10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Recording a Video Interview (Beginner-Friendly Guide)

To record a high-quality video interview:

• Use an external mic

• Ensure soft, even lighting

• Frame the camera at eye level

• Test all equipment

• Eliminate background noise

• Use stable internet

• Prepare the interviewee beforehand

• Maintain consistent framing

• Record a backup

• Take time during editing

1. Ignoring Audio Quality

Poor audio is the #1 mistake people make when recording a video interview. Even great visuals can’t save unclear sound.

Best Practices

• Use an external microphone instead of built-in laptop or webcam mics.

• Record in the quietest room available.

• Test audio levels before starting.

• Use noise-cancelling mics if possible.

Good audio matters more than high-end video.

2. Poor Lighting Setup

Lighting determines how professional your video looks. Recording in dim rooms or with harsh backlight leads to shadows and unclear visuals.

How to Fix It

• Use soft, front-facing lighting like ring lights or softboxes.

• Place lights at a 45° angle to your subject.

• Avoid windows or bright lights behind the person.

Lighting should always come from the front or sides, not from behind.

3. Bad Camera Framing

Framing influences how polished and trustworthy your footage appears.

Correct Framing Tips

• Place the camera at eye level.

• Leave a bit of headroom above the subject.

• Keep the subject centered without cutting off shoulders or forehead.

Definition:

Video interview framing means positioning the camera so the subject appears natural, centered, and balanced on screen.

4. Not Testing Equipment before Recording

Technical issues are preventable. A short test recording saves hours of frustration.

Checklist before You Start

• Test your microphone

• Check lighting

• Verify camera focus

• Test the platform (Zoom, Teams, etc.)

• Record a 30-second sample and review it

5. Ignoring Background Noise

Small background sounds - fans, traffic, notifications - can make your audio difficult to transcribe or understand.

Quick Fixes

• Turn off fans and noisy appliances

• Close windows

• Silence phones and notifications

• Avoid echoey rooms

• Use a noise-reducing mic

6. Overlooking Internet Stability in Remote Interviews

A weak connection causes lag, freezes, audio drops, or pixelated video.

Best Practices

• Use a wired connection for stable performance

• Close all bandwidth-heavy apps

• Use high-speed internet (10 Mbps+ upload recommended)

• Test connection beforehand

A stable internet connection is essential for a smooth remote video interview.

7. Not Preparing the Interviewee

Unprepared guests lead to awkward pauses, retakes, and inconsistent content.

Prepare Them By Sharing:

• The interview topic

• The question list

• Technical guidelines

• Recommended background setup

• Dress code

• Microphone position

• Camera height

Give the interviewee a short checklist to ensure smooth recording.

8. Forgetting About Framing Consistency

If you're recording multiple interviews, inconsistent framing makes your final video look unprofessional.

Ensure Consistency In:

• Camera height

• Lighting position

• Background selection

• Video resolution

• Eye-line and framing

This is especially important for research presentations, brand videos, and documentary-style recordings.

9. Skipping a Backup Recording

Recording without backups is risky - files can get corrupted, software may crash, or storage can fail.

Best Backup Options

• Use an external recorder

• Record locally and on the cloud

• Keep auto-record enabled in your meeting platform

• Store files in two places

10. Rushing the Editing & Review Process

Editing turns raw footage into a polished final piece. Skipping this step results in unclear, awkward videos.

Editing Checklist

• Trim silent gaps and pauses

• Balance audio levels

• Correct brightness and color

• Remove background noise

• Add subtitles or captions

• Review before sharing

Professional video quality often depends more on post-production than the recording itself.

Video Interview Mistakes Checklist (Printable)

Before Recording

·        Test microphone

·        Check lighting

·        Clean camera lens

·        Position camera at eye level

·        Remove background noise

·        Prepare interviewee

·        Test internet speed

·        Close background apps

·        Start backup recording

After Recording

·        Review footage

·        Edit audio and video

·        Export in high resolution

·        Store backup copies

Conclusion

Recording a professional video interview is not just about having the right gear - it's about preparation, awareness, and attention to detail. By avoiding these common mistakes and following these best practices, you can produce interviews that look polished, sound clear, and are ready for accurate transcription.

At My Transcription Place, we believe great recordings lead to deeper insights. Whether you need transcription, translation, or localization, our team ensures every detail is captured with precision.

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FAQs

1. How can I improve the audio quality of my video interview?

Use an external microphone, record in a quiet room, and always test audio beforehand. This helps avoid the most common video interview mistakes.

2. What lighting setup works best for video interviews?

Soft, diffused lighting from the front or sides - like ring lights or softboxes - helps avoid harsh shadows and improves clarity.

3. Why is camera framing important in a video interview?

Good framing makes the subject look confident and professional, keeps viewers focused, and improves transcription accuracy.

4. Should I record interviews remotely or in person?

Both are effective. For remote interviews, ensure a stable internet connection, proper lighting, and a reliable microphone.

5. What’s the best way to prepare guests for a video interview?

Share the topic, expected questions, technical setup instructions, and appearance guidelines. This ensures smoother, more natural conversation.