Understanding One-Way Video Interviews: Definition and Benefits
Understanding One-Way Video Interviews
Asynchronous interviews let candidates answer a set of predetermined questions on video and submit their recorded answers at their convenience. Often called one-way video interviews, asynchronous interviews can speed up the hiring process and give candidates the flexibility to submit their answers when it works for them.
Benefits of One-Way Video Interviews
- They offer flexibility for the recruiter and candidate. Using a 10-minute phone call to screen 60 applicants for a position would take a recruiter 10 hours. With asynchronous interviews, a recruiter can simply come up with a set list of questions and allow each applicant to upload their video responses at their convenience.
- They provide a way to accommodate remote candidates. Asynchronous interviews allow candidates to submit their videos from anywhere, cutting down on the time and expense that would be necessary for candidates to travel, especially early in the interview process.
- They create a baseline for comparing candidates. With asynchronous interviews, you have the ability to watch all videos at the same time and, since all of the candidates are answering the same questions, you can more easily assess which ones have the skills you are looking for.
- Candidates can show their best selves. Some candidates who get stressed out by interviews may welcome the opportunity to rehearse their answers in advance, giving them the ability to re-record the answers and only submit them when they’re satisfied.
- One-way video interviews offer a convenient and efficient way to screen candidates, particularly those who are remote. They speed up the hiring process, facilitate structured interviews, and promote team collaboration.
- Distance is no longer an issue when using video interviews. You don’t have to rely only on local talent or worry about bringing remote candidates in for interviews. One-way interviews specifically resolve any problems created by time zone differences.
- Pre-recorded video interviews are usually scheduled at the early stages of the hiring pipeline and help you screen candidates faster and more objectively. When you conduct one-way video interviews, you’re able to connect with remote candidates, speed up the hiring process, and evaluate candidates using structured interviews.
- With one-way video interviews, you can create a better candidate experience to aid your decision-making. Explain to candidates that they can record as many takes as they want and that you’ll only view the final one that they choose to submit.
- Imagine you want to screen twenty candidates for one position. If you’re doing this over the phone, you need to make twenty separate calls. But, if you’re using one-way video interview software, you only need to write or record your questions once and send them to candidates.
- One-way video interviews help candidates get approved faster. Hiring a new employee is a process riddled with nuance, intricacies, and approvals. Pre-recorded one-way interviews help great candidates avoid this additional time commitment.
- One-way video interviews enable candidates to use their knowledge and other factors, like their body language and eye contact, to make a good first impression on the hiring team.
- The key benefits of video interviewing are saving time & increased efficiency, eliminating scheduling issues, improved quality of hire, standardized screening process, easier collaboration between recruiters & hiring managers, and removing geographic constraints.
- During one-way (pre-recorded) video interviews, the questions are asynchronous to your answers, meaning they’re not occurring at the same time. Instead, you respond to pre-set questions whenever it’s convenient, and your answers are sent to the hiring team so they can review them later.
- One-way video interviews allow candidates to present their ‘best’ selves, help candidates get approved faster, and are particularly effective in screening candidates who are remote, all while offering a convenient and efficient way to conduct interviews.
How to Prepare for a One-Way Video Interview: Tips and Best Practices
Preparation Tips for a One-Way Video Interview:
- Choose a spot for the interview where you can control the surroundings.
- If at all possible, take the video interview in your home.
- However, anywhere quiet with a good internet connection is a viable option.
- Avoid noisy or busy areas.
- Check out the area at the same time the day before your interview for any unwelcome interference—or a faulty internet connection.
- Set up your computer so that the camera is close to eye level.
- If you have to use your phone, prop it up on a stack of books.
- Place multiple monitors with the camera straight ahead of you.
- Bonus tip: Put the window with the interview as close to the camera as possible to help mimic eye contact.
- Practice with a friend or family member beforehand.
- Test your audio, video, and internet connection using the same software as the interview.
- Ensure that the other person can hear you and that there are no distractions in the frame.
- Ask them to inform you if your gestures or body language look awkward on camera.
- Dress professionally from head to toe.
- You’ll feel and act more put together if you’re not wearing sweatpants.
- Frame your shot similar to an in-person interview.
- Don’t sit too close to the screen; your head and shoulders should be visible.
- Leave 10-20% of the screen empty above your head for better framing.
- Choose a simple background with no distractions.
- Using headphones helps prevent echoes.
- If your headphones have a microphone, it will make it easier for the interviewer to hear you.
- Ensure the microphone isn’t rubbing against clothing or accessories during the interview.
- Prepare thoroughly for the position you’re applying for.
- Know the ins and outs of the position and understand its value to the company.
- Speak clearly.
- This is particularly crucial for on-demand video interviews where you have limited time to respond.
- Anticipate unconventional questions.
- These questions can reveal your personality and how well you can communicate and process thoughts.
- Make the most of extracurricular activities.
- Discuss specific events you organized and the communication required, showcasing your readiness for complex workplaces.
- Follow these steps to prepare for a one-way video interview:
- Carefully read the instructions provided.
- Choose a quiet and well-lit recording space.
- Ensure you have the right equipment (camera, microphone, etc.).
- Schedule a specific time for recording.
- Practice your responses to common interview questions.
- Rerecord if necessary.
- Be aware of the unique challenges of one-way video interviews.
- Time commitment can increase as you may keep recording until it’s perfect.
- Maintain eye contact with the camera while speaking.
- Avoid looking at your image or the questions on the screen.
- Practice speaking naturally and confidently beforehand.
- Use a timer to stay on track during the interview.
- Many one-way video interviews have a time limit.
- Glance at your timer to ensure you are on schedule.
- Look directly at the camera while answering questions.
Frequently Asked Questions About One-Way Video Interviews
Understanding One-Way Video Interviews
One-way video interviews are a modern and efficient form of hiring automation. In a nutshell, a one-way video interview is a job interview format consisting of pre-set questions that candidates answer while they are recorded by video interview software. These interviews save hiring teams a ton of time in finding great candidates. However, interviewees are often stumped by this format. Talking to a camera with no real-time social cues from an interviewer is, in many ways, more nerve-wracking than a live interview. Yet, the growing popularity of asynchronous interviews makes it increasingly important for job seekers to master the medium.
Preparation Tips for One-Way Video Interviews
The best way to deal with a one-way video interview is to treat it like any other job interview: prepare well, showcase your value, and dress to impress. For starters, you get to be in your comfort space while you answer, which means you can have helpful notes and resources on hand.
You can complete the interview outside of office hours, so you don’t have to sneak away from your current job to do it. In addition, depending on how the interview is set up, you may also get your questions before hitting record, which means you get to rehearse your answers. It’s still necessary to be prepared, though.
Common Background & Experience Questions
Recruiters often kickstart screening interviews by diving into your professional history and educational journey. These questions offer a glimpse into your past roles, accomplishments, and their harmony with the job you’re eyeing. They aim to examine how your experiences and qualifications resonate with the job requirements.
- Tell me about yourself.
- Can you walk us through your resume?
- Describe a challenging project you successfully managed.
- How does your education relate to this position?
Answering Background and Experience Questions
The key to answering background and experience questions is to weave a golden thread between your professional background and what the employer is looking for. The benefit of answering these questions in a one-way interview is that you can be very structured in how you respond with no fear of getting interrupted. That being said, you want to answer as clearly and concisely as possible.
The following interview tips can help you craft compelling responses that highlight your professional journey in your asynchronous video interview.
Demonstrating Technical Prowess
Employers seek to evaluate your technical prowess and assess your competency in executing job-related tasks. To prove your ability to excel in the role, follow these best practices:
- Offer Concrete Examples Showcasing Your Abilities.
- When faced with technical or competency-based questions, your ticket to success is showcasing your hard and soft skills through real-world examples.
- Don’t just talk about your proficiency; illustrate it. Share real cases where you applied these skills effectively in past roles.
Practice Makes Perfect
Before you hit record on your one-way video interview, practice these common interview questions in front of a mirror within a set timeframe. It also helps to simulate a pre-recorded interview situation.
