“The first impression is the last impression” ~Oscar Wilde
Since the world has been already shifting to the remote working and virtual world, a majority of business operations are being done through the computer and the internet. One such operation, which is the interview or hiring, is also gradually shifting to virtual instead of in-person.
Unlike traditional face-to-face or live video interviews, a one-way interview requires you to record your responses to a set of predetermined questions. This interview format offers flexibility for both the candidate and the employer, but it can feel a bit unfamiliar if you’ve never done one before.
Hence, to help out here, we’ll guide you to prepare for your first one-way video interview and make a lasting impression on your potential employer. Keep reading the article till the end.
Understanding the One-Way Video Interview Format
Before diving into preparation tips, it’s paramount to understand what a one-way video interview is. In this format, you will be provided with a series of questions, typically through an online platform like Hireflix. You’ll record your responses using your webcam or smartphone and submit them for review at a later time. This method is usually employed in the early stages of the hiring process, allowing employers to screen candidates more efficiently.
The advantage of a one-way video interview is that it allows you to complete the interview at your convenience within a set deadline. With platforms such as Hireflix, you don’t have to worry about coordinating schedules, and you can take a bit of time to prepare before recording your responses.
1. Research the Company and the Role
The first step in preparing for any interview is to research the company and the position you are applying for. Since you won’t be able to interact with an interviewer in real-time, it’s even more significant to show that you understand the company’s values, culture, and the responsibilities of the role. Your responses should demonstrate that you’re a good fit for the position.
A survey by Jobvite found that 67% of job seekers preferred video interviews over traditional in-person interviews due to flexibility and convenience.
Look for key details about the company on their website, social media pages, and recent news articles. Try to identify what qualities they value in their employees and what skills are paramount for the role. Tailor your answers to reflect these insights, which will shine through when recorded on platforms like Hireflix.
2. Practice Answering Common Interview Questions
Whereas you won’t know the exact questions beforehand, most one-way video interviews will include common interview questions like:
- “Tell me about yourself.”
- “Why do you want to work here?”
- “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
- “Describe a challenging situation you’ve faced and how you handled it.”
Practice answering these questions clearly and concisely. Record yourself on your phone or webcam to see how you come across on video. If you’re using a platform such as Hireflix, you can often do a test run beforehand to ensure you’re comfortable with the setup and your answers. Pay attention to your body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. You want to appear confident and approachable, even though you’re not speaking directly to someone.
3. Familiarize Yourself with the Technology
Before the interview, make sure you’re comfortable with the platform you’ll be using. If it’s Hireflix or another system, log in early and test all necessary equipment. You’ll want to check the following:
- Camera: Ensure your webcam is working properly and positioned at a good angle.
- Microphone: Test your microphone to make sure it picks up your voice clearly without any background noise.
- Internet connection: A stable internet connection is necessary to avoid lag or disconnections when recording.
Most platforms will allow you to take a practice run to get familiar with the setup. Take advantage of this to troubleshoot any technical issues before you start recording your actual responses. Hireflix is known for its user-friendly interface, so practicing with it can ease any tech-related nerves.
DID YOU KNOW?
Research shows that 63% of HR professionals believe virtual interviews will continue to be a standard part of their hiring process even after the pandemic.
4. Choose the Right Environment
Your environment plays a big role in how you present yourself during the interview. Choose a quiet, well-lit room where you won’t be interrupted. Make sure the background is neutral and free from distractions. A cluttered or unprofessional backdrop can take away from your responses and leave a bad impression.
Lighting is also noteworthy. Natural light is ideal, but if that’s not possible, ensure you have enough light on your face so that it’s clearly visible in the video. Avoid harsh backlighting, which can cast shadows and make it difficult for the viewer to see you properly.
5. Dress Professionally
Even though you’re not meeting in person, it’s influential to dress professionally for a one-way video interview. Choose attire that aligns with the company’s dress code. For most industries, business casual is a safe choice, but if you’re interviewing for a more formal role, opt for a suit or blazer.
Remember that your appearance should reflect the level of professionalism expected in the role. Avoid overly casual outfits, bright colors, or distracting patterns that might draw attention away from what you’re saying.
6. Stay Calm and Focused
One-way video interviews can feel awkward because you’re actually speaking to a camera rather than a person. To stay calm, take a few deep breaths before starting. Focus on speaking clearly and confidently. If you stumble over a word or lose your train of thought, don’t panic. Take a brief pause and continue.
Some platforms allow you to re-record your answers, whereas others only give you one shot. If you’re not allowed to redo a question, take your time to think before answering to avoid any mistakes. It’s better to give yourself a moment to compose a thoughtful response than to rush through and miss key points.
7. Pay Attention to Time Limits
Many one-way video interviews come with time limits for each response. Be mindful of these limits when answering questions. Practice delivering your responses within a set time frame so you don’t run out of time mid-answer. If there’s a countdown timer on the screen, keep an eye on it, but don’t let it distract you from your answer.
You want to find a balance between being thorough and concise. Avoid giving overly lengthy answers that may cause you to go off-topic, but make sure you’re covering all relevant points in your response.
8. Focus on Clear and Concise Communication
The goal of a one-way video interview is to allow employers to quickly assess candidates. Therefore, you must focus on clear and concise communication. Avoid rambling or going off on tangents. Each answer should directly address the question being asked, providing specific examples when necessary.
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers to behavioral questions. This approach will help you stay focused and organized when providing valuable insights into your experience.
9. Highlight Your Enthusiasm
Since you won’t have the opportunity to interact directly with an interviewer, it’s necessary to let your enthusiasm for the role shine through in your responses. Employers want to see that you’re genuinely interested in the position and the company. Smile, maintain eye contact with the camera, and speak with energy.
Showing enthusiasm can help compensate for the lack of real-time interaction. It also makes you more memorable, which is helpful when employers are reviewing multiple candidates.
10. Follow Up After the Interview
Once you’ve completed your one-way video interview, it’s a good idea to follow up with a thank-you email. Whereas this step isn’t always necessary, it can show your professionalism and eagerness for the role. Keep the email short and polite, expressing your gratitude for the opportunity to interview and reiterating your interest in the position.
INTERESTING FACT
80% of hiring managers say they appreciate a follow-up email after an interview, and it can improve a candidate’s chances of being hired.
Final Thoughts
A one-way video interview can be a great opportunity to showcase your skills and personality on your own terms. By researching the company, practicing your answers, and familiarizing yourself with the technology, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle this interview format with confidence. Remember to stay calm, be yourself, and make a strong impression with clear and concise communication.
It does not matter if you’re using Hireflix or another platform, the key to success is preparation. Take the time to practice, set up a professional environment, and approach the interview with enthusiasm. With these tips, you’ll be ready to give a great performance and move forward in the hiring process.
