Video interviews are a unique type of interview because of the interpersonal nature of video but the unrelational distance involved. So, it can be really challenging to find an easy flow. These best practice points apply to interviewers just as much to interviewees.

Communication Mindset

  1. Budget your time. There is limited time in the interview so try to spend it carefully. Don't spend a lot of time agreeing when a simple nod or “understood” will suffice. Move the conversation forward.
  2. When specific questions are answered, answer with specific details. The temptation is to talk generalities.

Technical Setup

  1. When you setup, try to have more light on your face than on everything else. Avoid a bright background and a dark you.
  2. Dress sharp. Not overdressed. Contextually relevant. The west coast is more relaxed. The east coast still hasn't abandoned the tie.
  3. Control your sound. Some mics are great. Some are terrible. Using headphones with a mic tends to equalize the audio quality for everyone. Minimize background noise distraction. A quiet room at the library is a good option.
  4. Expect audio lag and wait just a few seconds to let the conversation settle before you speak. It’s normal for people to step on one another in a video conference but waiting a bit will mitigate it. You shouldn’t be in a hurry to talk anyways.

Asking and Listening

  1. Don’t bundle your questions. The temptation can be to ask three questions at once. Typically you get poor answers. Once concise question at a time.
  2. Active listening is key. Don’t think about your next question. Interviewing is about building trust; careful listening and understanding is key to building that trust.
  3. Show up five minutes early.
Questions, answered

The short version.

What makes video interviews harder than meeting in person?
Video is interpersonal and distant at the same time, so an easy flow is hard to find. Habits that work face to face, like filling pauses or talking at the same moment, work against you on camera. This applies to interviewers as much as candidates.
How should you set up for a video interview?
Put more light on your face than on everything else and avoid a bright background with a dark subject. Control your sound, since headphones with a mic tend to equalize audio quality for everyone, and pick a quiet space.
How do you handle audio lag?
Expect it, and wait a few seconds to let the conversation settle before you speak. People step on one another on video, and a short pause mitigates it. There is no advantage in hurrying to talk.
What should you avoid asking on a video call?
Bundled questions. Asking three at once typically produces poor answers. Ask one concise question at a time, and listen actively instead of planning your next question while they speak.