Video Interviews: Getting Comfortable on Camera

Video interviews have become a permanent part of the hiring process, not just a temporary response to the pandemic. A survey by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development found that more than half of UK employers now use video interviews at some stage of recruitment, with many treating them as the default format for initial screening rounds. [1]

For job seekers, this shift means that interview skills now include a technical dimension. Candidates need to consider lighting, camera angle, audio quality, and background — details that were irrelevant when every interview took place in person.

The most common technical issue is poor lighting. A window directly behind the speaker creates a silhouette effect, making the face difficult to see. The best approach is to place a light source in front of you — facing your face — rather than behind you. Natural light from a window works well, and a simple desk lamp can serve as a supplement on cloudy days.

Camera position also affects how you are perceived. A camera placed too low creates an upward angle that can appear unflattering or slightly intimidating. Raising the laptop or webcam to eye level — using a stack of books or a simple stand — produces a more natural, conversational perspective. Looking into the camera lens rather than at the other person's image on screen creates the impression of direct eye contact. [2]

Audio quality matters more than most candidates realise. Built-in laptop microphones often pick up background noise, echo, and keyboard sounds. A basic pair of earbuds with a built-in microphone usually produces clearer audio than a laptop's open speaker and microphone. Testing the setup before the interview is essential.

The background behind you sends a subtle message. A tidy, neutral space — a plain wall, a bookshelf, or a quiet room — looks professional. Most video platforms offer virtual backgrounds, but these can produce visual artifacts around hair and moving hands, which may distract the interviewer rather than help. A simple, real background is usually the safer choice.

Body language in a video interview is different from an in-person meeting. On camera, gestures are compressed into a small frame, so large hand movements can be distracting. Small nods, steady posture, and occasional brief gestures feel more natural on screen. Sitting too far back from the camera makes you appear distant, while sitting too close can seem intrusive. A frame showing your head and shoulders is generally the most comfortable composition.

One challenge specific to video interviews is the slight audio delay that occurs on many platforms. This delay can cause speakers to talk over each other. Pausing for a moment after the interviewer finishes speaking — even when it feels slightly awkward — reduces interruptions and shows that you are listening carefully.

Dress codes for video interviews remain largely the same as for in-person interviews, though some candidates make the mistake of dressing formally only from the waist up. If you need to stand during the call — to adjust equipment, retrieve a document, or respond to an unexpected situation — the contrast can create an embarrassing moment. Dressing fully for the interview avoids this risk and often helps create a more professional mindset.

Practising on camera before the interview is one of the most effective steps a candidate can take. Recording yourself answering two or three common questions reveals habits you may not notice in person — looking away from the camera, fidgeting, speaking too quickly, or failing to pause. A short practice session often improves performance significantly. [3]

For international candidates interviewing across time zones, scheduling adds another layer of complexity. A morning interview in London is late evening in Tokyo. Fatigue, lighting conditions, and background noise all change with the time of day. Choosing a time when you are alert and your environment is quiet can be as important as preparing your answers.

Video interviews are not a lesser form of interview — they are simply a different format. Candidates who treat the medium with the same seriousness as a face-to-face meeting, and who prepare for its specific demands, can project confidence and professionalism regardless of the screen between them.