5 common video interview questions and how to answer them

Interviews can stress most people out, but they’re really just a conversation to figure out if you and the company are a good match. These days, you might face a video interview, a virtual interview, or a traditional in-person meeting. No matter the format, it helps to be ready. Here are some of the most common video interview questions and how to answer them confidently.

5 Common Video Interview Questions (With Sample Answers)

To help you feel more confident and ready, here are five common video interview questions you will likely be asked — along with practical examples to guide your answers.

1. Tell me a little about yourself.

This question is asked because the employers look at your professional background. This means sharing your personal life story is not a required answer. Stick to highlights that show why you’re an excellent fit for the job. Meanwhile, your answers can include personal hobbies if they tie into your career (like leadership or creativity). Make this question an opportunity to set the stage for the rest of the conversation.

Practical Example: "I have a background in project management, with five years of leading cross-functional teams in the tech industry. I’m passionate about creating efficient workflows, and outside of work, I run a community coding group that helps sharpen my leadership skills."

2. What are your long-term goals?

This is your chance to show you’re goal-oriented. Think about where you want to be in five or ten years — and how this company can help you get there. Share a few specific goals you’re excited about and tie them back to the role you’re applying for. 

Bonus tip: Even in a virtual interview, employers want to see that you’re thinking ahead.

Practical Example: "In five years, I see myself leading a product development team, bringing innovative solutions to market. I’m excited about this role because it offers mentorship opportunities and exposure to projects that will help me grow toward that goal."

3. Why did you leave your previous employer?

Be honest with your answer. Focus on what you’re looking for now rather than what went wrong before. Maybe you’re ready for new challenges, better alignment with your values, or career growth. Avoid blaming former employers about how things ended badly. It’s best to keep it professional.

Practical Example: "I enjoyed my time at my last company but realized I’m ready to take on larger projects and work in a more fast-paced environment. I’m looking for new challenges that align with my long-term career goals, which led me to apply here."

4. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Pick three strengths that relate directly to the job and two areas you’re working to improve. Consider skills like teamwork, problem-solving, or time management for strengths. For weaknesses, pick something you’re actively addressing. Hiring managers, especially during an online interview, appreciate honesty over trying to sound perfect.

Practical Example: "One of my strengths is clear communication — I’m comfortable presenting to both technical and non-technical teams. I’m also very organized and proactive about meeting deadlines. As for weaknesses, I sometimes take on too much at once, but I’m learning to delegate more effectively and prioritize better."

5. Why do you want to work here?

Talk about what you admire about the company. It could be their mission and growth opportunity. Show you’ve done your homework. A genuine answer here helps employers see that you’re interested for the right reasons, not just sending out resumes everywhere. 

Tip: Let them know you’ve done your prior research about the company by visiting their website. 

Practical Example: "I’ve always admired this company’s commitment to innovation and employee growth. I’m excited about the opportunity to work with a team that’s making a real impact in the industry, and I feel my project coordination and client management skills are a strong match for your work."

More Common Video Interview Questions (Bonus Round)

If you’re getting ready for a pre-recorded video interview, a one-way interview, or an on-demand video interview, it helps to know what types of questions could come up. Here are a few more examples and quick ways to think about answering them:

Question 1. Describe a time you solved a problem independently.

(Common in pre-recorded video interview questions)

Tip: Talk about a situation where you identified an issue and came up with a solution. Mention how you took action without needing a lot of direction.

Practical Example: "I noticed our project timelines kept slipping while working remotely. I suggested using a new project management tool. I trained the team on it, and we cut delays by 20%."

Question 2. How do you stay organized when managing multiple projects?

(Typical for one-way interview questions)

Tip: Focus on your time management strategies and the tools you use (like calendars or task apps).

Practical Example: "I use Trello boards to track all my projects and color-code them by deadline. I review my tasks every morning and adjust priorities based on project needs."

Question 3. Tell us about when you had to adapt quickly to change.

(Often asked in on-demand interview questions)

Tip: Think of a moment when a sudden change (like a deadline shift or new project lead) happened and how you stayed flexible and positive.

Practical Example: "Mid-project, our client completely changed the scope. I worked with my team to quickly update the timeline and deliver a new plan within two days, keeping the project on track."

Question 4. How do you prepare for a recorded interview when you can't see your interviewer?

(Fits naturally for recorded interview questions)

Tip: Mention strategies like maintaining eye contact with the camera and staying calm even without live feedback.

Practical Example: "Before a recorded interview, I practice answering questions using my webcam to get comfortable. I also keep notes nearby to stay focused without sounding rehearsed."

In a Nutshell

A video interview requires the right preparation and a little practice. Focus on strong video interview preparation techniques, stay relaxed, and bring your personality to the conversation. If you want even more help getting ready, HireVue makes it easy to practice answering real video interview questions and sharpen your skills. Learn more about our video interview prep tools and feel confident walking into your next opportunity.

FAQs About Video Interviews

Here are some common questions that can help you feel more prepared:

Q: How should I prepare for a video interview?

A: Start by following basic video interview tips like testing your internet connection and checking your camera and microphone. Check and set up a quiet and professional-looking space. Furthermore, practice answering common questions on camera so you feel comfortable speaking clearly and naturally.

Q: What are some mistakes to avoid in a video interview?

A: Some of the biggest mistakes to avoid in video interviews are poor lighting and background noise. Avoid not making eye contact with the camera and sounding too rehearsed. Staying calm and being yourself can make a big difference.

Q: What questions should I expect in a video interview?

A: You can expect many of the same questions you’d hear in a regular interview, such as “Tell me about yourself” or “Why do you want to work here?” Some questions to expect in a video interview might also focus on how you manage remote work, stay organized, and communicate virtually.