Video Interview Best Practices
With remote work on the rise in Nigeria, video interviews are increasingly common. Here's how to excel in virtual interviews.
Technical Setup (Test 24 Hours Before!)
Internet Connection:
- Use wired ethernet if possible (more stable than Wi-Fi)
- If using mobile data, ensure strong 4G signal
- Have a backup plan (mobile hotspot ready)
- Close bandwidth-heavy applications
- Test your connection on speedtest.net (minimum 5 Mbps upload)
Equipment Check:
- Test camera: Position at eye level, ensure good lighting
- Test microphone: Use headphones with mic to avoid echo
- Test platform: Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams—install and test beforehand
- Charge laptop fully and keep charger plugged in
Environment Setup
Background:
- Clean, professional background (plain wall or neat bookshelf)
- Remove distracting items or personal belongings
- Use virtual background only if your internet is strong (can be glitchy)
Lighting:
- Face a window for natural light (not behind you—creates silhouette)
- Use a desk lamp in front of you if natural light is poor
- Avoid harsh overhead lighting
Minimize Interruptions:
- Inform family/roommates about your interview time
- Silence phone notifications
- Close all tabs except the video call
- Put a "Do Not Disturb" sign on your door
Professional Appearance
- Dress fully professionally: Even if they can't see your legs, wear professional pants (you might need to stand up!)
- Solid colors work best: Avoid busy patterns or all-white (washes out on camera)
- Grooming: Same standards as in-person interviews
- Jewelry/accessories: Minimal (can be distracting on camera)
During the Interview
Eye Contact:
Look at the camera when speaking, not the screen. This simulates eye contact. When listening, you can look at the screen.
Body Language:
- Sit up straight with shoulders back
- Keep hands visible (gestures are good but don't overdo it)
- Smile and nod to show engagement
- Position camera at eye level (not looking down or up)
Speaking:
- Speak slightly slower than usual (accounts for any lag)
- Pause before answering to avoid talking over interviewer
- Enunciate clearly
- Modulate your voice (show enthusiasm!)
Handling Technical Issues
If your internet drops:
- Rejoin the call immediately
- Apologize briefly: "I apologize, my connection dropped momentarily"
- Ask them to repeat the last question if needed
- If it happens repeatedly, offer to switch to phone call
If you can't hear them:
"I apologize, I'm having audio difficulty. Could you please repeat that?"
Have these ready:
- Interviewer's phone number (in case video fails completely)
- Mobile hotspot as backup internet
- Alternative device (phone or tablet) logged into the platform
Platform-Specific Tips
Zoom:
- Enable "Touch up my appearance" for softer lighting
- Test "Speaker view" vs "Gallery view"
- Know how to share screen if asked to present
Google Meet:
- Use Chrome browser for best performance
- Enable captions if you have audio concerns
Microsoft Teams:
- Familiarize yourself with mute/unmute
- Test screen sharing beforehand
Pre-Interview Checklist (1 Hour Before)
- ✓ Test internet, camera, and microphone
- ✓ Join meeting 5-10 minutes early (wait in lobby)
- ✓ Close unnecessary applications and browser tabs
- ✓ Have resume and notes ready (off-camera)
- ✓ Glass of water nearby
- ✓ Phone on silent
- ✓ Professional appearance checked in camera preview
Nigerian Context: Power & Internet Challenges
Power Backup:
- Ensure laptop is fully charged
- Have generator/inverter ready if you experience regular power cuts
- Consider doing interview from a co-working space with stable power
Internet Backup:
- Have two data sources ready (e.g., home internet + mobile hotspot)
- Test both connections beforehand
- If internet is unreliable in your area, consider using a friend's place or co-working space