How To Do A One Way Video Interview

Why Hiring Managers Should Avoid One

Theres no denying that technology has improved hiring for both businesses and candidates alike. An applicant tracking system eliminates our spreadsheets and clogged email boxes. Video tools like Zoom or Google Hangouts make remotely interviewing easy, especially in the context of a global pandemic. All in all, these tools have made connecting businesses and job seekers easier.

But hiring technology also needs to revolve around a constant dialogue: how do we automate processes and save time without sacrificing the key to finding the right people for our teams? In other words: How do we keep hiring human?

Its crucial for hiring managers to evaluate your hiring technology and processes so they not only remove administrative and manual work, but foster more connection with candidates, not less. Hiring software should help surface high potential candidates without serving unconscious bias and poor candidate experiences.

As the Director of HR for CareerPlug and a user of our own hiring software, I have real fear about hiring technology trends that appear to widen the rift between companies and candidates with more automated, impersonal, and even dehumanizing interactions.

One of the most troubling trends Ive seen is the rise of the one-way video interview.

Where Do You See Yourself In Five Years

This is one of the tougher typical interview questions youll face, but answering doesnt have to be difficult. First thing to realize- you dont have to really know where youll be in five years. Who does, really?

You just have to show that youve thought about it. You need to seem goal-oriented, and like you care about your career.

And then you need to make sure that what you say fits with the job youre interviewing for. Its going to kill your chances of getting hired if you say your five year goal is something unrelated to the job youre interviewing for.

Why would they hire you if this job is taking you AWAY from your goals? Theyll be worried youll hate it and leave within the first year.

Finally, make sure you pick a goal thats slightly ambitious! Dont say you hope to doing the same thing in five years. If you want to get hired youre going to have to convince them youre motivated to learn and advance. Whether or not its true, you need to talk the talk.

When Should You Use One

Anyone can use one-way video interviews, but they will be especially helpful if your company does the following:

• Uses a lengthy interview process. Using one-way video interviews may help to reduce the steps in the hiring process. For example, you could replace a phone screening with a one-way video interview.
• Attracts a high number of qualified applicants. If youre hiring for a role that has attracted a lot of candidates or you need to hire several people , one-way interviews can help save a great deal of time because you wont have to go through each candidate separately. You simply get your candidates to record a one-way interview and review it at your leisure.
• Hires remote workers. If you’re hiring remote workers, it makes sense to find out how your candidates will communicate long distance via on demand interviews.
• Has a tight recruitment budget. One-way interviews help reduce the amount of travel to face-to-face interviews and save you time and money .

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Figure Out What The Interviewer Needs To Know

One way interviews are part of a larger application process that may involve your LinkedIn, resume, phone screen, or second in-person interview. Think about where in the recruiting process you are, and then prepare to show the recruiter something new. Is this a skills-based interview section, or a pre-screen before inviting you in person? What will a recruiter be looking for to move you to the next phase?

Question: Describe Or Tell Me About Yourself

Approach: including your most recent role and plans. Your answer will touch on your qualifications, duties, and overall experience with the job.

The goal is to prepare an opening statement that covers these matters briefly. If you have an existing spiel, fine tune it according to the position. And dont be afraid to mention a particular interest or passion if time allows.

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Maintain Eye Contact And Smile

HR staff want to see the same qualities from you as they would in a phone interview or face-to-face conversation, like charisma and professionalism. Pretend you can see the person on the other side talking to you, and make the same amount of eye contact as you would when talking to someone you can see, says business coach Stacy Caprio.

If you are not used to being in front of a camera, conveying authenticity can be a huge challenge, says body language expert and interview coach Patti Wood. Typically, when people communicate, they naturally adapt to each other to gain rapport, a process Wood describes as matching and mirroring. Wood says that learning how to match and mirror the actual recording softwarefor example, adapting to different image resolutions, time delays, and volumeis key to getting comfortable on camera. She suggests recording yourself with several different types of video interview software available online in preparation. Wood also recommends lifting your mood by playing upbeat music as you rehearse. Review your recording to see your own posture, body language, and level of eye contact.

What If I Dont Have A Webcam Can I Use My Phone

If you dont have access to a computer and webcam, you can conveniently complete your one-way interview by using your mobile device. Just simply download the Spark Hire mobile app and youre ready to go! The mobile app supports iOS or Android devices. You can also check out your local library for a computer to use for free to complete your interview.

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Have Your Interview Answers Ready

If you receive the questions in advance, you have received a fabulous opportunity to be well-prepared. Its like being handed the keys to the kingdom. Script out your answers in advance, remembering to tell clear and concise stories that are examples of your accomplishments.

If you dont receive the questions in advance, which is unfortunately more likely, be prepared to answer the standard job interview questions.

Focus on the challenges you faced, the actions you took, and the results you attained.

During the interview, have a copy of the job description and your resume or application available to reference if necessary.

Look At Sample Introductions

Although introducing yourself is rather straightforward, it can be a bit uncomfortable to do in an online interview. In addition to researching tips and advice regarding online interview introductions, it’s helpful to look at “introduce yourself” samples online, as well as examples of job interview videos. Read blogs, watch videos and listen to podcasts about the topic.

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Make Sure You Wont Have A Technology Fail

Nobody wants to go through the agonizing process of completing an interview only to have all your thoughtful responses go to waste.

While you might think its a given, double-check that your microphone and webcam on your computer are functioning correctly. If you have the option to complete a practice run in advance, take advantage of that opportunity.

Video interviewing is a modern, tech-savvy way to screen folks, but we receive many responses where we cannot see or hear the candidate, and sometimes both, says Jordan. It sounds silly, but take a few minutes to ensure all your technology is working properly.

How To Conduct An On Demand Video Interview

In the execution of a one-way interview, ensure that candidates have access to the right tools and platforms and they have all the instructions required to record the best on demand interview.

You can give them tips and advice for how to prepare for the one way video interview by telling them :

• Where to record the one-way interview. Let your applicants know that they should find a space with the least number of distractions as possible, somewhere with little to no noise and a neutral background.
• Remind them to remain professional. It may seem like a no-brainer, but remind them what to wear for their online video interview. If candidates aren’t used to one-way video interviews, they could become very casual when answering video interview questions from the comfort of their own homes.

When executing one-way interviews, be sure to set a deadline when applicants need to submit their responses. If they submit their video interviews later, you have to decide whether this automatically disqualifies them from going further.

You should determine who will be on the panel to review the video interview answers. The selection panel can include different people such as HR personnel, line managers and other hiring managers. Arrange a time for them to view the interviews as a group. Although this can be done on a one-on-one basis, its more likely that youll bounce ideas off each other when reviewed as a group.

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The Interviewee May Give False Impressions

Some interviewees may be excellent performers who can create a misleading impression. Some can craft the best answers that present them in the best light concerning the topics at hand.

On the other hand, some interviewees may perform poorly on camera and appear to be bad candidates when its just that the mode of delivery wasnt right for them. Just as there are distinct learning styles, there are different communication styles, and some people find it challenging to speak in front of a camera.

Running The Video Interview

Even though virtual meetings can inherently feel more casual, you still want to make a great first impression on your candidate. Here are a few best practices to ensure the candidate leaves with a great first impression of your company or client.

• Prepare your interview questions in advance, and jot down your interviewees answers to reference later. Make sure you read up on the candidate before the interview, and tailor at least a couple questions specifically to their strengths and experiences.
• Highlight company culture. Workplace culture is becoming more and more important, especially among younger candidates. Be sure to mention your companys core values, office structure and work-life balance.
• Invite other team members to the call. Its important to get a second opinion of a candidate before extending an offer. Double check your judgement by inviting some other team members to the video call.
• Dress appropriately. Even though you might not be in the office while conducting the interview, its still important to dress professionally.
• Be mindful of your body language, and make sure you give the candidate your full attention. Make eye contact, nod along as the candidate answers your questions, sit up straight and smile.

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What Questions Can I Expect During A One

Beyond logistics specific to the format, it’s important to consider the content of the interview itself. When it comes to general questions, this format won’t differ much from any other, but here are some general questions employers may ask you to record responses to:

• Tell us a little bit about yourself.

• Why are you interested in this role?

• Why are you interested in our company?

• What are you looking for in a job?

• What compensation are you looking for?

• How did you find this position?

• What are your career goals?

• Describe your current job responsibilities.

• What is your ideal management style?

• What motivates you?

• How do you manage your stress levels?

• Why should we hire you?

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Candidates Facing Technical Problems

Besides the inability to handle technology easily, there may be issues with internet connectivity and lousy audio or video quality that wont bode well for the candidate. For example, some candidates will have access to an environment with great lighting, excellent internet connectivity, and high-quality recording devices.

On the other hand, if a candidate doesnt have a computer to record on, they may have to use their phone and possibly deal with a poor internet connection. In this example, they may not have enough time to answer if their internet connectivity is fluctuating, or they may speak for the required time, but the device doesnt record everything. Someone could be an excellent candidate, but they may make a poor impression during a one-way video interview and lose the job.

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The Video Interview Process

• The company selects candidates for video interviews.
• Arrangements for an interview are scheduled.
• The company will provide instructions on how the interview will work.
• There will typically be 10 – 15 questions related to the job the company is hiring for.

Other than you’re not meeting the interviewer in-person, the interview process will be the same as an in-person interview. The interviewer’s objective is the same. You will be asked the same type of interview questions. Also, be prepared to ask questions, as well.

What’s most important is to consider this type of interview is just as important as if you were meeting the interviewer in their office. The value, for yourself as well as for the hiring manager, is equivalent, and interviewing successfully, however it takes place, is the key to getting hired.

How To Ace Your One

Youre most likely very familiar with the traditional job interview where you meet with a recruiter or hiring manager face-to-face in their office. Nowadays, companies are implementing video interviews into their hiring process to better and quickly connect with candidates. The one-way interview, in particular, is used by many Spark Hire customers for the early stage of their interview process.

Below are answers to questions that you may have about your one-way interview so you can fully prepare and ace it:

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Keep An Eye On The Clock

Most one-way video interviews only give you 60 or 90 seconds to answer the question. As such, you shouldnt deliver long-winded answers. Instead, focus on the clock in your practice and during the interview. Give succinct, to-the-point answers, and youll look like a much stronger candidate, even if youre introverted or camera-shy.

One-way interviews certainly have their advantages and disadvantages for employers. And while candidates may prefer more traditional interviewing methods, the one-way video appears poised to stick around. But by prepping for the interview and delivering well-thought-out answers, you can reach your overarching goal: a great job.

Do you have any tips for one-way video interviews? Connect with Virtual Vocations on , , and to share your advice. Wed love to hear from you!

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What Attracted You In This Job Position

You always want to give the candidates a chance to show you that they took the time to get to know your company and also to show you that they are prepared to perform the tasks that job you are hiring for requires, and this is the perfect question to do that. This question will also be a good way to assess their enthusiasm about your company and the job itself.

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How To Prepare For A One

In some respects, a one-way video interview is no different than a two-way video interview or even an in-person interview. So, treat it like any other interview! Review your resume, practice your answers, and prepare yourself as if you were going to an in-person interview. But to really shine in your one-way video interview, remember these tips.

Practice These 8 Video Interview Questions And Get Hired Faster

If you get confident with the 8 video interview questions and answers above, youll give yourself a great shot at acing your interview.

A video interview really isnt that different from any interview, but you need to be comfortable explaining to an employer why youre job hunting, what youre looking for, and why you want their specific job.

Also be ready to share past accomplishments, with real examples of what youve done for other employers.

Finally, make sure youre comfortable with the video format and your technology at home in general. For further help with this, we recommend our list of video interview tips.

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Have A Quiet Place To Take The One

Just like any other type of interview, youll want a quiet spot to set up shop. Any room in your home with a locking door is a bonus . In addition, you shouldnt have any distracting decor behind you. While you may love your theatrical release poster of Goodfellas, this can distract the hiring manager from your interview questions, as well as add an element of unprofessionalism. You may also want to shine a light toward your face so the reviewer can see your expressions and demeanor.

Never take a one-way video interview in a crowded place or public area. Not only is the noise distracting to the reviewer, but you may also find that distractions ruin your answers.

Widens The Candidate Pool

Often the limitation to interviewing candidates is the time recruiters have available to book them all in. When it comes to one way video interviewing, recruiters dont need to spend hours and hours selecting and screening candidates.

Candidates who are interested in the role can easily apply and record their video interviews online, without ever needing to schedule time with the recruiter directly.

This also enables candidates who live further away to easily apply and interview for the role without the travelling distance getting in the way. This makes the candidate pool for a job interview much wider.

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