Guide For One Way Interviews With Everything You Need to Know

One Way Interviews Guide

It is common for applicants to undergo a pre-screening process before getting scheduled for an interview. While using phones to do preliminary interviews is common, it needs companies to have a team of people.

Thus, with the increase in technology, organizations are going for automated pre-screening methods. One way interview or one-way video interview is one such method.

Understanding the one way interviews and knowing how to crack them will definitely help you to move one step ahead in the recruitment/ hiring process.

So, without further ado, let’s learn what is a one way video interview.

 

What is a One Way Interview?

The one-way interview is also known as a pre-recorded interview, asynchronous interview, digital interview, or virtual interview. 

Here, you have to record your responses to shortlisted questions with text, video, or audio. The interview is conducted through a website or internet-enabled devices using digital interviewing software. 

Let’s understand how the interview process goes.

Interview Process:

First, the recruiter creates and records the interview questions in text, video, or audio format. Sometimes, they even prepare coding challenges and sample scenarios. Next, they invite the candidates for the interview through email. Usually, they will specify a time period before which you need to complete it.

Now, you have to open the link. Read the questions and answer them while recording your responses using a phone camera, webcam, or another device that has the capability to gather audio and/ or video.

Finally, HR will review your responses and decides whether to proceed with the face-to-face interview or not.

Overall, one way video interviews help employers to perform pre-screening in an automated manner.

61% of companies use one way video interviews
Source – hr-brew.com

Also, read – 12 Proven Tips to Get Better At Job Interviews

 

Why Do Employers Use One way Video Interviewing Method?

It offers many distinct advantages when compared to traditional preliminary interviews.

1) Scheduling

Scheduling interviews becomes easier as HR doesn’t have to think about who is available and when. They can just send access to recorded questions to the candidates. And you can answer them at your convenience but within the specified time period. 

Moreover, the HR department can review your responses at their leisure.

2) Assess Technological Skills

If the job requires you to handle systems and software applications, then the one-way interview is the way through which a recruiter can test your abilities. Because

  1. The one-way interview process itself requires you to operate certain software applications.
  2. HR has the authority to record the audio and video while you answer your preliminary interview questions.

In the end, by evaluating the recorded preliminary interview, recruiters can assess your technological skills.

3) Widens Candidate’s Pool

Since there is no need for you to reach a company for an interview, you can also apply for the job even when you live a long distance. This increases the company’s chance of getting the best candidate for the job.

Also, read – Steps to Write a Cold Email For a Job

 

How to Proceed With One Way Interviews?

The following steps will help you in proceeding with the one-way video interviews easily.

#1 Read the Instructions Thoroughly

Almost all jobs require you to follow certain instructions. Hence, if you send a response that is not as per the given instructions, the recruiter will not feel confident enough to proceed further.

Therefore, you should always read the provided information thoroughly. And, ensure that you understand exactly what you are being asked to do.

For instance, some employers want the recorded video to have a specific name and in a particular format. Make sure to adhere to them.

#2 Choose the Recording Space

Even though it is a one-way interview, you should attend it in a noise-free environment with good lighting

  • Find a space with a clean background such as a bookshelf or a wall. 
  • You may clear your curtains to have natural light. 
  • But do not open the windows and doors as there should be no background noise that will distract the employers. Plus, with noise, they may not be able to clearly hear what you are saying.

Choose a distraction-free space where the focus can be entirely on you.

#3 Use the Right Equipment

Generally, most laptops come with webcams and mics through which you can record video and audio. However, the quality of those recordings usually is not great.

If you want to stand out from the crowd, use better recording equipment. But this is not necessary unless you are applying for media-related roles. Usually, most employers understand even if you use your mobile phones or laptops. 

In case you still want to make a good impression, instead of buying equipment, you can use certain software applications to make the quality of your recordings better.

#4 Practice Your Responses

Practicing your responses helps in not making too many mistakes. Plus, you will be able to answer the questions in your natural tone

Actually, just repeating your noted answers may sound too crude. So, when recording, pretend that you are talking with HR directly to deliver your responses better and in a conversational way.

Another benefit of practicing is that you can test out your equipment and any software applications you will be using. Practice a session while imaging it as your actual interview to ensure that your equipment and software functionality is good and there are no errors or any other issues.

Once you are satisfied with your response, start the actual one way video interview.

#5 Meet The Deadline

Submit before deadline

Note that sometimes you are allowed to re-record your response but it is not always the case. Also, in most scenarios, there will be limited time for you to answer questions. So, know how the process works before you start by reading the instructions carefully. 

Keeping in mind all these things including the time it takes for your practice and recording, plan your schedule well. By sticking to it, you can make sure that you submit your answers within the specified time period.

Remember that in case you miss the deadline, there is a chance that the recruiter may not even look at your responses.

Also, read – 11 Common Remote Job Questions Asked In Interviews

 

Tips to Ace One Way Video Interviews

1) Stay on Time Limit

As said earlier, many one-way interviews have a time limit for answering questions. Such interviews display a timer on the screen for your convenience. Hence, keep an eye on it to not waste too much time while answering a question.

2) Maintain Eye Contact

Similar to how you’d maintain eye contact with an employer in a face-to-face interview, here too you should look at the camera

Most of the time when recording, you watch yourself on the screen. When you do this, it may seem like you are looking at something off-camera. It may give an impression that you are distracted or worse, cheating on the test.

We understand that staring at the camera may seem weird or awkward at first. But with practice, you can get used to it.

3) Dress Professionally

To relay that you are taking this opportunity seriously, dress the way you dress for a face-to-face interview

Don’t think that since only the top part of your body is visible, I can wear comfortable clothes waist down. You can never know what happens. There is a chance that when you move just a bit your unprofessional dress may get recorded. It will be worse in scenarios where the one-way interview doesn’t allow re-recording.

To not take any chance of getting a rejection, dress professionally from head to toe. Further, it can help you to get into the mindset of doing an actual physical interview.

4) Be Confident

Whether it is a face-to-face or one-way interview, you should always be confident. If you are not confident that you can do the job, how can a recruiter trust you? Therefore, to relay that you are better suited for the job, you should sound confident

To show it, keep a smile on your face and maintain eye contact with the camera, and make it seem like you are having a conversation with the interviewer.

One-way interview expected questions

Also, read – 10 Companies Providing 4 Day Work Week Jobs

 

Last Words

Do you know big companies such as Google, Apple, Twitter, and many more are using one-way video interviews as a part of their hiring process?

Even though a one-way interview method may seem relatively new to you, it is not difficult to crack. Just practice more to sound natural and confident. Follow the steps and tips mentioned above to perform better in your preliminary interview.

After completing your preparation, you can apply for the jobs by visiting HomeJobsHub. They have a variety of remote jobs from different industries. Just sign up and their AI will inform you of new job postings matching your skills and requirements. So, you can apply for them easily.

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