How to Maintain Eye Contact in Video Interviews Without Looking Stiff

Why Eye Contact Matters in Virtual Interviews 🚀

In-person, eye contact signals confidence, trust, and engagement. But in a virtual interview, making true “eye contact” means looking into your webcam—not just the interviewer’s face on your screen. Mastering this virtual communication skill is critical for building rapport, showing you’re present, and standing out in 2025’s competitive job market.

• Real eye contact makes you appear confident and attentive
• Camera gaze is proven to increase perceived trustworthiness and likability
• Many companies now use AI and eye-tracking to assess your engagement

Let’s explore how you can turn this subtle detail into a job-winning advantage—whether you’re new to video interviews or looking to upgrade your virtual presence for 2025.

Mastering the Art of Natural Eye Contact on Camera

Making eye contact on camera feels unnatural at first. Our instincts tell us to look at faces, not lenses. Here’s how to switch from awkward to authentic:

1. Raise your camera to true eye level. Avoid “looking down”—stack books or use an external webcam for a straight-on view.
2. Frame yourself: head and top shoulders visible, with a small gap above your head for a professional look.
3. Place a sticky note or photo beside the webcam as a focal point. Even a smiley face works as a reminder!
4. Move the video window just below your webcam so glances at the interviewer’s face look more natural.
5. Keep your notes at camera level—not on the desk—so your gaze stays near the lens.

Practice with Huru’s unlimited AI-powered mock interviews to review your camera gaze and get actionable feedback after every session.

💡 Key Takeaway

Eye contact in video interviews is about connection, not staring contests! Use a rhythm: look at the camera when speaking, glance at the screen when listening, and only check notes briefly. This balance comes with practice.

The Science Behind Camera Gaze: How Virtual Communication Shapes Perception

Eye-tracking studies and AI-driven virtual interview platforms now track how much time you spend looking at the camera. According to Sensei Copilot, sustained camera gaze is linked to higher scores on engagement and trustworthiness. But don’t worry—human hiring managers still value authenticity over robotic behavior.

Key findings from current research:

• 70–80% camera gaze while speaking is ideal for a natural, connected feel.
• Regular, brief glances to the screen show you’re engaged in the conversation—not just “performing.”
• Too much unbroken eye contact can feel intimidating or artificial—find your authentic rhythm!

Panel interviews? Address each interviewer by name, glance at their video tile, but always return to the camera to simulate direct engagement.

Want real, instant feedback? Huru analyzes your camera gaze and presence—helping you refine your habits and gain confidence.

A Step-by-Step Practice Routine for Perfecting Your Camera Gaze

Here’s a proven routine to make confident eye contact second nature in your next video interview:

1. Set up your space: Eye-level camera, uncluttered background, notes near the webcam.
2. Record and review 3–5 short mock interviews (Zoom, Huru, etc.). Focus on your eyes—are you looking at the lens while speaking?
3. Ask a friend or use AI (like Huru) to give feedback: Does your eye contact feel natural and engaging?
4. Train your gaze rhythm: Camera (70–80% while speaking), screen (60–80% while listening), quick note glances only as needed.
5. Refine with micro-goals: For example, maintain camera gaze for the first 10 seconds of each answer.

Keep practicing until your camera gaze feels as comfortable as in-person conversation. Explore more on looking confident on camera.

💡 Pro Tip

If you’re uncomfortable with prolonged eye contact or are neurodivergent, try adjusting your camera slightly off-center or use a photo above the lens as your “listener”—then mention this preference if you feel comfortable in the interview.

Q&A: Your Eye Contact and Camera Gaze Questions Answered

Q: Should I look at the interviewer’s face on screen or the camera?
A: Look at the camera when you’re speaking to simulate real eye contact. Glance at the screen when listening or reading cues—just like you’d look at someone’s face in person.

Q: How do I manage eye contact in a panel or group interview?
A: Start by addressing the camera, but shift your gaze briefly to each interviewer’s video tile—especially when responding to their questions. Return to the camera for your main points.

Q: Can I check my notes during a video interview?
A: Yes—but keep your notes near the camera so your eyes stay close to the lens. Limit glances to 1–2 seconds at a time.

Q: Is there such a thing as too much eye contact?
A: Yes! Unbroken camera staring can feel intense or unnatural. Aim for a rhythm: mostly camera while speaking, screen while listening, a few natural breaks.

See Camera Gaze in Action: Video Tutorial

Sometimes, seeing is believing. Watch this concise tutorial for a real demonstration of how to maintain eye contact in a video interview.

For more advanced strategies, check out How a video resume can give you the edge in video interviews.

💡 Final Advice

The best camera gaze is confident, relaxed, and practiced until it feels effortless. Use Huru’s AI-powered mock interviews to build muscle memory—and walk into your next virtual interview ready to connect.

More Resources for Virtual Interview Mastery

• How To Explain Career Stagnation In Interviews
• How To Talk About Failure In Interviews With Confidence
• Bouncing Back: How To Talk About Handling Rejection In Interviews
• Look Confident On Camera: Video Interview Tips

For personalized, actionable feedback every time, try Huru.ai for free.

About the Author

Elias Oconnor is a content writer at Huru.ai, passionate about helping job seekers master the art of virtual interviews. With a background in career coaching and digital communication, Elias simplifies complex topics into actionable, confidence-boosting guides for the remote work era.