The Top 10 Video Interview Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

With the emergence of technologies, video interviews have become mainstream. For either an entirely remote position or a hybrid one, your ability to represent professionally in a virtual environment can make or break your success rate. While the content of your answers does have weight, a lot also depends on how you package the technical and interpersonal qualities in a video interview.

Quite a lot of candidates make errors in video interview etiquette that can easily be avoided. Such behavior can be distracting to the interviewer, damaging your professionalism, and even rendering you unfit for the job. Here is a list of the top ten mistakes one should avoid in a video interview and some great pointers with which to ace that virtual interview.

Ignoring Your Background

Your background is one of the first things an interviewer observes; hence do ensure it is tidy and free from distractions. Messy rooms, desks cluttered with stuff, or even loud backgrounds leave a niggling impression. Choose a clean and quiet space where you can control the environment, if possible.

Tip: If you’re interviewing from home and the backdrop is not neutral enough, go ahead and activate a virtual background. Just be sure it looks professional and does not divert attention from your face.

Poor Lighting

Lighting is probably the most neglected thing while video interviewing. It is either your face that is poorly lit or it is shadowed, and in such a condition, interviewers experience difficulty in seeing you well. On the other hand, harsh lighting might just wash away your complexion as if to say, “Go away.”

Tip: Go for natural light if it is an option for you. Get your chair cut in line with the window, or using diffuse lighting within the room will work great, too. Stay away from sitting with the light source at your back.

Using an Unprofessional Username

Many tend to ignore the username they have set for themselves in their respective video platforms, negating them of a much-needed first impression. The username should be simple, professional, and easy to keep in mind.

Quick tip: Use your first and last name or a variation of it. For example, “JohnDoe” or “JohnDoe123” works fine. Stay away from weird or unrelated names such as “SuperStar456.”

Fidgeting or Over-Expressing

While the video interview can put you in a more relaxed atmosphere than a traditional in-person one, the same amount of professionalism should be maintained. Too much hand gesturing, excessive fidgeting, or wandering around can give the impression of being unfocused, nervous, or unprepared.

Tip: Sit back comfortably yet still. Maintain steady eye contact with the camera, and avoid distractions such as touching your hair or tapping the table.

Technical Issues and Lack of Preparation

Nothing can kill a video interview faster than technical issues. Delayed sound quality, jittery video, an unstable internet connection, or any combination thereof can cause frustration in the interviewer and cast an unfavorable light on the candidate’s preparation.

Tip: Test your setup well in advance. Check your internet, mics, cameras, and the software application you are going to use and make sure it is all working smoothly; the best thing is doing a trial run with a friend to bounce any issues that might appear.

Not Dressing for Success

Since you only have to be visible waist up, dressing casually can indeed be tempting to do for an interview. Dressing too casually would give the impression that you are less than professional and do not fully take the interview seriously.

Tip: Dress as though you were going to an in-person interview: neat, professional, and well-fitted. If only your upper half is visible on-screen, project confidence and professionalism through your attire.

Looking at the Screen, rather than at the Camera

It’s natural to want to look at the other person on the screen, but doing so will make it appear as if you are not making eye contact. Eye contact in a virtual environment is, after all, a major factor when it comes to building rapport and showing engagement.

Tip: When you are speaking, look into the camera so as to give the impression of an actual eye contact. It may prove a little awkward in the beginning but this is very important in the video etiquette.

Getting Distracted by Notifications

Reception-disrupting phone or computer notifications, anything, that would be the least desired scenario in a video interview situation. Whether it be checking e-mails, texting, or responding to a notification, it is all capable of sending signals of disinterest from your side.

Tip: Silence your phone and close all applications or tabs that could be distractions before your interview. Be wholly distracted with the conversation and give the interviewer your utmost attention.

A Background Noise Level That Is Not Professional

Background noise is one of great distractions in a video interview. An unwanted noise is disturbing; it is a disruption to the flow of an interview, whether it be a barking dog, very loud music, or loud chatter in the backdrop.

Tip: Pick a place where it will be completely free from interruptions. If you live in noisy surroundings, consider any headphones or microphones that cancel out acoustic distractions.

Ignoring Matters of Body Language

Because the interview is virtual, do not neglect any type of body language. Non-verbal cues like posture, hand gestures, and facial expressions are crucial in transmitting feelings of confidence or interest.

Tip: Take care to sit up straight, keep your arms uncrossed, and use hand gestures naturally whenever appropriate. Smile, as well as nod appropriately when someone has finished to demonstrate your engagement in the dialogue.

How to Prepare for a Video Job Interview

Familiarize Yourself with the Platform: Never assume a video interview platform (Zoom, Skype, etc.) will be straightforward on the day of the interview. Have a practice run joining a meeting, adjusting video/audio settings, and exploring what features are available.
Prepare Your Space: Clean up any mess and remove items that could be distracting. Moreover, think of the camera angle: a straight, eye-level shot is the best.
Prepare Your Answers: Now while we discuss the technical side of things, it is imperative to note that you have to prepare responses to certain commonly asked interview questions. The ability to confidently speak of your qualifications and experiences will definitely go a long way.
Test Your Equipment: Do a technical check on the day prior to the interview. Make sure your webcam is clear and your microphone sounds well; also ensure your connection is stable.

Communicating Well Strategically in a Video Interview

Be Concise and to the Point

In a video interview, there will probably not be so much time to chit-chat. Pauses or delays may confuse you and the other person. Try to answer the questions directly. Do not wander off and start rambling or developing pauses that could serve to focus on your points.

Listen Actively

Active listening is always good for communication. You develop rapport and show you are engaged in what is going on. At times, it can be difficult over video, especially when you are not sure that you are catching all nonverbal cues. Make sure to focus on that and show that you are paying attention.

Use Visuals When Necessary

If an interview tends to touch on complex subjects or portfolio discussions, then using a visual aid would better drive the point home in an interview. Glancing at some slides or screen sharing throws in another layer of emphasis on what you are saying, making it easier for the interviewer to follow along.

Managing Your Nervousness and Staying Calm

Practice Deep Breathing: Inhale and exhale slowly to calm down and focus.
Stay Positive: Replace thoughts of “I can’t” with “This is my chance.”
Mock Interviews: Run the mock sessions with friends or mentors and become used to the styles and technicalities.
Visualize Winning: Design positive views about yourself winning the interview.
Pause: Take a breather before answering the question so as not to rush.

Be the Candidate They Can’t Forget

Mastering video interview etiquette is essential to making a great impression in today’s job market. By avoiding these common mistakes and following these tips, you can show interviewers that you’re not only qualified but also professional and prepared. Remember: your technical setup, environment, and body language all play a critical role in shaping the outcome of the interview. With a bit of practice and attention to detail, you’ll be ready to ace your next video interview.

Discover More Tips

How to Stand Out in Interviews by Answering Common Questions

Job interviews can be nerve-racking, especially if one goes in expecting an unfamiliar answer. Like snowflakes, no two job interviews are ever quite the same. However, some of those questions invariably do show up.

Learn More

What to Wear to a Job Interview: Attire Tips for Every Professional Setting

First impressions are everything in case of job interviews. Your resume may get you in the door, but how you dress may play a big role in determining how potential employers perceive you. In fact, how you are dressed for an interview says so much about your level of professionalism, your attention to detail, and even your understanding of workplace norms.