Virtual Video Interview Guide

Five tips for creating a positive impression via video.

If you’ve been invited to a virtual interview - congratulations! Virtual interviewing is a convenient way to get face time with our hiring managers without leaving home. You should prepare for this as you would any formal interview, but here are some tips to get the most out of the opportunity.

  1. Get Connected: The most important preliminary step you need to take before your live video interview is to check your internet connection to make sure it’s not lagging. It’s tough to have a successful video interview if you’re on a faulty connection. Plan to sign into the video conference 10 minutes prior to the interview to check your connection and get familiar with the system.
  2. Be Mindful of Lighting and Location: Take steps to put forth a clean, prepared and professional image.
    • Pick a quiet location where you will not be interrupted during the interview.
    • A stationary backdrop free of distraction is recommended.
    • If you are using a laptop or mobile device, ensure it is fully charged.
    • Light sources should be set up behind your webcam with the light shining toward your face.
    • Ideally, the height of the webcam should be at eye level, positioned to show your head and shoulders.
  3. Prepare: Prepping for video interviews is essentially no different from in-person interviews. Try not to lose sight of the fact that this is still a formal interview.
    • Do your research on the company, the interviewer and the role.
    • Prepare thoughtful and appropriate questions for the interview.
    • Dress as you would for an in-person interview.
  4. Be Yourself: Don’t let technology stand in the way of letting your personality show. In an in-person interview, you would converse casually and allow the interviewer to get to know you as a person.
    • Focus on allowing your interviewer to get to know you and don’t get too distracted by the technology.
    • Don’t use notes. It’s obvious if you look down to review your notes and it can cause gaps in your ability to focus and answer questions effectively.
  5. Follow Up: Just as you would with any interview, thank the interviewer for the opportunity and follow up with a thoughtful thank you note if you are truly interested in pursuing the opportunity. In your note, reiterate why you are so interested in the job and why you are a great match for the company and the role.

If you come prepared, you’ll feel more confident and at-ease. We look forward to meeting you.

Check out our Virtual Interviewing FAQs for more.

Key is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.