How to prepare for a video interview
![](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481122/5121ad5c-07c6-4c43-84b6-3fd0ad520d52/2023.17000.1275/img/DHB8hnq8OUvyhgjZvjnKRg/Thumbnails_Interviews.png?v=769f1c1508c3d1b56a87eaa7eda8dde3)
By now, it's safe to say that most businesses have adapted to working remotely, which includes remote hiring. Marketing managers and leaders from all over the globe have adopted virtual interviewing, so there is no need to panic if you cannot personally attend an interview.
In fact, lots of larger corporations include video interviews in parts of their hiring processes, so if you haven’t come across one yet, now could be the perfect time to brush up on your video interviewing skills.
We have gathered our top tips based on advice from our candidates to help you sail through a video interview.
1. Tech – Download and test
Whichever tool your interviewer has chosen for your interview, it could be Zoom or a What’s App call, ensure you have access to it and download the software to your laptop and the app to your phone. You never know when you’ll need back up.
Then test it, and test it again. Use a webcam on your laptop if you can, as this will free up your hands and hand shake from your phone. Sit square to the camera so that your head and shoulders are in view – you don’t want to appear either too close or too far away.
Check the sound levels on your device. You can usually do this in your PC’s ‘sound settings’, or some video conferencing tools allow you to test your microphone when joining the call. Log in to the meeting prior to the interview time to ensure that you can access it with the information you’ve been given, and test your sound. Remember to do this with enough time before the call to allow you to remedy any issues.
Ensure that your phone and computer are fully charged.
2. Environment
You want a calm, quiet space to conduct the interview, where you will be heard and have no interruptions. Where will you sit? What is behind you? This is especially important if you’re at home; ensure there is nothing in view of the camera that you wouldn’t want your future employer to see. Zoom even lets you choose a virtual background. Have a drink of water with you, but clear your desk/table of any other food or drinks.
Ideally sit against a plain, light wall with minimal eye distractions.
Check the lighting so that you don’t appear as a dark shadow. Plenty of natural light is good if you have it, but if not position lights either in front or above you, not behind you.
3. Dress for success
You should still wear sensible interview attire even though you’re not travelling to an office. And not just the top! Dress as you would usually to make a good impression, head to toe. That way you won’t be caught out if you happen to move and flash your pyjamas or slippers!
4. Eye contact and pause
It’s easy to look directly at a person’s face when responding on a video call. But this can make you appear as if you’re speaking to someone else. Look directly into the camera on your device when responding to questions, that way it will look like you are responding directly to the interviewer.
With virtual connectivity comes time delay – remember to pause after you’ve spoken. This will indicate that you are finished and it is the interviewer’s turn to speak. It’s very easy to end up talking over each other and, especially on voice-activated tools such as Zoom, this can create real confusion as to who is meant to be speaking.
5. Practice
You may not usually conduct practice interviews, but when joining a video interview a practice run with a friend, family member or your recruitment consultant is essential. Ensure that the technology is working properly, and that your position is perfect and practice speaking directly into the camera and pausing.
We are helping lots of candidates with virtual interviews. If you need any help please feel free to contact us here.
Click here for our latest jobs
Sign up for more insights
![](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481122/5121ad5c-07c6-4c43-84b6-3fd0ad520d52/2023.17000.1275/Blob/images/dots.png?v=2021.4.10061-release-2021.4)
Related jobs
Salary
£30000 - £35000 per annum + Bonus + Benefits
Location
City of London, London
Job Type
Permanent
Discipline
Media Relations & PR
Seniority
Assistant
Salary
£30,000 - £44,999
Sector
Financial Services
City
London
Description
PR Executive
Reference
RPD_1721748193
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Ronak PatelAuthor
Ronak PatelSalary
£40000 - £45000 per annum
Location
City of London, London
Job Type
Permanent
Discipline
Marketing (general)
Seniority
Specialist
Salary
£45,000 - £59,999
Sector
Professional Services
City
London
Description
An opportunity exists for the role of Marketing Executive within an established Chambers
Reference
PR/132525_1721404668
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Rebekah CrampAuthor
Rebekah CrampSalary
£45000 - £55000 per annum + Benefits
Location
London
Job Type
Permanent
Discipline
Marketing (general)
B2B
Seniority
Executive
Salary
£45,000 - £59,999
Sector
Financial Services
City
London
Description
Marketing Executive
Reference
RPIN_1721395886
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Ronak PatelAuthor
Ronak PatelSalary
£30000 - £35000 per annum
Location
London
Job Type
Permanent
Discipline
PPC
Work From Home
Work From Home
Seniority
Executive
Salary
£30,000 - £44,999
Sector
FMCG & Consumer Services
City
London
Description
Hands-on Performance Marketing Specialist for fast-growing, global hair and skincare brand in Northwest London
Reference
PR/132524_1721382019
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Amy McCrowAuthor
Amy McCrowSalary
£75000 - £90000 per annum + Bonus + Benefits
Location
City of London, London
Job Type
Permanent
Discipline
B2B
Seniority
Manager
Salary
£80,000 - £99,999
Sector
Financial Services
City
London
Description
Senior Marketing Manager
Reference
RPE_1720600748
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Ronak PatelAuthor
Ronak PatelSalary
+ Benefits
Location
City of London, London
Job Type
Permanent
Discipline
Marketing (general)
Seniority
Executive
Salary
£30,000 - £44,999
Sector
Financial Services
City
London
Description
As the marketing & communications analyst, you will join the global marketing team and report to the VP of Marketing and Communications.
Reference
PR/132522_1720517151
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Shanelle GreenAuthor
Shanelle GreenSalary
£50000 - £60000 per annum
Location
London
Job Type
Permanent
Discipline
Digital Project Management
Seniority
Manager
Salary
£60,000 - £79,000
Sector
FMCG & Consumer Services
City
London
Description
Marketing Project Manager for a global skincare brand who work to translate scientific concepts into commercial products.
Reference
PR/132487_1720516397
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Amy McCrowAuthor
Amy McCrowSalary
£40000 - £50000 per annum + Benefits
Location
London
Job Type
Permanent
Discipline
Marketing (general)
B2B
Seniority
Executive
Salary
£45,000 - £59,999
Sector
Financial Services
City
London
Description
Marketing Executive
Reference
RPIN_1719985440
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Ronak PatelAuthor
Ronak PatelSalary
£80000 - £90000 per annum
Location
Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Job Type
Permanent
Discipline
Digital Marketing
Seniority
Director/Chief
Salary
£80,000 - £99,999
Sector
Events & Hospitality
City
Yorkshire and Humberside
Description
Digital Sales and Marketing Director for a leading Tourist Attraction and Entertainment Destination in Doncaster, South Yorkshire.
Reference
PR/132492_1719843003
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Amy McCrowAuthor
Amy McCrowRelated posts
![crm manager](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481122/5121ad5c-07c6-4c43-84b6-3fd0ad520d52/2023.17000.1275/img/skaK4OIMpkAaPQjbzwOJuA/75/Thumb+looking+at+CV.png)
Teaser
Career adviceContent Type
ArticlesPublish date
07/26/2024
Summary
The marketing world is vast, diverse, and ever-evolving. At its core lies the vital role of a marketing executive, often seen as the backbone of strategic promotional efforts. Whether you're consider
![](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481122/5121ad5c-07c6-4c43-84b6-3fd0ad520d52/2023.17000.1275/img/DOBZ9KOSMkSRuQjcmWBHcA/75/EMR+The+Human+Factor+Managing+Team+Stress+in+Fast-Paced+Environments-01.png)
Teaser
Discipline expertiseContent Type
ArticlesPublish date
07/05/2024
Summary
Rapid development cycles are the norm in the fast-paced world of tech. While these cycles can drive innovation and keep companies competitive, they also place significant stress on teams. Managing thi
![](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481122/5121ad5c-07c6-4c43-84b6-3fd0ad520d52/2023.17000.1275/img/uCUNBz8oR0llRwjclb9Tvg/75/The+Impact+of+Social+Media+on+Comms+Hiring+Practices-01.png)
Teaser
Hiring adviceContent Type
ArticlesPublish date
06/27/2024
Summary
The Impact of Social Media on Comms Hiring PracticesThe recruitment industry has transformed dramatically over the past decades, driven by the expansion of social media platforms. In the communicati
![](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481122/5121ad5c-07c6-4c43-84b6-3fd0ad520d52/2023.17000.1275/img/A4e-lv9Ka0B0dQjbJUV6dw/75/MR23+Thumb-39.png)
Teaser
Salary & Market Trend GuideContent Type
DownloadsPublish date
06/18/2024
Summary
Introducing our Salary & Market Trend Report for 2024/2025 - the ultimate resource for employers and candidates navigating the dynamic job market and evolving career landscape.Uncover how to future-pr
![](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481122/5121ad5c-07c6-4c43-84b6-3fd0ad520d52/2023.17000.1275/img/jKFCJS-uh0cWoAjcg4SG8A/75/The+Rise+of+TikTok+Shop+Influencer+Marketing%2C+Social+Media+Selling%2C+and+the+Retail+Revolution-01.png)
Teaser
Industry newsContent Type
ArticlesPublish date
06/03/2024
Summary
TikTok has emerged as a game-changer in digital marketing. Its short-form videos and vast user base offer brands a unique opportunity to engage with consumers. One of the most significant developmen
![Balancing Speed and Quality in Tech Development](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481122/5121ad5c-07c6-4c43-84b6-3fd0ad520d52/2023.17000.1275/img/TttLXLw9oEm1ewjcc-rdvg/75/Balancing+Speed+and+Quality+in+Tech+Development-01-01.png)
Teaser
Discipline expertiseContent Type
ArticlesPublish date
05/28/2024
Summary
The need for speed and quality often seem at odds in the technology development sector. The rapid pace of innovation necessary to remain competitive can undercut the meticulous attention to detail r
![](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481122/5121ad5c-07c6-4c43-84b6-3fd0ad520d52/2023.17000.1275/img/qcY1SaGaW0xQ0gjcE2fYDQ/75/Thumb+Jen.png)
Teaser
Career adviceContent Type
ArticlesPublish date
05/22/2024
Summary
Marketing and Communications Leader Series Episode 5: Jen Barham Welcome back to EMR's Marketing & Communications Leader Series. In this podcast, we dive deep into the journeys of exceptional senior m
![](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481122/5121ad5c-07c6-4c43-84b6-3fd0ad520d52/2023.17000.1275/img/miNYHkjWvEfCogjcANfzyw/75/Dominic+Thumb.png)
Teaser
Career adviceContent Type
ArticlesPublish date
05/20/2024
Summary
Marketing and Communications Leader Series Episode 4: Dominic Elliott Welcome back to EMR's Marketing and Communications Leader Series podcast, where we dive deep into the journeys of exceptional seni
![](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481122/5121ad5c-07c6-4c43-84b6-3fd0ad520d52/2023.17000.1275/img/tZgpv7ftS0Flywjb57XqsA/75/Ep3+thumb.png)
Teaser
Career adviceContent Type
ArticlesPublish date
05/14/2024
Summary
Marketing & Communications Leader Series Podcast Welcome back to EMR's Marketing and Communications Leader Series. In this podcast, we dive deep into the journeys of exceptional senior marketing and c
![Digital Marketing 2022](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481122/5121ad5c-07c6-4c43-84b6-3fd0ad520d52/2023.17000.1275/img/qyT24gnQi08t9AjaMyya5g/75/New+digital+blog+th-16.png)
Teaser
Career adviceContent Type
ArticlesPublish date
05/13/2024
Summary
Over the last few years, we're seeing a significant change in the landscape of the marketing sector, pushing brands to adapt and implement new ways of advertising. This shift has ushered us into a new
Recently viewed jobs