Let’s face it—video interviews are here to stay. Whether you’re applying for a fully remote role or heading into a hybrid position, how you show up on-screen speaks volumes—even if you’re on mute.

At Tamarack Recruiting, we’ve helped hundreds of professionals prepare for interviews. Here are the tips we consistently share with candidates who want to put their best foot forward.

1. Research the Company Before Your Video Interview

Preparation goes a long way. Before the interview, take time to research the company—what they do, who they serve, and how they’re growing. Dig into the role and review the job description carefully. Identify where your experience connects to what they’re looking for.

Hiring managers can tell when a candidate is informed. Coming into the conversation with thoughtful questions and a clear understanding communicates that you’re not just looking for any job—you’re pursuing the right one.

2. What Employers Look for in a Video Interview

It’s not just about skills on paper. Employers are looking for people who can adapt, communicate clearly, and collaborate well with others. Use your interview to show you’re the kind of person who takes initiative, solves problems, and works well across teams.

Prepare a few specific examples that reflect your soft skills, like how you handled a challenge, contributed to a project’s success, or stepped up in a leadership moment. These stories leave a strong impression.

3. Prepare for Behavioral Interview Questions

Behavioral questions are designed to help employers understand how you operate under pressure or in real-world situations. You’ll likely hear prompts like:

• Tell me about a time you resolved a conflict on a team.
• Describe a time you failed and how you handled it.
• Walk me through a goal you achieved and the steps you took.

The STAR method is a reliable way to structure your answers:

• Situation: Set the context.
• Task: Explain your responsibility.
• Action: Describe what you did.
• Result: Share the outcome.

Clear, concise storytelling helps employers connect the dots between your experience and their team’s needs.

4. Dress for Success—even on Camera

Even though you’re not walking into an office, how you present yourself still matters. Go for polished business casual. Avoid loud patterns, flashy colors, or anything too casual. Looking professional signals that you respect the process and take the opportunity seriously, and that impression counts.

5. Optimize Your Setup

Video interviews can be derailed by poor tech or distracting environments. Here’s what to check before your call:

• Audio: Use headphones or a mic to avoid echoes.
• Camera: Keep it at eye level for better engagement.
• Lighting: Natural light or a simple lamp behind the screen works best.
• Background: Choose a clean, neutral space.
• Distractions: Silence notifications and let others know you’re unavailable.

Have your resume, a notebook, and a glass of water nearby. Treat it like a meeting that reflects your professionalism and readiness.

6. Let Tamarack Recruiting Help You Prepare

You don’t have to go into this alone. At Tamarack Recruiting, we work closely with candidates to prepare for every stage of the hiring process—from resume edits to interview coaching to post-interview feedback.

We know what hiring managers are looking for because we talk to them every day. Whether you’re actively job hunting or just exploring your options, we can help you navigate your next step with confidence.

Final Thought

A great video interview is more than checking boxes—it’s your opportunity to connect, communicate, and show why you’re the right person for the job. Show up prepared, speak with clarity, and be yourself.

Need help getting there? Let’s talk. Tamarack Recruiting is here to support your career goals and help you land your next opportunity with confidence.