My Top Video Interview Tips for Attorneys

Since the pandemic, first-round interviews are often done by video. In many cases, the whole process is.

Below are my top tips for video interviews. Before any interview, prepare ahead of time. Interviewing in person? Here are my in-person interview tips.

Get a strong connection

If you can, use an ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi. It gives you the best shot at a stable connection, without lagging or freezing mid-answer.

Check your audio

Make sure ahead of time that you have the correct audio and microphone settings selected.

Get rid of distractions

If you can, set up your computer so the camera faces a blank wall, ideally a white one. If it faces the kitchen, a bulletin board, or a window, you open yourself up to distractions.

Remove everything distracting from plain view: your dog, your cat, your cell phone, papers, personal items. You want the camera facing a clean space.

Tell everyone in the household you’re in an interview. That means no knocking on the door and no TV. Just quiet.

A few distractions to watch for:

1. Pets
2. A busy background
3. Your cell phone (off, or on silent)
4. Open doors and windows (block outside noise)
5. Clutter: papers, files, personal items
6. Anyone in the household (let them know you can’t be interrupted)

Mind your lighting

You don’t need a professional video setup. But if you can avoid sitting in a dark room, do. Aim for lighting that’s even and flattering.

Dress for success

I’m often asked whether you need to wear a suit for a video interview.

The answer: yes.

Make eye contact with the lens

Many of us have a habit of looking at ourselves on a video call. We want to make sure we look good, and that’s understandable.

But do your best to keep eye contact, which on video means looking at the camera lens, not the screen.

Watch your body language

Much of how you come across is non-verbal, so keep good posture. Slouching or leaning back can read as disengaged.

Sit up straight and lean in slightly, and you’ll come across as engaged and interested. Find a comfortable distance from the camera: not too close, not across the room.

More interview advice: how attorneys should prepare for interviews and my in-person interview tips. Have an interview coming up? Let’s talk, and I’ll help you prepare.