Corporate interviews are a powerful tool for telling a brand’s story, whether for social media content, internal communications or brand personality. But let’s be honest—getting talent to feel comfortable and authentic on camera isn’t always easy. That’s where Stepney comes in. We are continually refining the art of conducting corporate interviews to a fine craft.
If you’ve been scouring the internet for advice on “how to be a good interviewer” or “how to conduct an on-camera interview,” look no further. Here are our tips to help you nail your next corporate interview.
Avoid Over-Scripting
Planning is essential, but over-scripting? That’s a hard no. While it’s important to map out your questions, sharing too much detail with your interviewee can backfire. If they try to memorise every answer, it can lead to stiff, unnatural responses and unnecessary anxiety.
Instead, frame the interview as a casual conversation. Let them know it’s okay to take multiple takes and that it’s more about exploring ideas naturally than delivering a rehearsed monologue. A little mystery keeps the spontaneity alive.
Avoid Over-Scripting
Planning is essential, but over-scripting? That’s a hard no. While it’s important to map out your questions, sharing too much detail with your interviewee can backfire. If they try to memorise every answer, it can lead to stiff, unnatural responses and unnecessary anxiety.
Instead, frame the interview as a casual conversation. Let them know it’s okay to take multiple takes and that it’s more about exploring ideas naturally than delivering a rehearsed monologue. A little mystery keeps the spontaneity alive.
Build Rapport
An interviewee’s comfort is key. The first step? Build rapport before the cameras even start rolling. Whether it’s a quick phone call ahead of time or a light-hearted chat during setup, these small interactions ease tension. Talk about something unrelated to the interview—current events, hobbies, or even what they had for breakfast.
Creating this connection ensures they see you as an ally and not an interrogator.
Keep the Conversation Natural
An interview doesn’t need to feel like an interview. Instead of rigidly firing off questions, let the conversation flow naturally. For instance, rather than asking a robotic “What are the core values of your company?” try something like, “Your company’s approach to [X] really stands out—can you tell me more about that?”
This method not only helps the interviewee relax but also results in more genuine, compelling responses.
Encourage Contextual Answers
Ever get a one-word answer that leaves you hanging? It happens. Before the interview starts, gently coach your talent to give full, contextual answers. A simple reminder like, “Pretend someone is eavesdropping on our conversation and won’t hear my questions—answer in a way that makes sense on its own,” works wonders.
For example:
“Toast.”* vs. *“For breakfast, I had toast.”
The latter offers clarity and keeps your content usable during the edit.
Provide Comfort and Reassurance
Let’s face it—everyone stumbles during an interview. Your role is to reassure them that mistakes are okay. If they fumble a sentence, reframe the situation positively: “Let’s do that one more time—just for sound quality!” This tactic subtly shifts the focus away from their slip-up and keeps their confidence intact.
Avoid criticising, even constructively. Instead, use encouraging language to foster a supportive environment.
Bonus Tips for a Flawless Interview
The devil is in the details, and these small touches can make a big difference:
Chair Comfort: Ensure the interviewee’s chair is comfortable, with a bottle of water nearby but out of frame.
Warm-Up Shots: Record their introduction at the end of the interview when they’re more relaxed.
Minimise the Audience: Keep the number of crew members in the interviewee’s line of sight to a minimum.
Handle Notes Wisely: If they have notes, make sure they only refer to them between takes to avoid distracting movements.
Set Familiarity: Let them sit on set during final lighting adjustments to get acclimated.
Why Stepney Stands Out in Corporate Interviews
At Stepney, we’re great at making on-camera interviews feel natural and engaging. Our experience in TVC, website and social media content has taught us that comfort and authenticity are the pillars of a successful interview. From building rapport to crafting narratives, we’ve mastered every detail to make talent shine.
Leave It to the Experts
If reading this has left you wondering whether you’re ready, don’t worry. We’ve done the legwork, perfected the process, and learned from every awkward interview along the way.
Let us handle your next corporate video project. Book a discovery call today, and let’s create something together.
FAQs
How can I make someone comfortable during a corporate interview?
Start by building rapport before the interview begins. Engage in light conversation, ensure the environment is relaxed, and remind them it’s okay to have multiple takes.
What’s the best way to prepare for an on-camera interview?
While planning your questions is essential, avoid over-scripting. Brief your interviewee on the themes, but keep some spontaneity to maintain a natural flow.
Why are contextual answers important in interviews?
Contextual answers ensure clarity, even when questions aren’t included in the final cut. They make the content easier to edit and more engaging for viewers.
How do I handle mistakes during an interview?
Reassure the interviewee that mistakes are normal. Instead of pointing out errors, ask them to repeat answers due to “sound issues” or to improve the flow.
Should I allow interviewees to use notes?
Yes, but only between takes. This prevents distractions and keeps the interview visually clean.
Why choose Stepney for corporate interviews?
Stepney combines technical expertise with a people-first approach. We excel at making interviewees comfortable while delivering polished, professional results tailored to your brand.
