Look at the Camera — Not the Screen
This is the single most important video interview tip most people get wrong.
When you look at your interviewer’s face on screen, you appear to look slightly down, which reads as a lack of eye contact. To create genuine eye contact, look directly at your camera lens when speaking.
How to make this easier:
- Move the interview window to the top of your screen, as close to the camera as possible.
- Stick a small coloured dot or arrow next to your webcam as a visual cue.
- During practice sessions, train yourself to address the camera, not the face on screen.
It feels unnatural at first. With practice, it becomes second nature — and it makes a significant difference to how engaged and confident you appear.
Use Confident Body Language
The hiring manager reads your body language even through a screen. Research from Personal MBA Coach notes that non-verbal communication accounts for up to 93% of the impression you make. Your words matter, but so does how you sit, move, and carry yourself.
Key body language tips:
- Sit up straight. Slouching signals disinterest.
- Lean slightly forward. This shows engagement and active listening.
- Keep arms uncrossed. Crossed arms read as closed off or defensive.
- Smile naturally. A genuine smile builds rapport.
- Nod occasionally. It shows you’re listening — especially when the interviewer is speaking.
- Avoid swivelling in your chair or fidgeting. These movements are amplified on camera.
Prepare Your Answers Using the STAR Method
Preparation is the foundation of every strong interview performance. Research the company, understand the job description, and prepare specific examples for the most common interview questions.
Use the STAR method to structure your answers:
- Situation — Set the context.
- Task — Describe your responsibility.
- Action — Explain what you did.
- Result — Share the outcome, ideally with a number or specific achievement.
Prepare answers for classic questions such as:
- “Tell me about yourself.”
- “What is your greatest strength/weakness?”
- “Tell me about a time you dealt with a difficult situation.”
- “Why do you want this role?”
Practice these answers out loud on camera before the interview. Watching yourself back is uncomfortable, but it’s the fastest way to improve.
If you’d like expert support in preparing for your next interview, the team at My Career Angels offers one-on-one interview coaching sessions tailored to your industry and target role — from first-round interviews to final panel interviews.
Eliminate Distractions Before You Go Live
Five minutes before your interview:
- Silence your phone and turn off notifications on your computer.
- Close the door and let anyone in your home know you are in an interview.
- Put pets in another room.
- Turn off TVs, fans, or anything that creates background noise.
- Have a glass of water within reach (off-screen).
Also, prepare a notepad and a pen. Jotting down a key question or point during the interview is professional — it signals you’re listening carefully. Keep notes brief and out of frame.
Send a Follow-Up Email Within 24 Hours
A thank-you email after a video interview is still the right move — and most candidates skip it.
Send a brief, personalised email within 24 hours of the interview. Reference something specific from the conversation to make it memorable. Thank the interviewer for their time, reaffirm your interest in the role, and offer to provide any additional information they need.
This simple step sets you apart from most candidates and keeps you top of mind as the hiring manager works through their decision.
