Unlike traditional face-to-face interviews, video interviews require you to pay attention to more than just your answers—they also require you to manage your environment, technology, and body language effectively.
To ensure your next video interview is a success, it’s important to avoid common mistakes that can negatively impact your performance. In this article, we’ll walk you through the top 10 mistakes candidates make during video interviews and provide tips on how to avoid them.
One of the most common mistakes in video interviews is poor lighting, which can make it difficult for the interviewer to see you clearly. When your face is too dark or too bright, it distracts from your message and can make you appear unprepared.
Visibility Issues: If the interviewer can’t see you clearly, they may not be able to fully engage with you, which can affect the overall impression.
Unprofessional Appearance: Dim or poorly lit surroundings give the impression that you didn’t put much effort into preparing for the interview.
Tip:
Ensure that you have sufficient lighting. Position yourself in front of a natural light source, like a window, or use a soft desk lamp or ring light. Avoid backlighting, as it can create a silhouette effect.
Good lighting ensures that you appear clear and professional on camera, improving your chances of making a positive impression.
A cluttered or distracting background can take the focus away from you and affect the professionalism of your video interview. Avoid backgrounds that are overly busy or unorganized, as they can make you appear unprepared.
Distracting Environment: A messy or overly busy background can draw attention away from the conversation and make you seem less professional.
Negative Perception: Interviewers may assume that you didn’t take the time to prepare for the interview environment.
Tip:
Choose a quiet, clean, and neutral space for the interview. Ideally, sit in front of a plain wall, a well-organized bookshelf, or a neutral background. Avoid sitting in front of windows or places with background noise.
A tidy, distraction-free environment keeps the focus on you, showing that you’re serious about the interview.
A weak or slow internet connection can lead to video freezes, audio delays, or poor-quality sound, all of which are frustrating for both you and the interviewer. These interruptions can make you appear unprepared or unprofessional.
Disrupts Flow: An unstable connection can disrupt the conversation, leading to awkward pauses or missed points.
Negative First Impression: Technical issues can suggest a lack of attention to detail, especially when you’re working from home.
Tip:
Test your internet connection before the interview. If possible, use a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi to ensure a stable connection. Avoid heavy internet usage (such as streaming) on other devices during your interview.
A stable internet connection ensures that your communication is clear and uninterrupted, making you appear reliable and professional.
One of the challenges of video interviews is that it’s harder to gauge the interviewer’s reaction. Speaking too quickly can make you sound nervous or rushed, while speaking too slowly can make you seem uncertain or unprepared.
Clarity: Speaking too fast can make your answers difficult to follow, while speaking too slowly may come across as a lack of confidence.
Engagement: Your speaking pace can influence how engaged and interested the interviewer perceives you to be.
Tip:
Speak at a natural pace, and take a brief pause to collect your thoughts before answering. This helps you sound more composed and ensures that your answers are clear.
A steady speaking pace keeps the interview conversational and ensures that your responses are easily understood.
It can be tempting to dress casually when you’re interviewing from home, but dressing too informally can make you appear unprofessional. Even though you may only be visible from the waist up, it’s important to dress the part.
Professionalism: Dressing appropriately shows the interviewer that you take the interview seriously and that you respect the company and the opportunity.
Confidence: Wearing the right attire can also help boost your confidence and put you in the right mindset for the interview.
Tip:
Dress in business attire or business casual, depending on the company’s culture. Even if only your upper body is visible, dressing well from head to toe will help you feel more professional.
Dressing appropriately ensures you look polished and ready for the role, making a positive impression from the start.
Fidgeting, playing with your hair, or looking around can distract from your message and make you seem anxious or unprepared. These habits can take away from the professionalism you want to project in the interview.
Reduces Focus: Fidgeting can be distracting and make it harder for the interviewer to focus on what you’re saying.
Perception of Nervousness: Excessive movement may make you seem nervous, even if you’re not.
Tip:
Sit up straight with your shoulders relaxed, keep your hands visible or in your lap, and avoid unnecessary movements. Practice calm, deliberate body language during mock interviews to get comfortable.
Calm and controlled body language conveys confidence and professionalism, making you appear more composed during the interview.
Looking away from the camera during the interview can make you appear disengaged, distracted, or unprepared. This is especially important in video interviews, as it can break the connection with the interviewer.
Maintains Engagement: Looking directly into the camera helps you engage with the interviewer and create a more personal connection.
Shows Confidence: Maintaining eye contact gives the impression that you are confident and focused on the conversation.
Tip:
Look directly into the camera when answering questions, not at the screen. This simulates eye contact and helps you connect with the interviewer.
Direct eye contact through the camera helps create a stronger connection with the interviewer, making you appear engaged and confident.
While you can do your best to test everything ahead of time, technical issues can still arise. Being caught off guard by an issue can make you appear unprepared or flustered.
Shows Adaptability: Employers appreciate candidates who can handle unexpected challenges with grace.
Reduces Stress: Being prepared for technical issues allows you to stay calm and avoid losing focus during the interview.
Tip:
Have a backup plan in case of technical difficulties. For example, know how to restart your computer or call in via phone if there’s a problem with your video or audio. Inform the interviewer in advance if you anticipate any issues.
Being ready for potential technical problems helps you stay calm and in control, showing that you’re adaptable and resilient.
Another mistake is speaking either too much or too little. Talking excessively can make you appear unfocused, while providing brief, vague answers can suggest a lack of depth or enthusiasm.
Balance: The right amount of detail helps you answer questions thoroughly while staying on track.
Engagement: A balanced response ensures that you address the question without rambling or leaving too much unsaid.
Tip:
Aim for answers that are clear and concise, focusing on key points. Practice structuring your responses to avoid going off-topic or under-explaining.
Striking the right balance in your answers ensures that you provide comprehensive, thoughtful responses that demonstrate your expertise.
Failing to follow up after your video interview can be a missed opportunity to reinforce your interest and professionalism. A follow-up email is a simple but effective way to stand out.
Shows Interest: A follow-up email shows that you’re still interested in the position and value the opportunity.
Leaves a Lasting Impression: It reinforces your qualifications and helps keep you top of mind for the interviewer.
Tip:
Send a thank-you email within 24 hours of the interview, thanking the interviewer for their time and reiterating your enthusiasm for the role.
A timely follow-up email reinforces your interest and leaves a positive, professional impression, helping you stand out from other candidates.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can increase your chances of impressing the interviewer and standing out as a strong candidate. From preparing your environment and equipment to maintaining professional body language, each step plays a vital role in ensuring that your video interview goes smoothly.
Ready to succeed in your next video interview? Visit Bayt.com to explore job opportunities and start preparing for your next career move with confidence!
