Video Interview Preparation

Pre-recorded interviews present questions on screen and give you a set amount of time, usually 30 to 90 seconds of preparation followed by 60 to 120 seconds of recording per question. You typically cannot re-record or go back. Live video interviews are conducted in real time via platforms like Zoom, Teams, or HireVue, with an interviewer asking questions and engaging in conversation. Both formats assess the same competencies but require different approaches: pre-recorded interviews demand concise, structured answers delivered under time pressure, while live interviews allow more natural conversation and the ability to read the interviewer's reactions.

Get the technical details right before the interview. Test your camera, microphone, and internet connection in advance. Use a laptop or desktop rather than a phone for stability. Ensure your background is clean and professional, ideally a plain wall or bookshelf. Position your camera at eye level so you are looking straight ahead. Light your face from the front, avoiding backlight from windows behind you. Close all unnecessary applications to prevent notifications. Have a glass of water nearby. Wear professional attire from head to toe, as you may need to stand unexpectedly. Test the specific platform the firm uses in advance to familiarise yourself with the interface.

Look at the camera lens, not the screen, to create the impression of eye contact. Speak clearly and at a moderate pace, slightly slower than natural conversation, as audio compression can make fast speech harder to understand. Smile naturally and use hand gestures sparingly. Structure your answers using STAR or another framework so they are clear and organised. For pre-recorded interviews, use the preparation time to note three key points you want to make, then deliver them confidently. Do not read from notes, but having bullet points visible near the camera is acceptable for reference. Practise recording yourself answering common questions and review the footage to identify areas for improvement.

Video interviews typically cover motivation for law, motivation for the firm, competency-based questions using STAR, commercial awareness, and sometimes scenario-based or ethical questions. Pre-recorded formats often include four to six questions. Prepare your strongest STAR examples, a compelling 'why law' answer, a firm-specific 'why this firm' answer, and a recent commercial awareness topic. For live interviews, also prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer. Practise answering each type within the typical time limit to ensure you can deliver concise, impactful responses without running over.

Video interviews can feel unnatural, especially pre-recorded formats where there is no human interaction. To build confidence, practise extensively with a friend or using a recording tool. Warm up your voice before the interview by speaking aloud for a few minutes. Take deep breaths during preparation time. Remember that the interviewer or reviewer is looking for competence and genuine enthusiasm, not perfection. Minor pauses or filler words are normal and human. If you make a mistake in a pre-recorded interview, continue smoothly rather than stopping or apologising. In a live interview, it is perfectly acceptable to ask for a moment to think before answering.