One-way recorded video interviews have emerged as a significant trend in the job interview space. This innovative approach offers candidates the opportunity to showcase their skills and personality in a unique format. However, acing these interviews requires a distinct set of preparation techniques.
Below, 20 Forbes Human Resources Council members share expert insights and practical tips to help job candidates navigate and excel at one-way video interviews. One-way video interviews, though convenient, can be daunting without proper guidance. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a fresh graduate, these strategies will help you approach these interviews with confidence and poise.
1. Practice Your Questions With Friends Or FamilyPractice answering your question with a friend or family member you trust and ask what follow-up questions they’d have. You can incorporate those questions into your answer. You should also do a practice recording to get comfortable talking into a camera. Finally, remember this is a job interview, so be in a quiet place and dress appropriately. - Christopher Courneen, M S International, Inc. (MSI)
2. Rehearse But Don't Over PracticeI recommend rehearsing answers with a trusted confidant but don’t over practice so you don't sound too scripted. Consider the camera position and ensure there is nothing too distracting behind you in the shot. You want the person watching to focus on what you’re saying, not on what’s behind you. Remember to smile because it’s important to generate a connection and portray warmth even over video. - Caoimhe Keogan, Aveva
3. Review Your Videos For ImprovementOne-way recorded video interviews are not easy; let's be clear! So practice as actors do. This means before you practice in front of your camera, get in character, dress the part and most importantly, review your videos for improvement. It is scary for most, but studying your delivery will improve not only the content but also your facial expressions, tone of voice and speech speed. - Elisabetta Bartoloni, Heidrick & Struggles
4. Talk About Your Soft SkillsRehearse examples of times you demonstrated soft skills such as working with others, adapting to change or solving a problem. Many video interviewing platforms ask structured "tell me about a time when" questions about a predictable set of soft skills. The company's website and job description usually reveal clues about those skills, but prepare some responses to help! - Neil Morelli, Codility
5. Remember To Breath And RelaxTake a deep breath. Relax. Remember that the person on the other side is also human. - AJ Richichi, Sprockets
6. Anticipate Interviewer QuestionsCandidates can better prepare for one-way recorded video interviews by practicing ahead of time. Candidates can simulate mock interviews by ensuring their environment is optimally set up, anticipating interviewer questions and conducting technical checks. One-way recorded video interviews can feel intimidating but taking a deep breath at the onset can help make it a better experience. - Michelle Ray, Blackwell HR Solutions
7. Be Yourself And Don't Stress Too MuchBe yourself. Don't stress too much about it. Confidence, clear talking and a smile on your face can go a long way. If you rehearse too much or you read from a script on the screen, it will feel fake and not genuine. If you need a script to answer a few simple questions, reconsider if this is the right job you are applying for—maybe it's not. - Ilona Bernotaite, Kilo Health
8. Have A Standard Interview Prep PlanAs with any interview, preparation is key, so once you have completed your standard interview prep, put on what you plan on wearing, sit in the space where you plan on conducting the interview and have someone record you as you answer various interview questions. Once completed, review the recording and make changes—recognizing that changes can be as minor as moving so the sun isn't hitting your face. - Angela Persaud, Empower HR Solutions
9. Use Examples Of When You Demonstrated Tangible ResultsPractice, practice, practice. Think through examples of situations where you demonstrated tangible business results and give examples succinctly and concisely. Practice with mentors and coaches who can help you think through your strengths and how to best showcase everything you have accomplished in your role. This will help you come across as being prepared, confident and impactful. - Rohini Shankar, Nations Benefits
10. Remember That A Professional Image Is VitalJob candidates must utilize their skill set to appear confident, sincere and genuine at the same time. Regardless of position, a professional image is vital; remember that a human connection is the most potent form of modern communication. It is crucial to demonstrate your operational competencies, how you can add value to the business and potential leadership qualities. - Dr. Nara Ringrose, Cyclife Aquila Nuclear
11. Make Sure To Feel The Best Version Of YourselfBe sure to dress like you would for any other interview. There is power in feeling the best version of yourself that comes with the investment in how you show up. - Jessica Wallen, Marten Law
12. Take Your Time And Describe Why You FitPrepare, prepare and then prepare. Take your time and think about what they would want to know about you. Make it fun, engaging, confident and energetic. Tell them why you and differentiate yourself; why their company and show them you did the research about their leaders, products and results. Demonstrate your skills, creativity, agility and adaptability. Watch and re-record until perfect. - Gordon Pelosse, CompTIA, the Computing Technology Industry Association
13. Do Your Research On The OrganizationPractice, practice, practice! Do your research on the organization so you understand what is important to them. LinkedIn Insights is great for this. Review the company's vision, mission and value statements and then compare how they align with yours. Do a few practice runs on camera so that when the real interview is taking place you are focusing on what you want to share versus feeling nervous. - Oksana Lukash, Avid Bioservices
14. Show Off Your Character And PersonalityRemember that there will still be a person on the other end, even if you can't see them at the time. Be as natural as possible—present the real you. Bring your passion, and be animated. In the end, the interviewer will consider the content of your answers, but if they feel like they are getting a sense of your character and personality as well, that can go a very long way. - Sanja Licina, QuestionPro
15. Record A Rehearsal If PossibleRehearse before the interview is recorded and record the rehearsal if possible. Candidates are sometimes only given one opportunity to record a response, so it is important to be prepared with an outline of what they are going to say. Recording the response can also help candidates see how their body language or facial expressions could impact how they will be viewed by the recruiter. - Niki Jorgensen, Insperity
16. Create An Interview Space That Brings You PeaceBeyond preparation, I like to think of virtual interviews as an opportunity to make an intimidating situation more comfortable. I’m an introvert, so being in a space that’s my own feeds my energy. Outside the view of the screen, create a setup that brings you joy and peace. This will soothe your nerves. - Ursula Mead, InHerSight
17. Ensure Your Tech Is Working And Your Space Is ReadyEnsure that you are set up to record a video interview. This includes ensuring your technology is working, the space you are in works for an interview and that you are ready to record the interview. Review the posting for the position to ensure you know what you are interviewing for and quickly refresh on what the company does. Take some deep breaths to calm yourself before you start. - Amy Casciotti, TechSmith Corporation
18. Visualize Someone Behind The ScreenPretend you are talking to someone else. If you visualize someone behind the screen, it will be easier to feel like you are having a conversation with someone else as opposed to a blank screen. This is not the most comfortable interview setup, so you want to ensure the situation is as comfortable as it can be for you. You want the answers to flow like you are having a conversation. - Erin ImHof, CertiK
19. Know Your Audience And Market YourselfKnow your audience. Study the intangibles of the company. For example, dress code is an easy one. Use the psychology of marketing. You are marketing yourself. It is easy to Google types of subliminal messaging. As the Bard said, "All the world's a stage." Get to rehearsal, wardrobe, learn your lines and action. - Patricia Sharkey, Sharkey HR Consulting, LLC
20. Wear What You Would Wear For An In-Person InterviewDress the part! Even if it’s just a video interview, wear what you would wear to an in-person interview. It’s professional and a confidence booster! - Britton Bloch, Navy Federal.
Source: https: forbes.com
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