10 Video Interview Questions: [With Sample Answers]

Multiple hiring managers have succumbed to online interviews in today’s digital age. From lower costs to time-saving benefits, it’s no surprise that over 82% of employers use video interviews.

As a candidate, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the most common video interview questions to stay on trend. That way, your answers will come to you more seamlessly and reduce any “aahs” and “umms.”

10 Common Video Interview Questions

1. What interests you in working for our company?
2. Why have you chosen this particular field?
3. Why did you leave your previous position?
4. What is your work ethic like?
5. What was a challenge you faced in your previous experience?
6. What do you expect to learn from working with us?
7. What’s your highest achievement?
8. What are your long-term career plans and goals?
9. What is your preferred work environment?
10. What area in your skills do you wish to improve?

While these are common video interview questions, we suggest looking at pre-screening interview questions. That way, you’ll better prepare for all facets of an interview.

If you specialize in marketing, you can view social media interview questions.

What Should I Say in a Video Interview?

Acing your video interview doesn’t only revolve around rehearsing an answer to each question. You also need to showcase extensive knowledge in your field.

Additionally, interviewers hope to gauge your interpersonal and communication skills. They want to know the attitude you’ll present to the company.

For this reason, avoid seeming too rehearsed and keep your answers genuine and to the point.

What Skills Are Video Interviewers Looking For in a Candidate?

Throughout the interview, your assessor is pinpointing your skillset. Subsequently, you want to present these skills to the best of your ability during the video interview.

• Research: Your position might require you to extract critical information and present it. The skill will assist you through problem-solving tactics and assert your attention to detail.
• Organization: In most online fields, organizational skills are always a plus. It’ll allow you to keep up with deadlines and manage your workspace efficiently.
• Communication: In the digital realm, communication is paramount. It can be through email, phone, or chat groups. Familiarizing yourself with the skill can streamline your working process and avoid future issues.
• Independence: A remote work environment will often force you to work independently. Rather than remain helpless, you consult provided resources and ask for feedback about your work.
• Adaptability: Digital trends don’t always follow a stable flow. You need to adapt to any new changes and workflow patterns.

What Traits Are Video Interviewers Looking to Avoid in a Candidate?

Video interviewers will often try to weed out any unwanted characteristics from a candidate. Showing these traits can lower your chances of getting hired, so you can attempt to mask them.

• Arrogance: The trait often translates to being close-minded and unwilling to learn. Stay humble but confident in your abilities.
• Unreliability: A lack of commitment is a critical turn-off in video interviews. Don’t come up with last-minute excuses for not attending the interview. Try to come off as punctual.
• Scatterbrained: Being scatterbrained means not organizing your thoughts and answers. The interviewer will assume you’re disorganized and lack focus.

Sample Video Interview Questions and Answers

The sample video interview questions can give you a brief idea of what to expect. You’ll feel more at ease after knowing the flow of questions.

When looking at the answers, don’t stick to them word-for-word. Try to answer by standing out from other candidates and be non-cliche.

Plus, display your knowledge and skill set throughout the video interview.

What interests you in working for our company?

The question involves discussing your intentions while working for the company. It also helps interviewers understand how you found out about the position.

Why This Question is Asked

Video interviewers want to know whether or not you’re passionate about the field. It also allows them to assess how serious you are about the role.

What to Focus On When Answering This Question

You can focus on why you’re willing to work for the company. Bridge your reasons to the company’s core values. That way, the interviewer will know you’ve done your homework on the company.

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

Avoid expressing interest in other aspects of the job, such as the benefits or salary. It’ll make it seem like you only want the role for the money.

Plus, don’t refer to your future motivations and focus on your present career position.

Example Answer

I’m excited to work in this role because I love writing and editing. I believe your company can offer me an opportunity to unleash my potential.

Why have you chosen this particular field?

The question aims for a more detailed answer to your passions for the field.

Why This Question is Asked

Interviewers are likely curious as to why you’ve chosen this particular field. They’re also hoping to know whether you’re passionate about the role.

What to Focus On When Answering This Question

Focus on providing an authentic and heartfelt answer. You can refer to how you first came into contact with the field. It could be from a familial background. Mention if you’ve been interested in the position since your school years.

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

Avoid sounding unsure and money-motivated. Don’t make it seem like you got into the field through someone else’s initiative. For instance, “I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, so my siblings advised me to choose this career path.”

Example Answer

My passion for journalism extended from my high school years. I used to write for the school paper and loved reporting all sorts of topics. I remember covering a story about some students competing in a math tournament. Ever since then, I haven’t stopped pursuing the news writing field.

Why did you leave your previous position?

Video interviewers are likely analyzing the risk of hiring you. Remember, employment is an investment game, and employers want to be sure they can rely on a profitable return.

Why This Question is Asked

Hiring managers want to know whether you left the previous position on good terms. Interviewers will likely question your performance levels if the previous manager terminated you.

Alternatively, if you happen to jump between jobs a lot, they’ll likely doubt your loyalty. Overall, the interview process is a risk analysis, and you should remain composed.

What to Focus On When Answering This Question

Focus on being transparent. Being vague will only make it seem like you’re trying to beat around the bush. Look for a balanced answer. Don’t be too harsh on yourself, where you take all the blame.
Take responsibility for what previously happened and let your interviewer know that you’ve learned from it.

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

The last thing you want to do is badmouth your previous employer, specifically if they laid you off. Plus, don’t mention that you had fights with co-workers. You’ll come off as unprofessional in both cases.

Example Answer

I’ve spent over four years in my previous position, and I believe it’s time to venture through new challenges. I can perform the role up to standard while gaining knowledge. Despite being a supportive group, the previous job didn’t allow as much independence.

What is your work ethic like?

Your work ethic is how you approach your role based on your values. A strong work ethic is intrinsic and highly rewarding, especially to hiring managers.

Why This Question is Asked

Employers want to know what kind of employee you’ll be. A strong work ethic exhibits an organized worker with initiative and excellent contribution.

What to Focus On When Answering This Question

Focus on traits that describe your work ethic, such as adaptability and cooperativeness. Use the STAR method to back up these traits.

You can do so by stating a situation where your work ethic shined. Describe the task provided, explain your action, and talk about the successful results.

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

Don’t sound nonchalant about this question. Evoke a sense of seriousness about your work ethic and avoid uncertainty.

Example Answer

My work ethic is reliable and motivated. In my previous role, I had a task that involved training recruits on standard workflow. I provided consistent support throughout their onboarding. They became well-retained employees, and I’ve developed strong communication with them.

What was a challenge you faced in your previous experience?

Video interviewers are likely to ask you this question. Your answers tell a lot about your candidacy.

Why This Question is Asked

Employers want to know the challenges you’ve faced in your experience. It’ll allow them to evaluate your problem-solving skills in the field. It’ll give them a brief look into what to expect from you when you face an issue in the position.

What to Focus On When Answering This Question

Focus on the challenges you overcame rather than the ones you had issues solving. Plus, align the challenges with the job description. For example, if you’re applying for a remote content writing position, you can talk about dealing with self-motivation.

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

When detailing the challenge, don’t point the blame on other workers. Otherwise, you might appear biased. Avoid irrelevant challenges that won’t tailor to the job’s needs.

Example Answer

In my previous role as a writer, my employers assigned me large portions of work to complete with a strict deadline.

During that time, I was a recent graduate and unused to the volume of articles. I took this as an opportunity to double down on my organization and time management skills. I resorted to creating a schedule and adapted to the heavy workflow.

What do you expect to learn from working with us?

Interviewers usually ask this question for an internship or entry-level role. The question centers around what you hope to achieve in your career path.

Why This Question is Asked

 Since you’re likely at the beginning of your employment, you’ll have little experience to discuss. The question helps interviewers identify your career potential.

What to Focus On When Answering This Question

The interview process sometimes involves your employer looking into keywords they expect to hear. Interviewers want your expectations to align with what they’re offering. You can find these keywords in the job description.

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

One of the most common mistakes when answering this question is exclusively talking about you. Only mentioning what you can gain from the role doesn’t sell you as an employee. Bring what you have to offer, such as your skills and work ethic.

Example Answer

I used to intern for an advertising firm that stressed content creation alone. I expect to gain expertise in other aspects of digital marketing.

They include using strategies, working in a team, and providing detailed reports. Besides that, my research and communication skills will ease me into this role.

What’s your highest achievement?

Interviewers ask this behavioral interview question to gauge your previous experiences.

Why This Question is Asked

The question opens up answers about your past achievements and their relevance to the role. Plus, it indirectly shows your traits because some candidates tend to brag excessively, which is a turn-off for interviewers.

Aside from that, the question also determines your idea of success. You’ll want to rethink your answer if it’s “remaining punctual and organized.”

What to Focus On When Answering This Question

Focus on your most recent achievements. To eloquently deliver your answer, use the STAR method. Keep the answer professionally relevant as well.

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

Avoid sounding too smug when detailing your achievements. At the same time, don’t be too humble and remain confident. Plus, try to keep your answer precise to avoid long-winded ones. They’ll only bore your video interviewer.

Example Answer

During my previous role, my manager tasked me with creating a marketing plan for a client selling candles.

After rigorous research and creative thought, my team created a successful strategy. The client was more than satisfied with the campaign achievement and provided us with referrals from other companies. We ended up boosting our client repertoire.

What are your long-term career plans and goals?

It could be a managerial position or a career change. Either way, your interviewer will likely ask about your long-term career plans and goals.

Why This Question is Asked

Hiring managers ask this question to scope out what you hope to achieve in the company. They want to know your motivations.

They could be monetary. In this case, the interviewer could dismiss you. Alternatively, seeking growth and challenges will align with their company’s requirements.

What to Focus On When Answering This Question

As an open-ended question, break it apart. First, discuss your short-term goals. Next, dive into how the latter will help you achieve your long-term goals. Provide a thoughtful plan to display your organizational skills.

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

Even if you don’t have any career goals, don’t disclose it. Don’t give vague responses. Avoid jokes as well, even if they’re good-natured. It can come across as unprofessional and glib.

Example Answer

As a social media strategist, I plan to increase consumer engagement levels. I can do so by researching trends and remaining consistent. I also wish to improve my tracking performance to gain more momentum for the client brand.

After achieving these short-term goals, I want to run my social media team and gain leadership experience.

What is your preferred work environment?

Your work environment plays a significant role in your productivity levels. You must make it clear to your employer. Otherwise, you might find yourself in a less-favorable condition.

Why This Question is Asked

The employer wants to know what kind of environment works best for you. It could be a formal, strict one. Alternatively, you may prefer a casual work culture. The interviewer will then see how your preferred environment fits in with the company.

What to Focus On When Answering This Question

Ideally, you want to keep it neutral. Stay flexible, especially if you’re unsure of the company’s work environment.

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

Don’t be too lax about the environment you mention. For instance, you could be working in a position that requires a lot of focus time. In this case, tell your employer that you’d prefer a quiet environment.

Example Answer

I’m adaptable to most working environments. Working in the marketing field, I would benefit from a tight-knit team. Subsequently, I’d prefer working in a lively and fast-paced environment. I’d love a place where employees can freely bounce ideas off each other.

What area in your skills do you wish to improve?

Nothing tests your self-awareness better than this kind of question.

Why This Question is Asked

A hiring manager will likely ask you this question to decipher your attitude toward learning new things. When answered right, you’ll seem more invested in your professional development.

What to Focus On When Answering This Question

Focus on a skill that’s non-essential to the position. If you’re working in tech, you can assert your willingness to improve your presentation or networking skills.

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

Avoid listing out too many skill sets you want to improve. Likewise, don’t be dishonest. A balanced answer is what your employer is seeking.

Example Answer

In teaching, I’ve learned the importance of keeping an open mind. I live by the phrase, “The more you know, the less you know.” In turn, I believe in constantly improving my skills, no matter how well I’ve mastered them. One of the skills I hope to improve is my mentorship skill.

Hiring recruits and introducing them to the school system is critical and affects job retention. I’ve invested my time in taking online courses regarding mentorship. I aim to be better equipped at onboarding and mentoring teacher assistants to become class teachers.

Other Common Interview Questions You Could Be Asked

Employers will likely ask you these interview questions regardless of the field you’re entering.

Tell Me About Yourself

The standard “Tell me about yourself” is a staple introductory question.

Why This Question is Asked

The first question triggers the conversation and boosts it with follow-up questions that ease you into the interview. If you’re going through a pre-recorded video interview, the employer likely wants you to discuss your professional past experiences.

What to Focus On When Answering This Question

It’s easy to go off-topic on such a general question. Try to keep the information professional and relevant to the position’s needs. You can organize your thoughts by dividing your answer into past, present, and future career info.

Otherwise, you can cater your answer to the company’s job description. You’ll want to resonate with the interviewer by using common keywords in the company’s profile.

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

Avoid rambling about yourself. Be brief and quickly course through your experiences. In these situations, read the room. If you’re losing your employer, conclude your answer.

Example Answer

I currently work as a content writer for Company X, where I copyright and edit client orders. Previously, I interned at a digital marketing firm and assisted executive marketers. My experiences have given me lots of market knowledge.

To further my expertise, I wish to work in a managerial position. I would like to build my repertoire as a leader.

Why Are You a Great Match for This Role?

When video interviewers ask this question, they’re likely testing if you’ve read their job description well.

Why This Question is Asked

Hiring managers have picked you for an interview based on your resume. The interview allows them to scope out more information, such as why you think you’re qualified for the role. An employee’s response helps reassure the interviewer of their abilities and accomplishments.

What to Focus On When Answering This Question

When answering, you’ll want to focus on the specific descriptors mentioned in the job requirements. Stress unique skills and emphasize your strong work ethic.

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

Avoid being too critical of your competitors. Maintain an optimistic voice. Mention what you can do, not what others can’t.

Example Answer

My recent role as a social media strategist allowed me to gain the relevant skills needed for your open position. I gained team management, organizational, and research skills that cater to the role’s needs.

What Are You Passionate About?

Passion doesn’t necessarily stem from the field’s technical details. For example, just because you work in customer service doesn’t mean you’re passionate about the role. You may enjoy tending to every client’s needs.

Why This Question is Asked

Employers ask this question to increase their retention rate. They’ll likely hire an employee with a can-do attitude rather than one passionate about their paycheck unless they work in sales.

What to Focus On When Answering This Question

Focus on one reason why you’re passionate about the field. A straightforward answer will avoid too many follow-up questions as well.

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

Avoid listing too many reasons that could make your passion less valuable. Less is more in terms of this video interview question.

Example Answer

I’m passionate about education and teaching children new things. My love of the field stems from my childhood. My mom was a teacher and inspired me to pursue the career path.

What is Your Greatest Strength?

Talking about your strengths requires a great deal of self-awareness. That said, the video interview question is a staple.

Why This Question is Asked

Hiring managers want to know what you can put to the table. They want to assess whether your skill sets match the job role. Your answer also speaks volumes about your personality and confidence.

What to Focus On When Answering This Question

Focus on the strengths that the job needs. Plus, be prepared to back up your answer with a situation where you used that skill efficiently.

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

Avoid sounding too arrogant or humble. Even if you have all the skills you mention, be mindful of which ones are most relevant.

Example Answer

Writing is my strongest suit. I can work through tight deadlines and still meet the quality standard. In one case, our agency needed to deliver an article to a critical client in under a day. I was able to finish it and receive a satisfactory response.

What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses

How you perceive your strengths and weaknesses tells a great deal about your personality. Remember, video interviewers have a more challenging time gauging your characteristics, so questions like these are essential.

Why This Question is Asked

Interviewers want to hear a self-assessment of your skills. They also want to figure out whether your weaknesses are deal-breakers or not.

Aside from that, hiring managers also want to know how you use your strengths professionally and whether you’re working to improve your weaknesses.

What to Focus On When Answering This Question

Use the job description as your reference for which strengths and weaknesses you can mention. If the outline includes the need for communication skills, then stress your expertise. Don’t forget to use the STAR method to provide a well-rounded answer.

What To Avoid When Answering This Question

Avoid disclosing too many weaknesses. Some can go without being mentioned, especially if they hurt your chances of landing the role. For example, don’t talk about your lack of meeting deadlines.

Example Answer

One of my greatest strengths is my leadership skill. My experience involved leading a team and training them.

That team ended up being a highly successful batch on the sales floor. I may struggle with negative criticism. I can be too self-critical about my work. Luckily, I’ve worked on toning my perfectionist tendencies down.

Additional Tips for Video Interviews

Aside from the video interview questions, you’ll want to prepare for other aspects of the process.

• How Do You Prepare for a Video Interview? Make sure you’ve done your research on the company’s profile. Make some notes on how you’d like to answer the common questions. Test your tech by starting and ending a session, and check your microphone’s sound level.
• What Should You Wear to a Video Interview? Wear what you would wear to a face-to-face interview. That way, you’ll feel more confident in your presentation. Avoid wearing certain colors that can become too distracting, such as bright yellow or pink. Keep your colors neutral.
• How Should You Introduce Yourself In a Video Interview? Politely greet the interviewer by letting them know it’s a pleasure to e-meet them. Keep eye contact with the camera. You can say something similar to, “Hi, I’m Sara. Thank you for taking the time to talk with me today.”

What Questions Should You Ask at the End of a Video Interview?

Before entering a video interview, you need to prepare a set of questions to ask.

• What are the biggest challenges this role poses?
• How has the company changed over the past few years?
• What do new employees find surprising when they start their position?

Frequently Asked Questions

Aside from the questions you can expect and ask, check out other questions below about video interviews that you could find helpful.

Wrapping Up

Video interviews are becoming a staple in several companies nowadays. They’re convenient for the interviewer and interviewee and save lots of time.

Now, video interview questions parallel in-person ones, but the prior ones are likely more challenging to answer. For this reason, showcasing your work ethic and personality to a camera can go a long way with practice.