Mastering Interviews: In-Person, Video, and AI Strategies

A face-to-face interview usually comes after you’ve made it through the early stages of screening, such as a phone or online interview. It’s often the final or near-final step before an offer is made. By this point, the employer already believes you have the skills and background to do the job. Now they want to see how you interact in person, how you think on your feet, and whether you’ll fit into the company culture.

This is the most traditional interview style and still one of the most influential. Being in the same room allows both sides to gauge chemistry, communication style, and non-verbal cues. You can read the interviewer’s body language, adjust your tone, and connect on a human level that virtual formats sometimes miss.

Treat the meeting as a two-way conversation rather than a test. Come ready with strong examples of your experience, ideally using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to organize your answers. Dress appropriately for the company’s environment, make genuine eye contact, and engage with active listening. Ask thoughtful questions about the role and the team to show real interest. Most importantly, remember that being invited means the employer already sees potential in you. This is your chance to confirm that first impression.

Video interviews are now a standard part of modern recruitment, often used early or mid-way through the process. They are especially common when companies need to evaluate candidates remotely or narrow down a large pool before inviting people to an in-person round. Video interviews can be live, where you speak directly with an interviewer, or pre-recorded, where you respond to questions on your own time.

The biggest difference is the medium itself. You’re communicating through a screen, so technical setup, body language, and presentation matter as much as your answers. In a live session, you can still build rapport, but in a pre-recorded interview, you don’t get live feedback or follow-up questions. That means you need to deliver concise, confident responses the first time.

Treat a video interview with the same level of formality as an in-person one. Test your technology beforehand to ensure your camera, microphone, and internet connection are working smoothly. Set up your space with good lighting, a neutral background, and minimal distractions.

When it comes to eye contact, aim to look toward the camera when you can, but don’t worry about staring into it the entire time — that can feel forced and even uncomfortable. A good balance is to keep your focus mostly on the screen, then glance at the camera during key moments, such as when making a point or introducing yourself. This helps create a sense of connection without straining your eyes.

For pre-recorded interviews, prepare short, clear responses and practice delivering them naturally. If it’s a live session, maintain good posture, smile when appropriate, and take a moment before answering to gather your thoughts. The goal is to project professionalism and calm, even when interviewing from home.

AI-driven interviews, sometimes called automated or digital interviews, usually appear at the very beginning of the hiring process. Employers use them to efficiently screen large numbers of applicants while maintaining a fair, consistent evaluation framework. The most well-known systems, like HireVue or Modern Hire, record your responses to pre-set questions and use algorithms to analyze both your verbal and non-verbal communication. These interviews are often the first impression an employer has of you, even before a human recruiter reviews your application.

Unlike a live interview, you’ll be speaking directly to your camera rather than to a person. The system records your answers and uses artificial intelligence to evaluate multiple aspects of your performance. These can include not only what you say  (such as your vocabulary, clarity, and relevance to the question) but also how you say it. Tone, facial expressions, pacing, eye contact, and even subtle body movements can all contribute to the score you receive.

For many candidates, this format feels unusual or impersonal, but it’s not designed to trick you. Instead, it gives employers a structured and standardized way to assess communication skills, confidence, and composure. After the algorithm processes your responses, recruiters typically review the recordings and scores to decide who moves forward.

Think of this format as a combination of technology and behavioral psychology. The AI system is looking for consistency, composure, and clarity. You don’t need to act robotic or overly rehearsed; instead, focus on presenting a calm, confident version of yourself.

1. Practice the format – Record yourself answering sample interview questions to get comfortable speaking naturally to a camera without feedback. Watching yourself back will help you notice habits like avoiding eye contact or speaking too quickly.
2. Perfect your environment – Choose a quiet, well-lit space with a neutral background. Natural light is ideal, but if that’s not possible, position a lamp in front of you rather than behind. Avoid cluttered or distracting settings that could pull focus away from you.
3. Dress as you would for an in-person interview – Even though you’re speaking to a camera, appearance still matters. Business casual attire is typically best: solid colors (especially mid-tone blues or grays) read better on camera than bright whites or patterns. Avoid shiny fabrics, noisy jewelry, or overly casual clothing. Sitting up straight with good posture projects confidence and professionalism.
4. Mind your non-verbal communication – Look directly into the camera lens, not at your own image on screen. Smile naturally, use small gestures, and maintain steady body language. The goal is to appear engaged, confident, and approachable.
5. Take advantage of the prep time – Most AI platforms give you a few seconds to collect your thoughts before recording begins. Use that time to breathe, center yourself, and mentally outline your main points.
6. Stay authentic – AI tools are designed to detect confidence and engagement, not perfection. You don’t need to sound scripted or overly polished. Speak as you would in a professional conversation: calm, clear, and genuine.

Each interview type measures something slightly different. A face-to-face meeting highlights your interpersonal skills and cultural fit. A video interview shows how you communicate through technology and handle presentation under pressure. An AI interview tests your composure, clarity, and ability to adapt to new formats.

The key is to prepare with intention. Before a face-to-face interview, focus on connection and storytelling. Before a video interview, refine your setup and body language. Before an AI interview, practice precision, pacing, and poise.

When you understand what each format is designed to assess, you can approach every stage of the hiring process with confidence and control. Whether you’re meeting a person or a camera, the best strategy is the same: be prepared, stay genuine, and let your professionalism speak for itself.