How to Handle a Video Interview

There is already a guide on preparing for a video interview before the day. This one is about what happens when you are actually on the call: the first thirty seconds, what to do when something goes wrong, how to manage eye contact, and how to leave the interviewer with a strong impression even through a screen.

The First 30 Seconds Matter More Than You Think

The moment you join the call, the interview has started. Do not spend time fiddling with your audio, apologising for your background, or commenting on how weird video calls feel. Join, smile, greet them by name, and let them lead. If your video or audio is not working, sort it before the scheduled time, not after. Joining two minutes early and testing everything is the bare minimum.

Your energy in the first exchange sets the tone for everything that follows. A confident, warm opening tells the interviewer you are comfortable in this format, which is itself a signal about how you communicate remotely.

Eye Contact on Camera

The counterintuitive thing about video eye contact is that looking at the interviewer's face on your screen is not the same as looking into the camera. When you watch their face, your eyes point slightly downward, which reads to them as you looking away. To make proper eye contact, look directly at your camera lens when you are speaking. You will not be able to see their reactions at the same time, which feels odd at first, but it is what actually reads as confident and engaged on their end. Practise this beforehand so it feels natural by the time you are live.

Handling Technical Problems Mid-Interview

If your connection drops, your audio cuts out, or the platform freezes, stay calm and do not pretend it did not happen. If you can see they are still speaking but cannot hear them, type in the chat or wave to get their attention. If you lose the connection entirely, rejoin immediately. If you cannot, call or message the contact number they gave you for the interview. Most interviewers have contingency plans for this. How you handle a technical failure is itself a data point: calm, solution-focused behaviour under pressure is exactly what they are watching for, whether they realise it or not.

Body Language Through a Screen

Everything you do with your face is amplified on a video call because the frame is tight. Nodding when someone is speaking, maintaining a neutral but engaged expression, and not looking distracted or bored all read more clearly on screen than they would in a room. Sit up straight, keep the camera at eye level (not looking up at your nose or down at your forehead), and keep your hands visible. Avoid swivelling in your chair, tapping, or doing anything that introduces unnecessary movement into the frame.

Your framing matters too. The camera should show you from roughly the chest up with a small amount of space above your head. If you are a tiny face at the bottom of a vast empty room, or a giant head filling the entire screen, adjust before you join.

Handling Silences and Thinking Time

Video calls can make silences feel longer and more awkward than they are. It is completely acceptable to say "give me a moment to think about that" before answering a question. Interviewers expect it and respect it more than a rushed, half-formed answer. Filling the silence with filler words, trailing off mid-sentence, or apologising for needing a moment all work against you. Ask for the time you need, take it, then speak.

If You Lose Connection Entirely

Have a plan before you need one. Before the interview, note the name of the recruiter or interviewer and their contact details. If the call drops and you cannot rejoin, send a message immediately: "I am sorry, I lost connection. I am trying to rejoin now." Then try. If the platform will not reconnect in under a minute, suggest switching to a phone call or rescheduling. Most companies will accommodate a genuine technical failure. What they will not forgive is silence, or waiting ten minutes to say anything.

After the Call

The follow-up after a video interview is identical to any other format: send a brief thank-you email within 24 hours, reference something specific from the conversation, and confirm your interest in the role. The fact that it was on video changes nothing about what comes next. A prompt, personalised follow-up is still one of the easiest ways to stand out after a process where most candidates do nothing at all.