Video interviews are increasingly a standard step in the graduate hiring process, and if you haven't come across one yet, chances are you will soon. Like any new experience, they can feel a little strange at first, but with the right preparation they're nothing to worry about! Here's everything you need to know to prepare for your next grad video interview.

What are video interviews?

Video interviews are a recruitment method used by graduate programs to ask candidates interview questions in a standardised way, delivered and recorded in video format. They typically take the place of a phone interview or sit alongside one earlier in the application process.

Graduate recruiters use them for a few key reasons, and understanding those reasons will help you approach them with more confidence.

They're fair to all candidates.

Because there's no live human interaction and each applicant complete the interview independently, all candidates are asked exactly the same questions in exactly the same format, giving everyone an equal opportunity to make a strong impression.

They give recruiters more to work form.

Unlike a phone call, video interviews allow graduate recruiters to pick up on things like how you present yourself, the setting you've chosen, your facial expressions, and your communication style.

They speed up the process.

Video interviews can be completed at a time that suits you, and recruiters can review and score them efficiently, meaning you'll often hear back from employers following your video interview faster than you would through traditional methods.

How do video interviews work?

Most graduate video interviews are one-way, meaning you record your answers to a set of pre-loaded questions without anyone on the other end. You'll typically be given brief preparation time before each question, then a set amount of time to record your answer.

One important thing to be aware of: most video interviewing platforms do not allow you to redo your answers, so you get one shot at each question. In 2026, many of these platforms, such as HireVue, also use AI-assisted screening to help evaluate responses, meaning your answers may be reviewed by both technology and a human recruiter. This is another reason why being prepared and presenting authentically matters.

How to prepare

Check your hardware.

Test that your webcam is clear and your microphone is picking up sound correctly well before the interview begins. The last thing you want is to be scrambling with a technical issue that throws you off your game right before you start.

Choose a tidy location.

Where you complete your video interview says something about you. Whether it's your bedroom, your living room, or a quiet space on campus, make sure it's tidy, well-lit, and free of distractions. A neutral, professional-looking background is always a good choice.

Be presentable.

Even though you're not speaking to anyone directly, treat this like a face-to-face job interview. If you're unsure what to wear, it's always better to overdress than underdress.

Know your talking points.

Just as you would for a phone interview, knowing what you want to say before you start will help you deliver your answers concisely and professionally. As you generally can't redo questions, preparation really pays off.

Get rest and be ready for the unexpected.

Making sure you're well rested before the interview is one of the simplest and most effective things you can do. And if something unexpected happens mid-interview, for example, a housemate walks in or a pet makes an appearance, don't panic. How you handle the unexpected is itself something recruiters notice, and there have been plenty of memorable graduate interviews where a candidate turned an interruption into a moment that helped them stand out.

Video interviews are now a standard step of the recruitment process, and getting comfortable with them now will serve you well beyond your first graduate application.

With a bit of preparation, the right setup, and a genuine approach, there's no reason why your video interview can't be the thing that gets you through to the next round. Good luck!