What is a live video interview?

A live video interview is a real-time conversation over video, very similar to a standard video conference or chat (e.g., Zoom, MS Teams). You join from your web browser, and the interview starts once everyone is ready. There are no meeting IDs to track—just follow your invitation link, and you’re in.

What to expect

You’ll land on a brief prep screen first. Spark Hire will check your camera, microphone, and connection, then guide you to the interview. When you're in the live video interview, you’ll see familiar controls to mute, turn video on or off, share your screen if asked, and leave when finished. If others join before you, you may be placed in the interview lobby (waiting area).

Before you begin

Set yourself up so you can focus on the conversation, not the tech.

• Double check the invitation to be sure of the date, time, and timezone
• Be ready to show up ~10 minutes early, just in case
• Choose a quiet, clean, and well-lit location where you won't be interrupted
• Use a supported browser for live video interviews
• Close other applications that may be using your camera or microphone (such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet)
• Position your camera at eye level so your face is clearly visible
• Silence notifications on your devices to minimize distractions

How to join

1. Open your invitation and select Go to your interview. You won't be connected to the other party until you've gone through the setup and are completely ready.

2. On the prep screen, grant permission for your camera and microphone when prompted. We recommend using headphones to reduce echo or audio issues.

3. Complete the quick technical check:

• Select your camera from the dropdown until you see yourself in the preview, then click Continue.
• Select your microphone from the dropdown until the volume meter responds to sound, then click Continue.
• Run the connection test, then click Continue and Start my interview.

When everyone is in, the live video interview begins automatically, but you may be placed in the interview lobby (waiting area) if your interviewer(s) are still arriving. If you disconnect, simply re-open the link, and you’ll rejoin.

During the interview

Focus on connection and clarity. If you need to share your work, use the screen-share button and confirm what others can see. The chat is there for short notes to everyone; it is visible to all participants. If you experience a delay or echo, mute when you’re not speaking and close any extra tabs.

During the interview, you'll see controls across the screen:

1. Header brand – The company branding in the top bar
2. Time remaining appears at the top left – A timer shows how much time is left in the interview.
3. At the bottom in the middle, you’ll find:
   • Webcam & mic settings
   • Screen share
   • Chat & polls – Opens a panel on the left for chatting
   • Participants – Opens the participants list on the right
   • Tile view toggle
   • More actions (three-dot menu):
     • Adjust your name as displayed in the interview
     • Manage your video quality
     • Toggle full screen
     • Adjust webcam and microphone settings
4. Support links – Opens support form, navigates to the help center, and allows you to see accessibility options.
5. Leave button at the top right – Ends the interview

If something goes wrong

Try quick fixes in this order; most issues resolve with these steps:

1. Leave the meeting and rejoin using the same link.
2. Move closer to your router or plug in with an Ethernet cable.
3. Close other apps using your camera or mic.
4. Restart your computer

If none of that works, take a look at our articles under Video Interview Troubleshooting.