Insights | Best Job Tool

Introduction

Are you going for an interview? Stop! First, you need to read this article right now.

Many candidates make certain mistakes during interviews, which lead to rejection, and they don’t even realize where they went wrong. This article talks about those common mistakes.

So make sure to read this article before your interview, so you don’t make the same errors and risk getting rejected.

Mistakes People Make in Video Interview

1. Technical issue at the time of video interview

Tech setup and environment make the biggest impression in a video interview. Any glitches can leave a poor impression, and the interviewer can also feel frustrated. Laggy or unstable connection can disrupt the flow of the interview and make communication frustrating. Candidates often forget to check if their microphone, camera, or headphones work properly

Solution :

1. A table and a fast internet connection are a must. There should be a speed of at least 10 MBPS.
2. The camera should be at eye level to feel natural. Natural light is best, but if natural light is not possible for you, then use a table lamp that gives light directly on your face.
3. Use headphones to avoid distraction. You can use an external mic and do not forget to test the audio before the interview.
4. Avoid messy or a distracting background. A simple wall or bookshelf is perfect. You can also use a virtual background, but it should be professional.
5. Always get ready with another device and a hotspot for backup.

Tip: Check your setup 10 minutes earlier before joining the call.

2. Not researching about the company before video interview

Researching about the company is important for every interview because the employer is not meeting you personally in the office. They have to trust only in your answers and in the interview. Candidates often don’t research the company before the interview, and when the interviewer asks about it, they appear blank. This is a major mistake, and HR may reject you immediately.

Solution :

1. Firstly, you need to check the website and blog of the company. See which type of services are provided by them, their vision, and which values are important to them.
2. Follow the social media pages of the company, such as LinkedIn or Twitter. Through this, you can understand their culture and communication style.
3. If possible, read reviews of the company on Glassdoor or Indeed. Through this, you will get to know the company’s behavior with employees.
4. Read the job description line by line. Link every skill and requirement with your experience.

Tip: If the job description includes a requirement of “strong written communication,” then you should give an example of your writing skills in the interview for sure.

3. Not polishing virtual presence for video interview

Body language and appearance matter a lot in online meetings. Dressing too casually can make you look unprepared. Even video interviews require professional attire. Slouching, leaning away from the camera, or fidgeting can signal disinterest or nervousness. And Looking at your screen instead of the camera can make you seem disengaged.

Solution :

1. Look at the camera lens, not at the screen. Through this interviewer feel that you are talking directly to them.
2. Sit straight, give a smile, and use gestures like nodding. It shows attentiveness.
3. Keep outside professionals such as a simple shirt or top. Each part of your body should look professional because they cannot see the lower one.
4. Keep water near you at the time of the call and avoid food.

4. Not keeping work samples ready

Many candidates just sit in front of their laptop, thinking they can simply answer a few questions and clear the interview. This is the wrong mindset because interviewers often ask questions related to what is mentioned on their resume. During the interview, when candidates don’t remember the details, they struggle to recall information they already knew, leaving a negative impression on the interviewer. You get an advantage in video interviews with a cheat sheet. But you have to use them smartly.

Solution :

1. Keep your resume and notes open in another tab.
2. Keep a link ready to your portfolio articles or work samples.
3. Write a bullet point of your key achievement.

Tip: Do not read from notes, keep notes as a reminder.

5. Not preparing for common video interview questions

The most important thing is preparation, but some candidates do not practice interview questions beforehand. This often becomes the reason for their rejection. Giving an interview is an important part of our career. Interview questions can be confusing sometimes, whether you are a fresher or an experienced one. To remove this confusion and nervousness, you need to be prepared for it before the interview. In this article, we will know what the common questions are that are asked in an interview and their best answer. So, let’s start with the question round.

These help interviewers understand your background and personality.

Solution :

General HR Questions

Tell me about yourself – “I’m a graduate in [Your Field] with a passion for [Your Interest, e.g., digital marketing]. Over the past year, I’ve worked on projects that improved my skills in [Key Skill]. I’m now looking for an opportunity to apply my skills in a dynamic organization like yours.”

Why should we hire you? – “I believe my skills match your job requirements perfectly. I’m a quick learner, detail-oriented, and always eager to take on new challenges. I’m confident I can contribute to your team’s goals and add value from day one.”

What are your strengths and weaknesses? – “My strength is strong communication — I can clearly convey ideas and work well in a team. My weakness was public speaking, but I’ve been actively working on it by attending workshops and practicing regularly.”

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
“In five years, I aim to take on more responsibility, lead projects, and grow as a professional in this field. I want to continuously learn and help the organization achieve its long-term goals.”

Why do you want to work with us?
“I admire your company’s work culture and innovation in the industry. I’ve read about your recent projects, and I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute and grow with your team.”

Behavioral Questions

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to answer these.

Tell me about a time you faced a challenge at work.
“In my internship, I had to complete a report with limited data. (Situation) I gathered additional information from team members and online sources. (Task) I stayed late to ensure accuracy. (Action) The final report was well-received and used in the final presentation.

Describe a time when you worked under pressure.
“During college exams, I also had a project deadline. I made a clear schedule, divided my time efficiently, and stayed focused. I submitted the project on time and performed well in exams too.”

Give an example of when you worked in a team.
“During a group project, I handled the research part. We divided tasks based on strengths, regularly communicated, and helped each other. The project received top grades.”

Situational Questions

These test your problem-solving and decision-making skills.

What would you do if your manager gave you negative feedback?
“I would listen carefully, try to understand their expectations, and work on the feedback constructively. Feedback helps me grow and improve my performance.”

How would you handle a disagreement with a teammate?
“I’d try to understand their point of view, discuss the issue calmly, and find a solution that works for both. I believe communication is key to resolving conflicts.”

What would you do if you missed a deadline?
“I’d immediately inform my manager, explain the reason, and propose a realistic new timeline. I’d also analyze what caused the delay and make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

6. Not asking smart questions in video interview

An interview is not just a one-sided process; in fact, it’s a conversation. When you ask questions of the interviewer, it shows your genuineness and interest in the role. And you get a better idea about the role and work culture. It creates a professional impression which is why we have to ask one to two questions at the end of the interview but many do not ask even a single question. To make a good impression and to show your interest in the role, you must ask some questions to HR.

Solution :

1. Can you tell me what a typical day in this role looks like?
2. What are the main goals or expectations for someone in this position?
3. How is success measured for this role?
4. What are the biggest challenges someone in this position might face?
5. Are there opportunities for learning, growth, or career development?
6. How would you describe the company culture?
7. Is there any training provided for new joiners?
8. What are the next steps in the interview process?
9. What do you enjoy most about working here?
10. What does the team structure look like, and who will I be working closely with?

These are the 10 sample questions, you can also ask these questions if you are going for an interview.

Conclusion

This article covered the common mistakes candidates make in video interviews unknowingly. You learned about technical issues, environmental distractions, appearance and body language errors, communication problems, lack of preparation, and asking questions that can hurt your chances.

By being aware of these mistakes and taking proactive steps—such as testing your technology, dressing professionally, preparing answers, and researching the company—you can leave a strong impression on interviewers. Applying these tips will increase your confidence, improve your performance, and enhance your chances of clearing video interviews successfully.

For more interview tips, you can visit here.