GuidesUpdated 12 Oct 2026 · Team InterviewPlan

Video Interview Tips for Zoom, Teams, Meet and Webex

Most first and second rounds in IT now happen over video. The content of your answers still matters most, but a poor setup or awkward screen sharing can distract the interviewer from what you say.

Technical setup

Technical problems are the most avoidable source of stress. Check everything with the exact platform the employer uses, such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet or Webex.

  • Stable internet; use a wired connection or sit close to the router
  • Keep a mobile hotspot as a backup
  • Update the meeting app and log in beforehand
  • Use headphones with a microphone to avoid echo
  • Charge your laptop and keep the charger plugged in
  • Close apps that might send notifications or use bandwidth

Lighting, camera and background

Face a window or light source so your face is clearly visible. Place the camera at eye level by raising your laptop on books or a stand. Use a neutral background or a mild blur. Dress as you would for an in person interview, at least from the waist up.

Body language and speaking

Video flattens energy, so be slightly more expressive than usual. Look at the camera when you speak, nod while listening and pause a moment before answering to avoid talking over each other because of lag.

  • Sit upright and keep your hands visible occasionally
  • Keep answers a little shorter than in person
  • If the connection drops, rejoin quickly and calmly summarise where you were

Screen sharing and coding rounds

Before a technical round, prepare a clean desktop and close personal tabs. Know how to share a single window rather than the whole screen. Have your IDE or an online editor ready, with a readable font size. Follow each employer's rules about what tools are allowed during the interview.

InterviewPlan AI mock interviews let you rehearse on video, and the live Interview Copilot works on Zoom, Teams, Meet and Webex for interviews where the employer permits assistance.

FAQ

Questions people ask about video interview tips.

Should I look at the camera or the screen?

Look at the camera when you speak so it feels like eye contact, and at the screen when listening so you can read reactions. Placing the interviewer's video near the camera helps.

What should I do if my internet fails?

Rejoin immediately or switch to your hotspot. If that fails, message or call the recruiter with your phone number. Interviewers understand occasional issues if you handle them calmly. Share a backup number in advance.

Is a virtual background acceptable?

A plain blur is safest. Busy or animated virtual backgrounds can be distracting and sometimes cut off parts of your face or hands. A tidy real room also works well.

Can I keep notes during a video interview?

Brief notes such as key achievements and questions to ask are usually fine. Do not read from a script, and follow any rules the employer has shared about materials during the call.

How early should I join?

Join three to five minutes early. Test your audio and video in the app's preview first, so you are settled when the interviewer arrives. Keep water and your resume nearby.

P.S.

Reading helps. Practising out loud helps more.

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