Preparing for a video interview in 2025 means more than just logging into a platform it’s about presenting yourself professionally through the screen. I believe video interview etiquette is no longer optional; it’s essential. Lighting, background, and body language all play a key role in how confident, competent, and serious you appear to the interviewer.
Whether you’re applying for a remote role or attending a first-round interview online, your visual presence speaks volumes. Let me walk you through the practical, updated tips you need to master video interview etiquette and make a great impression in today’s competitive virtual hiring space.
First Impressions in a Virtual Room
The first few seconds of your video interview set the tone. Before you speak, your lighting, background, and posture already send a message. Sit up straight, look alert, and smile. Make sure your camera is eye level and your background is neat. Greet the interviewer warmly and maintain eye contact by looking into the camera.
Avoid distractions like phone notifications or noisy environments. A calm, confident presence shows you’re serious and prepared. Video interviews may feel casual, but treat them with the same professionalism as in-person meetings. First impressions are hard to change so get them right from the start.
- Emphasize how the first few seconds matter.
- Mention how hiring managers quickly form opinions.
- Tie to professional polish: clean setup, confident presence.
Read: Managing Time Zones and Flex Schedules: Remote Workers Guide to Staying Sane
Show Your Face Clearly
Proper lighting makes a big difference. Always position yourself facing a window or use a soft, white LED light. Avoid sitting with your back to a light source, as this casts shadows and darkens your face. Ring lights and adjustable desk lamps work well to create even lighting. In 2025, many platforms offer auto light correction, but nothing beats a controlled setup.
Check your lighting during setup your face should be well-lit, without glare or harsh shadows. Avoid colored lights or mood lighting that can appear unprofessional. Clear lighting ensures your expressions are visible and helps build a real connection on screen.
- Recommend natural light facing the person, not behind.
- Suggest soft LED ring lights or desk lamps (link high-end gear).
- Avoid backlighting or overhead lighting that casts shadows.
- Mention video platforms now auto-adjust lighting but manual setup still beats automation.
Keep It Clean and Professional
Your background reflects your personal brand. Choose a simple, clean space with minimal distractions. A plain wall, bookshelf, or indoor plant works well. Avoid cluttered rooms, busy patterns, or inappropriate items in view. If you don’t have an ideal background, use blur features available on Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams. In 2025, new AI tools can automatically clean up or enhance backgrounds in real-time.
Skip novelty virtual backgrounds they can look unprofessional and glitch during the call. Your space should quietly support your presence, not steal attention. A neat, neutral background helps interviewers focus on you not your surroundings.
- Use a neutral, tidy background plain wall, books, or subtle decor.
- Don’t use distracting or funny virtual backgrounds.
- Recommend blur effect for those without ideal backgrounds (Zoom, Teams, Google Meet all offer this).
- Mention newer AI background cleanup tools for 2025 that work in real-time.
Speak Without Words
Your body speaks as much as your voice. Sit up straight with your shoulders relaxed. Look into the camera not the screen to simulate eye contact. Nod slightly when listening to show engagement. Smile when appropriate to appear friendly and approachable. Avoid crossing your arms, fidgeting, or looking away, as these can signal nervousness or disinterest.
Keep your hands visible if you gesture while talking this adds clarity and warmth. Test your camera framing to ensure your face and upper body are visible. In video interviews, confident body language builds trust and shows you’re comfortable, focused, and serious about the opportunity.
- Sit upright, maintain steady eye contact (look at the camera, not the screen).
- Nod when listening. Smile when speaking.
- Avoid fidgeting or looking offscreen.
- Use hands naturally, but don’t overdo it.
- Test camera framing beforehand your upper body and hands should be visible.
Dress for the Role, Even Virtually
Dress like you’re attending an in-person interview. Business casual or professional attire works best, depending on the role. Choose solid colors that contrast well with your background. Avoid stripes or busy patterns they often distort on camera. Even though you’re at home, dressing well helps you feel confident and perform better.
Don’t skip the lower half wear full professional attire in case you need to stand. Keep accessories minimal and avoid noisy jewelry. In 2025, remote interviews are still professional meetings. Dressing the part shows respect, preparedness, and helps you make a strong, polished impression from the first moment.
- Dress in clean, wrinkle free, business casual or professional wear.
- Avoid patterns that confuse the camera or cause flicker.
- Match dress to industry expectations even if remote, it shows respect.
Read: Leveraging ChatGPT for Job Search – 5 Smart Ways to Use AI Tools
Tech Setup: Updated for 2025
Use reliable, updated gear. A high-quality webcam and external microphone can improve your clarity and presence. Built-in laptop mics often sound distant or echoey. Make sure your internet is fast and stable use a wired connection when possible. In 2025, many platforms include features like auto framing, voice enhancement, and noise cancellation enable these for smoother communication.
Always keep your software up to date to access the latest tools. Close unnecessary apps to avoid lag. Test everything before the call. Tech glitches are distracting and leave a poor impression. A solid setup shows professionalism and helps your message come through clearly.
- Use a good webcam and microphone built-in mics are often poor.
- Test your internet: stable, high-speed is a must.
- Use updated versions of platforms new features like auto-framing, voice focus, and background noise reduction help.
- Recommend using wired connections or quality Wi-Fi routers.
Practice and Test
Practice makes you polished. Do a mock interview with a friend or record yourself answering common questions. Review how you sound, look, and move on camera. Check your camera angle eye level is ideal. Test your lighting and audio setup. Platforms like Zoom and Google Meet now offer green room previews, letting you check your appearance and background before joining.
Rehearsing helps reduce nerves and builds confidence. Speak clearly, pause between thoughts, and maintain a steady tone. Familiarize yourself with platform features like screen sharing or mute functions. Proper prep ensures you’re not fumbling during the real interview. Be ready to shine.
- Do a mock interview with a friend or mentor.
- Check camera angle, lighting, and audio.
- Practice speaking naturally with clear pauses and direct answers.
- Use platform-specific rehearsal tools (Zoom’s recording preview, Google Meet’s new green-room preview, etc.).
During the Interview: Be Present and Professional
Join the interview early about five minutes ahead to avoid last minute tech surprises. Mute notifications on your computer and phone to stay focused. Greet the interviewer with a smile and maintain eye contact throughout. Listen actively, speak clearly, and pause briefly after questions. Use professional language and keep your tone positive.
Avoid multitasking stay fully engaged in the conversation. Keep water nearby, but don’t eat or chew gum. If issues arise, stay calm and address them politely. Thank the interviewer at the end and express interest in the role. Professionalism, even through a screen, helps you stand out and leave a strong impression.
- Join 5 minutes early.
- Mute notifications.
- Stay calm, focused, and engaging throughout.
- Thank the interviewer clearly at the end.
Read: Return to Office or Stay Remote? How to Decide What’s Best for Your Career
Video interview etiquette in 2025 focuses on presenting yourself clearly and professionally through lighting, background, and body language. Good lighting ensures your face is visible, a clean background avoids distractions, and confident body language builds trust. With updated tech features and virtual trends, preparing your setup and practicing your presence can help you stand out and make a strong impression in any remote interview.
