Top 20 Video Interview Questions and Answers
Job interviews have become easier over time. Today you can appear for a job interview for your dream job from 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. We’ll cover sample video interview questions and answers with 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. These interviews either happen live or are prerecorded video interviews, wherein a candidate has to record their response and share it with the hiring manager. 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: In a live video interview, 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. The questions 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 answering the interview questions confidently.
Top 20 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 for freshers and experienced candidates to ace the video interview round.
Q1. 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.
Answer: 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.
Q2. 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 relevant experiences and successes that make you the right fit for the role.
Answer: I want this job because it fits my skills and goals. The work and company’s purpose excites me, and I think I can help the team succeed. There are chances for me to grow in my career here too.
Q3. 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 years” question.
Answer: 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.
Also Read: Where Do You See Yourself in 10 Years
Q4. 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.
Answer: 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 it also had a significant impact on our company’s success in both immediate profits and future growth.
Q5. 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.
Answer: 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.
Q6. 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.
Answer: 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 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.
Q7. 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.
Answer: 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.
Q8. 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.
Answer: 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.
Q9. 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.
Answer: 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.
Q10. What are your work ethics and values?
Recruiters want to know about your work ethic and 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.
Answer: 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.
Q11. What would you do if two supervisors gave you conflicting instructions?
Employers ask this question to assess your decision-making and communication skills. You can demonstrate your ability to handle conflicts professionally and show that you prioritize the company’s best interests.
Answer: If given conflicting instructions, I would first clarify the details of each instruction with both supervisors to understand their priorities. Then, I’d evaluate the urgency of each task and propose a solution that aligns with both objectives. Keeping both supervisors informed throughout the process ensures transparency and collaboration.
Q12. Let’s say you have a tight deadline and several tasks to complete. Can you tell me how you would prioritize?
This question aims to understand your time management and organizational skills. Employers want to know how you balance competing tasks under pressure.
Answer: I would first evaluate all tasks to determine which have the highest priority or impact. I’d break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable chunks and use tools like a to-do list or project management software to keep track of deadlines. If necessary, I’d communicate with stakeholders to manage expectations and adjust priorities.
Q13. How would you handle a situation where you received negative feedback from a client?
Employers use this question to see how you handle constructive criticism and maintain positive relationships with clients.
Answer: I would listen carefully to the client’s feedback without taking it personally. After thanking them for their input, I’d ask for specific examples to understand the issue better. Then, I would work quickly to resolve the problem and prevent it from happening again, ensuring the client’s concerns are fully addressed.
Q14. What actions would you take to improve your team’s morale?
This question evaluates your leadership, interpersonal, and team management skills. Employers want to see how you manage team dynamics.
Answer: If I noticed a drop in morale, I would first talk to individual team members to understand their concerns. I’d focus on improving communication, recognizing achievements, and creating a positive work environment. Team-building activities can help restore motivation and engagement.
Q15. How would you lead a project with a team of inexperienced members?
Employers ask this to understand your leadership and mentoring abilities. They want to see how you guide and develop others.
Answer: I would start by understanding each team member’s strengths and weaknesses, then assign tasks accordingly. I’d offer clear instructions and training where needed and maintain a supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable asking questions. Regular check-ins would help ensure that everyone is on track and learning.
Q16. Talk about your biggest success and failure with [job-related skill].
This question gives employers insight into your problem-solving and self-awareness. They want to know how you handle both successes and setbacks.
Answer: My biggest success was using my communication skills to lead a project team through a tight deadline, resulting in successful project delivery. On the flip side, I once failed to delegate enough in a complex project, which caused stress. I’ve since learned to trust my team more and delegate effectively.
Q17. What specific skills of yours are valuable for this job role?
This question helps employers understand what unique strengths you bring to the position.
Answer: My strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams make me an excellent fit for this role. I am also highly adaptable and always ready to learn new tools and techniques to improve my work.
Q18. Can you describe your experience with [a specific tool or technology relevant to the job]?
Employers ask this to assess your technical competence and familiarity with industry-standard tools.
Answer: I’ve used [specific tool/technology] in previous roles, where I applied it to [specific tasks]. I’m proficient with both basic and advanced functions, and I’ve successfully utilized it to [achieve specific results]
Q19. Give an example of a project where you used [specific skill].
This question helps employers assess how you apply your skills in real-world scenarios.
Answer: In my previous role, I used my data analysis skills to identify patterns in user behaviour, which helped the marketing team optimize campaigns. This resulted in a significant increase in engagement and a measurable ROI.
Q20. How do you stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in [relevant field or skill]?
Employers want to know if you’re committed to continuous learning and staying current with industry changes.
Answer: I stay updated by regularly reading industry blogs, attending webinars, and participating in professional communities. I also take online courses to learn about the latest tools and technologies that could improve my work.
Tips & Tricks for Approaching Video Interview Questions and Answers
Here are some of the major tips and tricks for answering video interview questions:
- 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.
- Select an Appropriate Location: It is important to consider the space for your virtual interview. Find a quiet and organized space with good lighting. This will ensure you appear clearly on the webcam 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.
- 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 suitable for a face-to-face meeting. Avoid wearing clothes with distracting patterns.
- Be Relaxed and Maintain Composure: Interviewers ask and seek genuine answers from the candidate. Thus, it is important to maintain calm and composure. However, feeling nervous is normal. To regulate nervousness and feel relaxed, practice taking deep breaths to help yourself ease tension.
- Be Truthful: Be honest during an interview to enhance your chances of getting the job. Provide genuine and accurate answers to build trust with the interviewer and showcase your integrity as a potential employee.
- Use Positive Non-verbal Communication: Sit 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. Also, read mock interview questions to help you excel in any Interview.
FAQs
Answer: In a video interview, you can expect questions about your skills, experience, strengths, weaknesses, and how you handle challenges. Common questions include:
1. Tell me about yourself.
2. Why do you want to work here?
3. Describe a time you solved a problem at work.
Answer: Here are some tips to prepare for a video interview:
1. Ensure your internet connection is stable
2. Choose a quiet and well-lit environment
3. Dress professionally
4. Practice responses to common interview questions
5. Ensure to test your camera, microphone, and other software beforehand
Answer: Yes, video interviews differ from in-person interviews in several ways:
1. Medium: Conducted via video conferencing tools, requiring stable internet and a suitable device.
2. Environment: Candidates choose their setting, unlike in-person interviews conducted at the employer’s location.
3. Body Language: Non-verbal cues may be harder to notice or interpret on video.
4. Flexibility: Easier scheduling as no travel is needed.
5. Technical Challenges: Risk of connectivity or software issues.
Answer: In a pre-recorded interview, start by stating your name, the position you are applying for, and a brief overview of your professional background. Highlight relevant skills and experience concisely and confidently.