To come across well on camera, set up properly (camera at eye level, good front lighting, clear audio, quiet space), look at the lens when you speak, structure every answer clearly, and keep to time. In one-way recorded interviews, clarity of content matters most. HireVue, one of the major platforms, says its AI relies only on what candidates say, not their facial expressions.
What types of video interview will you face?
- Live video interviews: real interviewers over Zoom, Teams or similar, now common for consulting and banking first rounds.
- One-way recorded interviews: you record answers to pre-set questions with no live interviewer. Goldman Sachs, for example, uses HireVue in its process.
- Recorded components within assessments: BCG's online case typically ends with a short recorded video recommendation.
How should you set up?
- Camera at eye level: raise your laptop on books if needed.
- Light from in front: face a window or lamp. Avoid backlighting.
- Clean, neutral background. McKinsey asks candidates to disable virtual backgrounds and blurring in its interviews, so check each firm's guidance.
- Audio: use a headset or decent microphone. McKinsey's tips mention headphones to reduce background noise.
- Stable internet: use a wired connection if possible, and close other applications.
- Disable AI assistants and note-takers: McKinsey explicitly asks for this, as these tools may record or assist with the interview.
- Keep essentials nearby: pen and paper, water and a charger.
How do you come across well on camera?
Look at the lens
Looking at the interviewer's face on screen appears to the interviewer as looking down. Look at the camera when making key points. Glance at the screen to read reactions.
Energy and expression
Video flattens energy. Speak slightly more energetically than you would in person, and vary your tone.
Posture and framing
Sit upright with your head and shoulders in frame and a little space above your head.
Pace
Slow down slightly. Audio delays make fast speech harder to follow.
How do recorded (one-way) interviews work?
Typically you see a question, get a short preparation time (often seconds to a minute), then record an answer within a time limit (often one to three minutes). Retake policies vary by employer. Many platforms offer a practice question first, so use it.
How do you structure answers under a timer?
- Headline first: "I'd point to two reasons: X and Y."
- One example per point, briefly.
- Close clearly: "So that's why I want to join your consulting practice."
Use a timer during practice. Running out of time mid-sentence is a common failure.
What does AI scoring assess?
HireVue's public statements say it removed facial analysis from its assessments (dropped in 2020 and announced in January 2021), and its current explainability materials say its AI relies only on what candidates say, not video analysis or other audio characteristics. Employers decide how they use any scores, and not all employers use AI scoring at all. Other platforms differ, so don't assume all tools work the same way. Practically, focus on clear, relevant, well-structured content.
How do you handle BCG's video recommendation?
BCG's online case typically ends with a short recorded recommendation, commonly reported as about one minute. Use a classic synthesis structure:
- Recommendation
- Two or three supporting reasons with numbers from the case
- Key risk and next step
Practise delivering one-minute recommendations to camera.
How do you handle live video case interviews?
- Share structure verbally: "I have three buckets. First..."
- Ask about tools: some interviewers share exhibits on screen or use shared documents.
- Say what you're writing: "I'm just noting that down" reassures the interviewer during silences.
- Handle technical issues calmly: if the connection drops, rejoin and briefly recap where you were.
How should you practise?
- Record yourself answering behavioural questions and watch it back.
- Practise one-minute case recommendations.
- Do at least one full mock interview over video with a partner.
AI interview practice tools, including caize.ai, let you rehearse structured answers repeatedly before you get on camera. Pair them with recording yourself, so you can check eye contact and energy.
FAQ
Does HireVue analyse my face?
HireVue says it no longer uses facial analysis and that its AI relies on what you say. Employers' use of scores varies.
Can I use notes in a video interview?
Brief notes may help, but reading is obvious on camera, and some employers prohibit it. Check the rules.
Should I dress formally for a video interview?
Dress as you would for an in-person interview with that firm.
What if my internet fails during a recorded interview?
Contact the recruiter promptly and explain. Many employers have procedures for technical problems.
