How to Prepare for a Video Interview with a US Company

Landing a video interview with a US-based company is a significant step in your career. It's an opportunity to work with global teams and on new challenges. But interviewing from another country, often in a second language, adds layers of complexity, from time zones to cultural nuances. This guide provides a structured approach to help you prepare thoroughly and present your best self.

Before the Interview: The Logistics

Getting the practical details right is the foundation of a successful interview. A smooth technical experience allows your skills and personality to shine through. Rushing to fix a technical problem at the last minute is stressful and makes a poor first impression.

Nail the Time Zone

This is the most common and most avoidable mistake. The United States has multiple time zones, and Daylight Saving Time can add another layer of confusion. An invitation for 2 PM EST (Eastern Standard Time) is very different from 2 PM PST (Pacific Standard Time).

• Double-check the abbreviation: Always confirm which time zone the interviewer is using. Common ones include EST/EDT (Eastern), CST/CDT (Central), MST/MDT (Mountain), and PST/PDT (Pacific). The 'D' stands for Daylight, used during summer months.
• Use a reliable tool: Use a world time clock or an online time zone converter to see the scheduled time in your local time. Add the appointment to your calendar immediately and check that it displays correctly for your location.
• Confirm with the recruiter: It is perfectly acceptable and professional to send a brief email to confirm. This shows you are detail-oriented.

Example confirmation: "Hi [Recruiter Name],

Thank you for scheduling the interview. I just wanted to confirm that the meeting is for Tuesday at 2:00 PM PST, which will be 11:00 PM CEST in my time zone. Looking forward to it.

Best, [Your Name]"

Test Your Technical Setup

A few days before the interview, run a full technical check. Do not wait until 30 minutes before the call.

• Internet Connection: Run a speed test. If your connection is unstable, consider a backup plan, like a mobile hotspot. Inform anyone else using your home internet about the interview to avoid bandwidth issues.
• Software: The interview will likely be on a platform like Google Meet, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams. Download the desktop application ahead of time, as it's often more reliable than the web version. Do a test call with a friend to make sure it works.
• Camera: Position your laptop or webcam so that it is at eye level. You can use a stack of books for this. This creates a more direct and engaging connection than looking down at the screen. Check your lighting; make sure your face is well-lit from the front, not from behind.
• Audio: Clear audio is more important than perfect video. Use a headset with a microphone. This minimizes background noise and ensures the interviewer can hear you clearly. Test it in your video call app's settings.
• Background: Your background should be clean, tidy, and free of distractions. A neutral wall, a bookshelf, or a simple piece of art is ideal. If you use a virtual background, choose a professional and simple one. A real, neat background is often better.

Prepare Your Environment

Your physical space should be as ready as your technical setup.

• Minimize Interruptions: Let family or roommates know the exact time of your interview and ask them not to disturb you. If you have pets, make sure they are in another room.
• Silence Notifications: Close all unnecessary tabs and applications on your computer. Turn on "Do Not Disturb" or "Focus Mode" to prevent notifications from popping up. Put your phone on silent and place it out of sight.
• Have Essentials Ready: Keep a glass of water, a pen, and a notebook with your prepared questions and notes within arm's reach.

During the Interview: Cultural Nuances

Understanding some general cultural expectations in a US business context can help you build rapport and communicate more effectively.

Communication Style

• Directness and Brevity: US business communication tends to be direct and to the point. When asked a question, provide a clear and concise answer. Avoid long, rambling stories that don't directly address the question. For behavioral questions ("Tell me about a time when..."), using a framework like the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is highly effective. It helps structure your answer logically.
• Small Talk: Most interviews begin with a minute or two of small talk. The interviewer might ask, "How is your day going?" or comment on the weather. This is a way to build rapport. You don't need a long story; a simple, positive response is perfect. "It's going well, thank you. I've been looking forward to our conversation."
• Expressing Enthusiasm: It’s important to show genuine interest in the role and the company. Use positive language when talking about your past work and what you hope to do in the future. Confidence is valued, but it should be balanced with humility. It is better to say, "I haven't used that specific software, but I have extensive experience with similar tools and I'm a fast learner," than to pretend you know something you don't.

Handling the Language Barrier

Interviewing in a second language is demanding. Your goal is clear communication, not perfect grammar.

• Speak Slowly and Clearly: Don't feel rushed. Speaking at a moderate pace helps you articulate your thoughts and allows the interviewer to understand you better. It also gives you a moment to think before you speak.
• It Is Okay to Ask for Clarification: If you don't understand a question, it's much better to ask for it to be repeated or rephrased than to guess. This is a normal part of communication.

Example phrases:

• "I'm sorry, could you please repeat the question?"
• "Just to be sure I understand, are you asking about my experience with [topic]?"
• "Could you please rephrase that in a different way?"

For real-time assistance, tools that provide live transcripts can be a great help. An app like Subtl, for example, can show you a transcript of the conversation on your screen, which can help you catch specific words you might have missed. If you use any transcription tool, be aware that in some places, you must get consent from all participants. You can find more information on these requirements at our guide on call recording laws.

Have Questions Ready

At the end of the interview, you will almost always be asked, "Do you have any questions for us?" The worst possible answer is "No." This can be interpreted as a lack of interest. Prepare at least three to five thoughtful questions. This is your opportunity to interview the company.

• Good questions to ask:
  • "What does success look like in this role in the first 90 days?"
  • "What are the biggest challenges the team is currently facing?"
  • "Can you describe the team's culture?"
  • "What are the opportunities for professional growth in this role?"

After the Interview: The Follow-Up

Your work isn't done when the video call ends. A professional follow-up reinforces your interest and leaves a lasting positive impression.

The Thank-You Email

Sending a thank-you email is a standard and expected professional courtesy in the US.

• Timing: Send it within 24 hours of the interview.
• Recipient: Send it to the main person who interviewed you. If you spoke with multiple people, you can send a personalized email to each or a single email to the recruiter or hiring manager, asking them to pass on your thanks to the team.
• Content: Keep it short and professional. Thank them for their time, reiterate your strong interest in the role, and briefly mention something specific you discussed that you found interesting. This shows you were engaged and listening.

Example Follow-Up Email

Subject: Thank you - Interview for [Job Title]

Dear [Interviewer's Name],

Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me today about the [Job Title] position. I truly enjoyed our conversation and learning more about the team and the exciting work you are doing at [Company Name].

I was particularly interested in our discussion about [mention a specific project or topic]. It sounds like a fascinating challenge, and it aligns well with my experience in [mention a relevant skill].

I am very enthusiastic about the opportunity to join your team and contribute to your goals. Please let me know if there is any other information I can provide.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

What to Expect Next

Be patient. Hiring processes can be slow. The interviewer may have given you a timeline. If that date passes and you haven't heard anything, it is appropriate to send a brief, polite follow-up email to the recruiter to check on the status of your application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Time Zone Mix-ups: Double- and triple-check the time. It's the easiest mistake to avoid.
• Poor Tech: A call that keeps dropping or has terrible audio is frustrating for everyone.
• Lack of Research: Not knowing what the company does is a major red flag.
• Vague Answers: Be prepared with specific examples of your work and accomplishments.
• Not Asking Questions: This suggests a lack of interest or preparation.
• Skipping the Thank-You Note: It's a simple step that shows professionalism.
• Discussing Salary Too Early: Let the employer bring up compensation first.

Preparing for an international video interview requires extra effort, but it's manageable with a structured approach. By handling the logistics, understanding the cultural context, and following up professionally, you can confidently showcase your abilities and make a strong case for why you are the right person for the job.

Interviewing in a language that isn't your first is a challenge, but the right tools can help you feel more confident. Subtl provides live translation and AI-powered notes directly on your call screen, helping you focus on your answers, not on searching for words. Learn more about how it can support you in interviews.