Why the video interview background matters

Virtual interviews offer a convenient alternative to in-person interviews, but they also have some drawbacks. It can be easier to get distracted during a video interview, especially if the background is cluttered or the lighting is off.

The background in video interviews also tells the candidate more about you and your company. They might assume the things you display are important to you, and they could draw conclusions based on that due to unconscious biases. A cluttered background, for example, might make them think you’re disorganized even if you’re not.

Tips for preparing your video interview background

Whether you’re doing a remote interview for the first time or want to improve your current process, these tips can help you create an ideal virtual interview background.

1. Check the view

Pull up your video interviewing platform and do a test run to see what is shown on screen when you interview someone. Note how much of the room appears in the video so you know which areas you need to address. You can ask a coworker to jump on a mock video interview with you and provide feedback about your background. Decide what you want to change based on this analysis.

2. Clear the clutter

It’s easy to let things pile up in your office, but those stacks can be distracting. They could also give candidates the impression that you can’t keep up with your workload or you don’t care about your office. Going through the clutter can help you organize your office at the same time. You may need to rearrange your office or add storage cabinets to contain the items. If you can’t part with your piles of items, try to relocate them out of the view of the camera.

3. Keep it professional

You don’t have to run a formal office where everyone wears a suit and tie to create a professional setting. No matter what the vibe is in your office, make sure your background has a professional appearance. A motivational poster with bad language, a whiteboard with a broken frame or other inappropriate items can send the wrong message. Ensure your background sets a professional tone to make a positive impression on candidates.

4. Send a message

The view your candidates see in their video interviews can give them an idea of what your company is like and what you value. For example, if you prioritize creativity, you might hang an inspiring art piece on the wall behind you. If learning is important, you might display a few of your favorite educational books related to the field. You might also display your company logo or some of your products to show that you’re proud of what you do.

5. Improve the lighting

No matter what your background looks like, having the right lighting in your video interview area helps pull it all together. If you have a large window in your office, sit facing it with the window behind your camera to use the natural light. Adding a ring light behind your camera can add supplemental lighting if you don’t have a window or it’s an overcast day. Play with the distance of the ring light to make sure it illuminates your face without making you look washed out. Light sources behind you can make your face look dark so it’s difficult for the candidate to see you.

6. Consider sounds

The visual background is important, but background noises can also affect the interview. Sit in your interviewing area and analyze the sounds you hear. Perhaps you have a mini fridge in your office that kicks on and makes loud noises, or your computer makes a notification sound every time you get a message. Maybe your open office window fills the room with traffic noises or kids yelling at the park across the street. Change the setup or find a different location to get rid of such noises, which can be distracting during an interview.

7. Use backgrounds effectively

It’s easy to pop a virtual background onto your screen before you start your next video interview. However, make sure you’re using one as effectively as you can. The most simple method is simply to blur your background, as this is a quick and easy way to hide what is behind you while keeping the focus on yourself.

If you opt to use a more creative background, keep it as simple and clutter-free as possible. Avoid using animated backgrounds or images that might distract other participants. This might go without saying, but keep any background images professional.

Other video interview best practices

Once you have your interview background under control, it’s a good idea to review your other virtual interview processes. These best practices can help you improve your results:

• Set up early: Technology can be touchy, so preparing well before the interview gives you time to work through any issues. Test your connection and make sure the software is working properly before the scheduled interview time.
• Know your questions: You should have a list of interview questions ready, but it’s a good idea to review the questions right before you start the interview. This helps you focus on what you want to see in candidates.
• Dress the part: The candidate may not be in the office, but they can still see you, so your appearance is important. Dress professionally based on your company’s dress code and what’s typically expected in your industry.
• Put candidates at ease: Welcome candidates warmly and introduce yourself to make them feel more comfortable. Some people get nervous about being on camera, so this can put them at ease so they open up with their answers.
• Give candidates your attention: If you’re used to conducting phone interviews to screen candidates, you don’t normally have to worry about things like eye contact. When you’re doing a video interview, paying attention to nonverbal communication skills is more important.
• Minimize disruptions: Let others in the office know you’re conducting an interview to avoid having them interrupt. You might put a sign on your door as a reminder. This keeps your focus on the interviewee and helps the conversation stay on track.

Virtual interviews can help you screen candidates effectively and expand your candidate pool beyond your immediate geographical area. From the interview background to the questions you ask, being intentional and professional can help build rapport with interviewees and get them excited about working for your company.