Video Interview - Zero confidence - HELP!!

[SoStressed!!]

I've applied for a firm and progressed to the VI, I haven't really done such pre-recorded interviews before and I feel so out of my depth. There was an initial 'practice' question that didn't count towards the assessment, but would be used to 'get to know me'. I felt it so stressful to see the timer go down and then being put on the spotlight!! I had 2 whole minutes to just talk about me, but used up about 40 seconds only. My mind went somewhat blank, and now I feel I have zero confidence to continue with the actual assessed questions! I have watched videos on youtube on how to prepare with VIs, so I know what I'm supposed to do, and how, but the confidence isn't there at the moment. The funny thing is, in real interviews, I'm not like this at all, I like talking to people, but this VI feels so impersonal, robotic and you're essentially talking to your laptop. *sighs* I realised this is a rather sad and self-depreciating post, but please share your initial VIs experiences and how you've risen above challenges since...

 

[ZNadeem]

I've applied for a firm and progressed to the VI, I haven't really done such pre-recorded interviews before and I feel so out of my depth. There was an initial 'practice' question that didn't count towards the assessment, but would be used to 'get to know me'. I felt it so stressful to see the timer go down and then being put on the spotlight!! I had 2 whole minutes to just talk about me, but used up about 40 seconds only. My mind went somewhat blank, and now I feel I have zero confidence to continue with the actual assessed questions! I have watched videos on youtube on how to prepare with VIs, so I know what I'm supposed to do, and how, but the confidence isn't there at the moment. The funny thing is, in real interviews, I'm not like this at all, I like talking to people, but this VI feels so impersonal, robotic and you're essentially talking to your laptop. *sighs* I realised this is a rather sad and self-depreciating post, but please share your initial VIs experiences and how you've risen above challenges since...

Hi! I completely resonate—I also enjoyed live interviews but found myself falling short in video interviews! They can feel awkward and robotic, so you’re definitely not alone in this experience.

I wouldn’t worry too much, because believe it or not, most people feel the exact same way with VIs, especially the first time around. A couple of things helped me improve:

• Rehearse the core questions (motivation for law/firm, key competencies, strengths/weaknesses) until they’re second nature. That way, even if nerves hit, the answers are right at the tip of your tongue.
• Practice under timed pressure by recording yourself answering random questions with a countdown timer. For example, you can use the practice questions from TCLA’s VI prep resource. This trains you to stay calm under the time limit and get comfortable speaking to your screen.
• Structure your answers: use a simple framework like STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or “Point, Reason, Example” to stop yourself from going blank. It gives you something to fall back on when nerves kick in.
• Make eye contact with the camera (not the screen). It feels odd at first, but it makes you come across as more confident and engaging. You can even put a small sticky note with a smiley face near the camera to remind you where to look.
• Practice in the same conditions: dress smartly, sit at your desk, and use the same setup you’ll use for the real VI. The more familiar it feels, the less stressful it will be.
• Pause before speaking: don’t panic if you need 3–5 seconds to gather your thoughts. Interviewers expect this and it helps you deliver a calmer, more coherent answer.
• Smile and use natural gestures: even though you’re talking to your laptop, body language still comes across and helps you sound warmer and more confident.

It really does get easier with practice—you’ll start to sound more natural, and your confidence will follow.