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How to Prepare for a Video Interview

Tap each step to work through it in order.

  1. Test your camera, microphone, and lighting in advance

    Open your video call software ahead of time to check picture quality, audio clarity, and how well-lit you look on camera, and add an extra lamp or ring light if the room looks too dim.

  2. Tidy your background or set up a virtual one

    Clear visible clutter from what's behind you, or if that's not practical, use your video software's virtual background or blur feature instead.

  3. Have a backup internet plan ready

    Use a wired connection if you can, and if Wi-Fi is your only option, have a backup like your phone's mobile hotspot ready in case the connection drops.

  4. Practice looking at the camera, not the screen

    Looking directly into your camera lens rather than at the interviewer's face on screen is what actually reads as eye contact on their end β€” it feels unnatural at first, so it's worth practicing beforehand.

  5. Do a full test call before the real one

    Run a test call with a friend, or use your interview platform's built-in test feature, to check your screen sharing, audio, and video one last time before the interview starts.

First impressions happen entirely on screen

A video interview puts more weight on technical details like picture quality, sound, and background than an in-person interview does, so preparing your setup ahead of time deserves as much attention as preparing your answers.

Polish your profile while you're at it

If you have an interview coming up, it's a good time to also review how to optimize your LinkedIn profile, since interviewers often check it before or after speaking with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my internet cuts out mid-interview?

Switch immediately to your backup connection, like a phone hotspot, and reconnect as quickly as possible. If you can, send the interviewer a quick message or call to let them know what happened.

Is a laptop's built-in camera and microphone good enough?

For most modern laptops, yes β€” the built-in hardware is usually fine. If you're concerned about picture or sound quality, an external webcam or a headset with a microphone can noticeably improve both.