Video interviews are now a standard part of the recruitment process, especially across local authorities, housing associations, and other public sector bodies. They’re convenient, flexible, and often used to streamline hiring for roles like Housing Officers, Surveyors, Development Managers, and more.

But just because you’re not in the room doesn’t mean you can afford to wing it.

At Marks Consulting Partners, we’ve coached hundreds of candidates through successful video interviews. Here’s what you need to know to give yourself the best possible shot.

Before your interview, make sure:

• Your device is fully charged or plugged in
• Your Wi-Fi is stable (use an ethernet cable if possible)
• The video platform (Zoom, Teams, etc.) is installed and working
• Your camera and microphone are clear and functioning

Pro tip: Do a test call with a friend or your recruiter. It’ll help calm any nerves and flag any issues ahead of time.

Choose a quiet, tidy, well-lit space, ideally with natural light in front of you. Avoid sitting with your back to a window (you’ll look like a silhouette) or next to distractions like a TV or noisy pets. Keep your background simple and professional. Avoid virtual backgrounds unless asked, they can glitch and distract

Even if you’re interviewing from your kitchen table, dress the part. First impressions still count, and looking smart helps you feel confident and professional.
Think smart casual or office attire, the same as you’d wear if it were in the office.

It’s natural to want to look at the interviewer, but remember, they’ll feel more engaged if it looks like you’re speaking to them. Try this:

• Keep the camera at eye level
• Occasionally glance at the camera during key points
• Nod and smile to show engagement
• This small tweak goes a long way in building rapport over video.

You’ll likely be asked competency-based questions such as:

• “Tell us about a time you managed a complex tenancy issue.”
• “Give an example of how you’ve worked under pressure.”
• “How do you ensure compliance with housing regulations?”

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Have a few go-to examples ready, tailored to the role.

Lag, dropped calls, tech hiccups, they happen. Don’t panic.

If something goes wrong:

• Apologise briefly
• Reconnect quickly
• Pick up where you left off
• Handling glitches calmly actually shows professionalism and composure.

Before you sign off:

• Thank the panel for their time
• Reaffirm your interest in the role
• Ask when to expect feedback or next steps
• Follow up with a short thank-you email afterwards, it shows attention to detail and enthusiasm.

Video interviews may feel more relaxed, but they still carry weight. With the right prep and mindset, you can create just as strong an impression as you would in person, maybe stronger.

At Marks Consulting Partners, we help candidates prepare for every format, whether it’s face-to-face, over the phone, or on screen.

Ready to level up your interview game?