Candidate Resources

How to prepare for your video interview

8 September 2025 5 mins

By Sellick Partnership

With virtual hiring now standard across many industries, video interviews have become a key part of the recruitment process. Whether you're applying for a permanent, contract or interim role, it's essential to know how to present yourself and set up your environment to make a strong first impression.

This guide combines expert advice on preparing the ideal video interview setting with top video interview tips, helping you to feel confident, look professional and maximise your chances of success.

Why video interview preparation matters

Hiring managers are not only assessing your skills and experience during a video interview but also your communication, presentation and attention to detail. Poor lighting, sound, or background distractions can be off-putting and may influence their decision-making, subconsciously.

By preparing thoroughly and presenting yourself well on screen, you can remove those distractions and let your personality and skills shine through.

Choose the right setting for your video interview

In any interview setting, making a good impression is very important, and this is no different even when you are interviewing on camera. Consider the following factors when choosing your space:

Lighting: Turn on your camera to make sure the lighting looks correct. Is there any glare? Are there shadows covering your face? If so, you may need to readjust where you're sitting; make sure to do this around the same time of day that your interview will take place, so that your setup will reflect the lighting conditions. Natural light works best, so position yourself facing a window, if this is possible. Alternatively, you can use a lamp to illuminate your face evenly.
Background: Arrange a neutral, tidy and uncluttered background for your interview call. Avoid cluttered or distracting spaces that could take the interviewer's attention away from you. You could also consider blurring your background, which is simple to do on most programmes.
Test the angle of your camera: Make sure you are not too close or too far away from the camera and that your head and shoulders are visible. Try facing the camera as well as sitting slightly to the side to find the best angle. You might need to raise or lower the height of your computer screen or your chair; therefore, it's best to test this out ahead of the interview.
Make sure you can provide a quiet environment for the interview: Your interview will go poorly if your interviewer cannot hear what you are saying, so it is vital to set yourself up in a quiet room, ensuring that nobody will disturb you and that you are away from noisy pets, appliances or sounds from the TV. Consider putting your phone on flight mode to avoid any interruptions or distractions and close the door.

Test your technology in advance

Getting your video interview space ready also means taking the time to set up and test out the technology in advance, ensuring that your video interview will not be delayed or disrupted by any technical glitches.

Internet connection: Ensure you have a stable, high-speed internet connection. Test it in advance to avoid lag or disconnections. Taking your phone off Wi-Fi (or putting it in flight mode) can sometimes help speed up your laptop or computer's connection.
Check the sound quality and iron out any problems: Are you certain you can be heard clearly during your call? Is there an echo in your chosen room? Will you need to wear noise-cancelling headphones? All of these are questions that you should be able to answer well before the interview starts.
Ensure you have the software installed/updated and test it out in advance: Whether your interviewer wants you to use Teams, Skype, Zoom or another platform for the video interview, it is vital to get the software installed and set up well in advance. If you have never used it before, take the time to learn all of its key functions. You could try to ask for a test call with friends or family.
Check that your device is fully charged: nothing will end your interview faster or more unceremoniously than a depleted battery! Make sure your device is properly charged before the interview starts, or keep it plugged in throughout the call to be on the safe side.

Present yourself professionally on screen

How you present yourself on screen is just as important as what you say. Consider your camera angle, body language, and appearance to ensure you're putting your best foot forward.

Dress as you would for an in-person interview: When interviewing from home, it is still important to dress professionally, unless told otherwise. Dress as you would for an in-person interview. Solid, neutral colours work best on camera.
Pay attention to your body language: Body language is almost as important on a video interview as it would be in person. Make sure you maintain good posture, avoid slouching, maintain eye contact and smile where appropriate – otherwise, you may risk coming across as disengaged or bored.
Avoid looking at yourself: It's tempting but it can break focus. Hide the self-view if you can and this might help you.

Minimise background noises and distractions

Maintaining focus is crucial during a video interview. Reduce potential distractions to stay in the zone and present your best self.

Turn off notifications: Set your phone to silent and disable notifications on your computer to avoid interruptions.
Inform others in your household: Let housemates or family members know you’ll be in an interview and need quiet time.
Close unnecessary tabs or apps: Keep your computer screen clutter-free by closing non-essential applications. This helps minimise distractions and ensures you’re ready to screen-share if needed.
Keep pets in another room: Where possible, you should try to keep your pets in another room and close any nearby windows to block out street noise.

Practice common interview questions

While video interviews are more flexible, the questions are often similar to those asking during face-to-face interviews. Prepare answers to common interview questions, and practice delivering them via video.

Here are some examples to rehearse: