Video interviews have become the new normal in European recruitment. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to remote interviews, mastering video interview etiquette is essential for making a great impression.
## Technical Preparation
### Before the Interview - Test your equipment 24 hours in advance - Check internet connection speed (minimum 10 Mbps recommended) - Download and test the required platform (Zoom, Teams, Google Meet) - Ensure your webcam is at eye level - Test your microphone and speakers
### Lighting and Background - Position yourself facing a window or light source - Avoid backlighting that creates silhouettes - Use a plain, professional background - Consider a virtual background only if appropriate - Ensure the room is well-lit and clutter-free
## Professional Presentation
### Dress Code - Dress as you would for an in-person interview - Wear solid colors (avoid patterns that can appear to shimmer on camera) - Choose colors that contrast with your background - Yes, dress fully—even the bottom half!
### Body Language - Maintain eye contact by looking at the camera, not the screen - Sit up straight with good posture - Use hand gestures naturally but keep them in frame - Smile and show enthusiasm - Nod to show you're listening
## During the Interview
### Communication Best Practices - Speak clearly and at a moderate pace - Allow for slight delays in audio - Don't interrupt—wait for natural pauses - Mute yourself when not speaking to reduce background noise - Have notes nearby but don't read from them
### Handling Technical Issues - Have a backup plan (phone number to call) - Inform the interviewer immediately if you experience issues - Rejoin quickly if disconnected - Apologize briefly and move on
## Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. **Poor Environment** - Noisy backgrounds (pets, children, traffic) - Unprofessional backgrounds (unmade beds, clutter) - Inadequate lighting
2. **Technical Neglect** - Not testing equipment beforehand - Weak internet connection - Low battery on devices - Notification sounds interrupting
3. **Poor Engagement** - Looking at notes instead of camera - Multitasking during the interview - Appearing distracted or disinterested - Reading responses word-for-word
## Platform-Specific Tips
### Zoom - Enable 'Touch up my appearance' subtly - Learn screen sharing for portfolio presentations - Use the 'Raise Hand' feature in panel interviews
### Microsoft Teams - Familiarize yourself with background blur - Know how to share your screen - Understand the chat function for sending documents
### Google Meet - Test the 'Present' function - Use the built-in noise cancellation - Understand how to admit yourself from waiting room
## Post-Interview Protocol
- Send a thank-you email within 24 hours - Reference specific points discussed in the video call - Reiterate your interest in the position - Ask about next steps if not already covered
## Special Considerations
### Time Zones - Confirm the interview time zone - Set multiple reminders - Join 5 minutes early
### Panel Interviews - Address each interviewer by name - Make 'eye contact' with camera when answering - Take brief notes on who asked what
### Portfolio Presentations - Prepare slides optimized for screen sharing - Have materials ready to share - Practice your screen sharing beforehand
Video interviews are here to stay. By mastering these technical and professional elements, you'll present yourself as a polished, tech-savvy candidate ready for the modern workplace.