Did you know that 33% of employers say they can tell within 90 seconds if they’ll hire a candidate?
That’s barely enough time to share your name and a quick greeting, let alone showcase your expertise.
In a video interview, your background can tilt that crucial first impression in your favor - or work against you if it’s chaotic or unprofessional.
With remote interviews here to stay, it’s crucial to have a polished setting that enhances your credibility and helps you stand out in those critical opening moments.
Here are 6 tips to help you make a good impression during video interviews.
1. Choose a Neat and Neutral Setting
The single most effective way to project professionalism during an interview is by keeping your surroundings tidy and understated.
Avoid flashy decorations or bright, busy patterns that might draw your interviewer’s attention away from you.
Instead, strive for a clean, neutral wall or a tidy corner of your room. If you have awards, shelves, or tasteful artwork, that’s acceptable, but make sure nothing distracts from what you’re saying.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have a spotless, neutral wall available, use a basic virtual background that replicates a professional office environment. Just make sure it’s not overly animated, as that can appear gimmicky.
Also Read: How to ace a zoom interview?
2. Light It Right
Proper lighting can make a world of difference.
Sit facing a natural light source whenever possible, such as a window, so your face is illuminated without harsh shadows.
If that’s not an option, use a desk lamp or ring light behind your camera. Test your setup beforehand to ensure the light is even and not too bright.
Overly strong lighting can wash you out and even strain your interviewer’s eyes. Experiment with positioning: move lights a bit higher or lower to eliminate unwanted glares.
Once you find the best angle, mark the spot or note your lamp’s setting, so you can be consistent in future calls.
Also Read: What are some great tips to nail your first interview?
3. Keep Distractions at Bay
It’s one thing to have a neat background, but a barking dog or a loud TV can torpedo your interview just as quickly.
Before you start, inform housemates or family members to keep noise to a minimum. Silence or turn off notifications on your phone and computer.
Also, ensure that pets are secured in a different room if they tend to make noise or wander into your space.
A neutral background is crucial, but so is a quiet environment.
The goal is to hold your interviewer’s attention entirely on you, rather than any chaos happening around you.
4. Mind Your Camera Angle
An awkward camera angle can undermine an otherwise professional setup. Position your camera at eye level, or slightly above, so you’re looking directly ahead.
This ensures you appear engaged and confident. If your laptop sits too low, place it on a sturdy box or stack of books to bring it up to the right level.
Check the framing during a test call: your head, shoulders, and upper torso should be visible, with minimal extra space above your head.
Aim for a clean composition so you look poised rather than dwarfed by the surrounding space.
Also Read: How to respond to an interview request?
5. Incorporate Subtle Branding or Personal Touches
While neutral is the go-to choice, there’s a time and place for showing personality.
If the interview is for a creative role, or if you want to hint at your personal brand, you can add a small element that reflects your style.
Think of a neat bookshelf, a single framed quote, or a tasteful piece of art that aligns with the role or your character.
Keep these touches subtle. You don’t want to overshadow your professional image, but a little genuine flair can help you stand out in a sea of blank backgrounds.
6. Dress to Impress
Your attire can either blend seamlessly with your background or clash in a distracting manner.
Choose clothing that contrasts gently with your backdrop, so you don’t fade into it. If you have a pale wall, opt for a mid-tone or darker shirt.
If your background is darker, go for a lighter-colored top. Steer clear of busy patterns that could disrupt the camera or distract the viewer.
Also, avoid blending into your environment - wearing white against a white wall is as counterproductive as wearing black against a black background.
Your clothing should highlight you, not cause you to vanish or clash.
Also Read: What are some different types of interviews?
Conclusion
Putting in the effort to create a polished, distraction-free interview background can set a confident tone before you even speak.
Think of it as part of your personal brand - it shows your attention to detail and willingness to go the extra mile.
If you want to take your preparation even further, Hiration's AI Interview Practice module allows real-time calibration of multiple on-screen parameters like eye levels, screen distance, etc. There are additional tools to fine-tune your resume, optimize your LinkedIn profile, and more.
Bag that dream job with Hiration!
