7 Tips to Ace Your Video Interview
April 30, 2026 – Video interviews have become a standard component of executive hiring, offering organizations a more efficient way to engage senior candidates while maintaining momentum in competitive search processes. For C-suite and board-level roles, they are typically used as an early-stage tool to assess communication style, presence, and initial alignment before committing to in-person meetings. While they provide convenience and broader access to global talent, video interactions can limit the ability to fully evaluate interpersonal dynamics, cultural fit, and leadership presence in complex environments. As a result, leading search firms and companies treat video interviews as a complementary step—balancing speed and accessibility with more in-depth, face-to-face assessment later in the process.
“We’re seeing more of our clients utilize video interviews (both live & recorded) and while they can be an efficient tool in the interview process, they also present some unique challenges,” a report from Redfish Technology’s Jon Piggins explained. “There are plenty of articles out there that give good basic advice; dress as you would for a professional email, have an appropriate setting/backdrop, speak clearly. Here’s some additional advice that comes straight from challenges our candidates and clients have experienced.”
“Live video or recorded interviews can be awkward,” the report said. “Record yourself and playback to see where you might improve your on air performance…are you mumbling or fidgeting, could the lighting be better, is the camera angle off (it should be at eye level, showing your upper torso with some space above your head). You can also practice live with a friend and ask them to critique you. Look into the camera: Don’t forget to smile and make eye contact when appropriate.”
Related: Top 10 Interview Questions for CEO Candidates
“Have a pen, notepad and copy of your resume on your desk…just as you would for an in person interview,” the Redfish Technology report explained. “When scheduling your interview, ask the interviewer for their cell or direct office phone number. In the event you have technical difficulties or the audio/video cuts out, you can call then at that number to troubleshoot, finish via phone, or pick a time to reschedule.”
Remove Distractions
“Remove all potential distractions,” the report continued. “Put your phone on silent and unplug your landline. Put a sign on your door stating that you’re conducting a video interview and to not ring the doorbell or knock. If there is an interruption (someone enters the room, your dog starts barking, etc.), apologize to the interviewer, ask for a few moments, mute your microphone and disable your camera. Deal with the source of the interruption and make sure the room is secure before proceeding with the interview.”
Building Structured Interviews into Executive Search
As competition for senior talent intensifies, organizations are taking a closer look at how their hiring processes influence both decision quality and candidate experience. Executive interviews, long considered a cornerstone of leadership evaluation, are increasingly being scrutinized for consistency, efficiency, and alignment. In response, companies are exploring more deliberate approaches to ensure interviews generate meaningful insight while reinforcing a clear and professional process.
Interviews are often seen as the heart of executive hiring. They are where companies gauge leadership style, assess cultural fit, and measure technical expertise. Yet too many organizations rely on a loose, ad hoc approach—each interviewer asking whatever comes to mind, according to report from Executive search and advisory firm Protis Global.
“Create cue cards or a cheat sheet,” Redfish Technology noted. “This is one way to turn the odds in you favor in a way you can’t during an in-person interview. Write down questions, key points you’d like to hit, information about the company or hiring manager and post them behind the camera so that you can reference them during the interview.”
“Turn off all programs and applications on your computer that could interrupt the interview,” the Redfish Technology report said. “Pop-ups, sounds & IM’s have caused embarrassing distractions during interviews.”
Lastly, as with any interview, make sure to follow up with a thank you, Redfish Technology concluded. “Pairing an email & handwritten note is best, but even a thoughtful thank you email goes a long way.”
Redfish Technology is an executive recruiting firm that specializes in placing professional and leadership talent across the IT and technology sectors. Founded in 1996, the firm works with growth-oriented companies nationwide, providing services such as talent sourcing, candidate evaluation, and executive search across areas including software, artificial intelligence, fintech, and product management. Redfish firm is headquartered in Sun Valley (Hailey), ID, with additional presence in key technology markets such as the Bay Area.
Related: How Poor Interviewer Skills Undermine Strategic Plans
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
