70% of interviews are now remote. Video interviews require different skills: technical setup, virtual presence, and on-camera communication.
Master the unique challenges of remote interviews: lighting, camera angles, eye contact, and making an impression through a screen.
Technical issues are the #1 cause of poor remote interview impressions.
Pro Tip:
Your eyes should be in the upper third of the frame. Head and shoulders visible.
Common Mistake:
Camera too low (looking down), too close (giant face), or too far (tiny in frame).
Pro Tip:
Natural light from in front is best. Add a desk lamp facing you if needed.
Common Mistake:
Sitting with a window behind you, dimly lit room, or harsh overhead lighting.
Pro Tip:
Wired earbuds often work better than Bluetooth for reliability. Mute when not speaking.
Common Mistake:
Echoey room, background noise, typing sounds, or unreliable wireless audio.
Pro Tip:
Run a speed test beforehand. You need at least 5Mbps up/down for quality video.
Common Mistake:
WiFi dead zones, shared bandwidth during interview, no backup plan.
Do This:
Bullet points for key stories, company facts, questions to ask
Avoid:
Full scripts that you read, obviously looking away frequently
Do This:
Test call with a friend, lock the door, close all unnecessary apps
Avoid:
Pets, children, roommates, phone notifications, delivery doorbells
Do This:
Pre-install the video app, test your login, have phone backup ready
Avoid:
Scrambling to download software, no backup plan, dead phone battery
Do This:
Count to 2 after they finish before speaking, speak slightly slower
Avoid:
Jumping in quickly, talking over them, rushing your responses
"I was bombing remote interviews until I fixed my camera angle and lighting. Such simple changes made a huge difference in how I came across."
Jennifer L.
Now at Shopify (Remote)
"The tip about looking at the camera instead of the screen was game-changing. Interviewers started commenting on how engaged I seemed."
Marcus T.
Now at GitLab (Remote)
"Having notes just off-camera saved me multiple times. I could reference key points without fumbling, and no one knew."
Priya S.
Now at Zapier (Remote)
Practice with our video interview simulator to get comfortable on camera. Review your recordings and improve your virtual presence.
Practice Video InterviewFree to start • Video practice • Get feedback on presence