Mastering Video Interview Questions: Tips, Questions, & Strategies

Job interviews have become easier over time. Today you can interview for your dream job from your home. Especially after the pandemic video interviews have replaced face-to-face interviews. This has become the new normal for numerous companies saving time and cost for both.

A video interview is like a virtual meeting where the interviewer and candidate talk to each other through a camera on their computer or phone. It’s an easy way for them to see and hear each other without being in the same place, which makes it more convenient and affordable than traditional face-to-face interviews.

In this blog, we’ll cover everything you should know about this new trend. We’ll cover sample video interview questions and their answers and tips for preparing for video interviews. We’ll break it down and give you all the information you need to succeed.

Types of Video Interviews

There are two major types of video interviews. They are live and prerecorded video interviews. After applying to fill a job vacancy, understanding the various types of video interviews will help you prepare for what to expect during the interview.

• Live Video Interview: A live video interview is a type of job interview where the interviewer and candidate communicate in real time through a virtual platform, such as Skype or Zoom. Similar to an in-person/face-to-face interview, both parties can see each other’s faces and interact directly with one another. The questions asked during this type of interview are posed on the spot and require immediate responses from the candidate.
• Pre-recorded Video Interview: Pre-recorded video interviews are a type of job interview where the candidate records their responses to pre-set questions that have been provided by the hiring company. The interviewer is not present during this process and instead, the recorded answers are reviewed at a later time by members of the hiring team. During pre-recorded video interviews, the questions are not asked in real-time. Instead, they are prerecorded and you can answer them at your convenience.

We also suggest you take this job preparation course, to help you practice how to prepare for and land any job.

Top 10 Sample Video Interview Questions and Answers

If you’ve gotten to the next step of the job application process, then you’ll probably be invited or scheduled for an interview. Here are some of the popular virtual interview questions and answers to expect.

1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Employers can ask this question during video interviews to get an idea of your personality and see if you would fit in with their company. Take some time to talk about your work experience, then share something fun or interesting about yourself at the end.

I am a motivated marketing professional with 5 years of experience in digital marketing. I have excellent analytical skills and always stay updated on industry trends to create successful campaigns. In my free time, I enjoy volunteering for charities and going hiking.

2. Why are you interested in this job and why did you leave or consider leaving your previous one?

Employers want to hire people who are truly passionate about the job, not just interested in a paycheck. Use this question as an opportunity to showcase your relevant experiences and successes that make you the right fit for the role.

I want this job because it fits my skills and goals. The work and company’s purpose excite me, and I think I can help the team succeed. There are chances for me to grow in my career here too.

3. Where do you see Yourself 5 years from now?

The question is usually asked in terms of five years, but it can also be phrased as “What do you want to do in the future?” or “How do you see your career going?” The goal is to understand how much thought and planning you put into your future. You should check extensively on how to answer the “Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years” question. 

In the next five years, my vision is to hold a higher position in the company and play an active role in driving its progress and achievements. My goal is to take on greater tasks, potentially as a leader, while continuously enhancing my abilities. Ultimately, I strive to have a substantial influence on the organization’s goals and be vital for its ongoing prosperity. In the end, my goal is to greatly contribute to the organization’s goals and play a crucial role in its ongoing achievements.

4. What is your biggest career achievement?

This question is about demonstrating to employers how successful you have been in your job. If you accomplished something noteworthy, it indicates that you are a driven and ambitious person. When responding, share an example of a specific accomplishment at work and describe the steps you took to achieve it.

My proudest career achievement so far was leading a team to launch a new product that increased the company’s annual revenue by 30%. It involved researching the market and developing and promoting the product together with my colleagues. Not only did it showcase my leadership skills and teamwork abilities, but also had a significant impact on our company’s success in both immediate profits and future growth.

5. What do you think of or know about our company?

This is one of the video interview questions employers use to know if you have researched their company before the interview. Prove that you have by sharing key details about them. Before your video interview, make sure you understand what the company does and who it serves, such as its clients or customers. 

I’ve checked out your company a lot, and I think it’s really great how you’re always coming up with new ideas and leading the industry. You guys have done some impressive stuff like [specific achievements or projects], and people think highly of you for things like [positive aspects such as making good products, taking care of customers, or helping the environment]. I’m super excited to join a team that believes in [core values/principles] and be part of keeping your success going.

6. Why are you the best person for this role?

Employers want to know why you’re a good match for the job. They are interested in your skills and experience that would be valuable to their team. So, before your interview, consider how your previous experiences make you an ideal candidate for the position.

I think I am the perfect person for this job because of my skills, experience, and love for this field. My [specific abilities and past work] have prepared me to do well in this role and make a difference right away. I am very determined, flexible, and ready to help the team succeed. I also have new ideas that can move the company forward. I believe strongly that I can meet or even surpass what is expected of me in this position while growing with the company.

7. Tell us about your strengths?

This question has two purposes in interviews. Firstly, it helps interviewers understand your strengths. Secondly, it shows how confident you are in your abilities and if you tend to take too much credit.

I am good at working with different groups of people and communicating well. I’m also a great leader and can solve problems using data to make smart choices. Plus, I love learning new things so I can handle any changes or new technology that comes my way in the workplace.

8. What are your weaknesses?

Recruiters want to know your weaknesses so they can see how well you understand yourself and deal with challenges or areas where you need to improve.

One thing I struggle with is being too hard on myself when it comes to my work. This can make me spend a lot of time trying to make things perfect instead of just getting them done efficiently. To improve, I’ve been setting deadlines for tasks and asking others for feedback so that I don’t get too caught up in wanting everything to be flawless.

9. What is an ideal work environment for you?

This question helps employers determine if you would be a good fit for their workplace. It is important to answer honestly and share your preferences, such as whether you prefer larger or smaller office environments and why.

The best place for me to work is where everyone communicates and works together. I like a place where we can be creative, try new things, and have clear goals. It’s also important that the company cares about employees’ personal lives, helps them grow professionally, and gives recognition for hard work. Having different kinds of people working together is important too because it makes the workplace fairer and more interesting.

10. What are your work ethics and values?

 Recruiters want to know about your work ethic/values so they can see if you share the same values and beliefs as their company. This helps them decide if you would be a good match for the job.

I believe in being professional, honest, and responsible at work. I always try to do my best and finish tasks on time. I like working with others towards our common goals. Also, I am committed to getting better by learning new things and taking on challenges that help me grow personally and professionally.

Tips & Tricks for Approaching Video Interview Questions and Answers

Here are some of the major tips and tricks for answering video interview questions: 

1. Research the Video Interview Type: Understand if it’s live or pre-recorded. For live interviews, treat them like in-person meetings; for pre-recorded ones, practice is vital as you answer on video.
2. Select an Appropriate Location: It is important to carefully consider the location for your virtual interview. Find a quiet and organized space that has good lighting, as this will ensure you are visible during the interview. Make sure to silence any notifications on your computer or phone, and inform others in your household of the importance of avoiding interruptions.
3. Dress Professionally: Just like an in-person job interview, it is crucial to present yourself professionally even when attending virtually. This includes choosing appropriate attire that would be suitable for a face-to-face meeting. Avoid wearing clothes with distracting patterns to avoid distractions.
4. Be Relaxed and maintain Composure: While it’s good to practice for an interview, don’t sound like you’re just repeating lines. Interviewers want genuine answers from you. Also, Feeling nervous is normal, but taking deep breaths can help ease tension and improve how well you do in the interview.
5. Be Truthful: It’s important to be honest during interviews because people often lie, which can hurt your chances of getting the job. It is essential to provide genuine and accurate answers to build trust with the interviewer and showcase your integrity as a potential employee.
6. Use Positive Non-verbal Communication: Sit up straight, make eye contact, smile, and speak clearly. Show enthusiasm even during pre-recorded interviews by avoiding rushing or interrupting yourself too much on camera.

Conclusion

Video interviews are important for job applications and can be live or pre-recorded. To excel, candidates should prepare for common video interview questions and know which type of interview it is. They should also have a professional setting, dress nicely, stay calm and truthful, as well as use good non-verbal communication skills. This will help them stand out and get the job they want.

Have you ever had a video interview? Tell us how your experience was and how it compares to face-to-face interviews. Also, read the interview cheat sheet to help you excel in any Interview.