: Use sticky notes on your monitor for quick reminders.

Be Punctual & Professional

Pre-Interview Routine:

• Join 5-10 minutes early (test audio/video)
• Confirm meeting link 1 hour beforehand
• Close all unnecessary browser tabs/apps

If Running Late:

1. Email recruiter immediately
2. Brief explanation (avoid oversharing)
3. Proposed new time if needed

Practice Common Interview Questions

Top 5 Questions to Prepare:

1. “Tell me about yourself”
   • Structure: Present → Past → Future (60 sec max)
2. “Greatest strength/weakness”
   • Weakness formula: “I used to struggle with X, but improved by doing Y”
3. “Why this company?”
   • Mention specific values/products that resonate
4. “Describe a challenge you overcame”
   • Use STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
5. “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”
   • Align with company growth opportunities

Practice tool: Record yourself with OBS Studio to review delivery.

Prepare Insightful Questions to Ask

Strong Question Examples:

• “What does success look like in this role after 6 months?”
• “How would you describe the team dynamic I’d join?”
• “What are the department’s current priorities?”

Avoid:

• Salary/benefits questions (save for later stages)
• Yes/no questions

Handle Technical Issues Gracefully

Common Problems & Solutions:

Issue	Response
Frozen screen	“Apologies, I’m experiencing some lag. Should we reconnect?”
Audio cutting out	Type in chat: “Having audio issues. Moving to phone?”
Lost connection	Email immediately: “Technical difficulty. Available to continue now.”

Always have:

• Recruiter’s contact info
• Mobile hotspot ready

Close the Interview Strongly

Exit Strategy:

1. Thank the interviewer for their time
2. Reaffirm interest: “This opportunity excites me because…”
3. Ask about next steps/timeline
4. Get business cards/contacts

Follow Up Strategically

Post-Interview Email Template:

Subject: Thank You – [Position] Interview
Body:
“Dear [Name],
Thank you for discussing the [position] role. I enjoyed learning about [specific topic]. The team’s focus on [value] particularly resonates with me. I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills in [area]. Please let me know if you need additional information.
Best regards,
[Your name]”

Send within 24 hours (same day for quick hiring processes).

Bonus: Special Virtual Interview Types

Panel Interviews:

• Address each person by name
• Divide eye contact equally

Assessment Interviews:

• May include shared screen tasks
• Verbalize your thought process

Group Interviews:

• Balance participation (don’t dominate or fade)
• Reference others’ points (“As [Name] mentioned…”)

Read More: How to Create an Assertive Resume: Essential Tips to Stand Out

Your Virtual Interview Mastery Plan

Remote interviews demand unique preparation but offer advantages like comfort and flexibility. By:

• Perfecting your technical setup
• Polishing professional presence
• Preparing structured responses
• Planning for contingencies

…you’ll outperform competitors who treat virtual interviews casually. Remember, success lies in the details—every element, from your background lighting to your follow-up email, contributes to your professional image.

With practice and attention to these strategies, you’ll transform virtual interviews from obstacles into opportunities to shine.

Final Checklist:

1. Tech tested
2. Materials ready
3. Questions prepared
4. Professional environment set

FAQ: Virtual Interview Questions Answered

1. Should I use a virtual background?
Only if professional and glitch-free. Plain wall is safer.

2. Is looking at my notes allowed?
Brief glances are fine, but don’t read verbatim.

3. How do I handle long pauses?
Say: “Let me think about that for a moment” rather than filling silence.

4. Can I interview from my phone?
Not recommended—use a computer unless absolutely necessary.

5. What if I completely blank on a question?
Ask: “Could you rephrase that?” or “May I come back to that later?”

6. Are handwritten notes during interview okay?
Yes, but keep them minimal and out of camera view.