How to Ace Your Video Call Roommate Interview

Why Video Calls Matter

Video calls have become an essential step in the roommate search process. They help you:

Verify someone is who they claim to be
Get a sense of personality and communication style
See the actual living space (if they're the host)
Build rapport before meeting in person

Preparing for the Call

Technical Setup

Test your internet connection beforehand
Choose good lighting - Face a window or lamp, don't backlight
Check your background - Clean and neutral is best
Use headphones - Reduces echo and improves audio
Charge your device - Nothing worse than dying mid-call

Personal Preparation

Dress presentably (at least from the waist up!)
Have your questions written down
Review their profile beforehand
Be ready to give a brief introduction about yourself

During the Call

Make a Good First Impression

Smile and make eye contact (look at the camera, not the screen)
Start with small talk - Don't dive straight into interrogation
Be engaged - Nod, react, show you're listening

Questions to Ask

About Their Lifestyle:

What does a typical week look like for you?
How often do you have guests over?
What time do you usually wake up and go to bed?

About Living Habits:

How do you feel about sharing food and household items?
What's your approach to cleaning and chores?
Any pet peeves I should know about?

About the Space (if they're the host):

Can you give me a virtual tour?
What's included in the rent?
What's the neighborhood like?

About Expectations:

What are you looking for in a roommate?
How do you prefer to handle conflicts or issues?
What happened with your previous roommate(s)?

Virtual Tour Tips

If they're showing you the space:

Ask them to show closets and storage
Look at water pressure (ask them to turn on a faucet)
Check natural lighting in your potential room
Note the condition of appliances
Ask about cell reception and wifi speed

Red Flags During Video Calls

Watch out for:

They won't show their face clearly
They refuse to show the living space
Inconsistent stories from their profile
They're dismissive of your questions
The space looks very different from photos
Background noise or chaos that concerns you

After the Call

If It Went Well

Send a follow-up message thanking them
Express continued interest
Suggest next steps (in-person meeting, references)

If You're Unsure

It's okay to take time to think
Talk to other potential roommates for comparison
Trust your instincts

If It's a No

Be polite but clear: "Thanks for chatting, but I don't think we're the right fit"
You don't owe a detailed explanation

Using Cohabli's Video Feature

Cohabli's built-in video calling offers:

No need to share personal phone numbers or emails
Recorded call history for reference
Safety features and reporting
Easy scheduling through the platform

Ready to start your search? Create your Cohabli profile today and connect with verified roommates in your area.