Mastering Video Interviews in Nigeria
With remote work becoming common, video interviews are now standard. Here's how to make a great impression despite technical challenges.
Before the Interview: Technical Setup
Equipment Checklist
- Camera: Laptop webcam or external camera at eye level
- Microphone: Use headphones with mic (AirPods, wired earphones)
- Lighting: Face a window or use desk lamp in front of you
- Background: Clean wall or professional virtual background
- Internet: Stable connection + backup mobile data
- Power: Fully charged laptop + backup power source
Platform Familiarity
- Zoom: Download app, test camera/mic before
- Google Meet: Works in browser, test link 10 mins early
- Microsoft Teams: Download app or use web version
- Skype: Less common now, but ensure updated
Test Run (1 Day Before)
- Call a friend to test setup
- Check camera angle and lighting
- Verify audio quality (no echo)
- Test internet speed (minimum 5 Mbps)
- Practice with interview questions on camera
Setting Up Your Space
Camera Position
- Eye level (stack books under laptop if needed)
- Arm's length distance
- Head and shoulders visible in frame
- Look at camera when speaking (not screen)
Lighting
- Face light source (window or lamp)
- Avoid backlighting (window behind you)
- Warm, soft light preferred
- Test at interview time (natural light changes)
Background
- Plain wall (best)
- Tidy bookshelf or office
- Professional virtual background (if necessary)
- Remove distractions (posters, clutter)
- Ensure no one walks behind you
Dress Code
- Dress fully professional (not just top half!)
- Solid colors work best on camera (avoid busy patterns)
- Blue, navy, gray recommended (avoid pure white/black)
- Grooming: hair neat, clean-shaven or trimmed beard
- Minimal jewelry (avoid noisy bracelets/bangles)
During the Interview
First 5 Minutes
- Join 5 minutes early and wait (don't join 15 mins early!)
- Smile when camera turns on
- Greet professionally: "Good morning/afternoon, thank you for this opportunity"
- Have water nearby but off-camera
- Mute phone completely
Body Language
- Sit upright (good posture)
- Look at camera when speaking (feels like eye contact)
- Look at screen when listening
- Gesture naturally but keep hands in frame
- Nod to show engagement
- Smile appropriately
Speaking Tips
- Speak slightly louder and slower than usual
- Pause after questions (video delay)
- Don't interrupt - wait for complete silence
- Avoid "um" and "like" fillers
- Be enthusiastic with voice (harder to read on video)
Handling Technical Issues
If Internet Drops
- Don't panic - immediately switch to mobile data
- Rejoin the call quickly
- Apologize briefly: "Sorry, internet hiccup. I'm back now."
- Don't over-explain or blame Nigeria - be professional
- Continue confidently
If Audio/Video Fails
- Have interviewer's phone number ready
- Text/call immediately if can't reconnect
- Offer to continue via phone if video won't work
- Reschedule professionally if necessary
Prevention Tips for Nigeria
- Schedule interviews for times when power is usually stable
- Inform household - no interruptions during [time]
- Close all other apps/tabs (save bandwidth)
- Use ethernet if available (more stable than WiFi)
- Have backup device ready (smartphone as hotspot)
What to Have On-Screen
Open on Second Monitor/Phone
- Your resume (for quick reference)
- Company website/About page
- Job description
- Your prepared questions
- Notes about company research
Don't Have Visible
- Notes directly on screen (looks like you're reading)
- Phone in view (distraction)
- Multiple windows open behind camera view
- Food or drinks in shot
Special Considerations for Nigerian Candidates
Time Zones
- Confirm timezone upfront (WAT vs GMT vs EST)
- Use World Time Buddy to avoid confusion
- Set phone alarm 15 mins before
- If unsure, ask: "Just to confirm, that's 2pm your time, which is 7pm WAT?"
International Clients
- Be prepared to discuss remote work experience
- Address infrastructure proactively: "I have backup power and internet"
- Emphasize communication skills and reliability
- Show familiarity with remote tools (Slack, Zoom, Asana)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Looking at yourself: Focus on camera or interviewer video
- Poor lighting: Invest 30 mins to set up properly
- Noisy environment: Use quiet room, close windows
- Casual attire: Dress as professionally as in-person
- Not testing tech: Always test everything beforehand
- Eating/drinking on camera: Keep water off-camera
- Moving around: Sit still (no swivel chair spins!)
- Poor background: Bedroom/messy space unprofessional
After the Interview
- Send thank-you email within 2 hours
- Reference specific discussion points from interview
- Reiterate enthusiasm for role
- Keep it brief (3-4 paragraphs)
Recommended Setup for Nigerian Professionals
Budget Setup (₦15,000-30,000)
- Use laptop webcam
- Wired earphones with mic (₦3,000-5,000)
- Desk lamp from market (₦5,000-8,000)
- White bedsheet as background (free)
- Reliable data plan (₦5,000-10,000/month)
Professional Setup (₦50,000-100,000)
- HD Webcam (₦25,000-40,000)
- Good headset (₦15,000-25,000)
- Ring light (₦10,000-20,000)
- Backdrop stand + cloth (₦10,000-15,000)
- Dedicated internet router
Final Tip: Practice makes perfect. Record yourself answering questions and watch playback. You'll quickly identify and fix issues!