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20 Tips for One-Way Video Interview (2023 Guide)

tips for one way video interview

So, you finally got the call for that job interview. Congratulations! 

But before you start celebrating, there are a few things you need to do to prepare. First, make sure you know what type of interview it will be. Will it be in-person, or will you be participating through video? If it’s the latter, don’t worry – you can still ace the interview even if you are not in the same room as the interviewer.

Just follow these 20 Tips for One-Way Video Interview, and you’ll be ready to go.

What Is A One-Way Video Interview?

A one-way video interview is an interview that is conducted virtually through video conferencing software such as Skype or Zoom. In this type of interview, the applicant will answer prewritten questions that are recorded in advance. The interviewer will then watch the recording and evaluate the candidate based on their answers.

Why Do Companies Use Them?

There are a few reasons why companies might choose to use a one-way video interview. First, it saves time. The interviewer can watch the recording at their convenience rather than having to schedule a time that works for both parties. 

Second, it’s a great way to screen candidates. The interviewer can get a sense of the candidate’s personality and communication skills without having to meet them in person.

Are There Any Benefits for Me?

Yes, there are benefits for you as the interviewee. First of all, you can take your time to think through your answers (if there is no timer, and you can prerecord!). You don’t have to worry about being put on the spot and giving a spontaneous answer that you might later regret.

 Second, you can prepare your answers in advance. This means you can take the time to think about what the interviewer is looking for and how you can best answer the question. You do not have to travel, so it saves you time and money. You also will not have to worry about being nervous in front of the interviewer because you are in the comfort of your own home. 

20 Tips For One-Way Video Interviews

Now that you know what to expect, here are 20 tips to help you ace your one-way video interview.

1 Do your research

Do your research

Before the interview, make sure you research the company and the position you’re applying for. This will not only give you a better understanding of what the interviewer is looking for, but it will also help you formulate your answers. If you are asked about the company’s history or competitors, you will be able to answer with ease!

2 Dress the part

Even though the interviewer won’t be able to see you, you must dress as if you’re going to an in-person interview. This will help you get into the right mindset and give off a professional impression. Make sure to put on both a professional top and bottom to avoid any mishaps!

3 Make sure you have a good internet connection

Nothing is more frustrating than having your video call drop in the middle of an interview. Before the interview, test your internet connection to make sure there are no issues. You don’t want technical difficulties to ruin your chances of getting the job.

4 Choose a quiet location

You’ll want to find a quiet location for your interview so that the interviewer can hear you clearly. If you’re in a place with a lot of background noise, it will be distracting and make it difficult for the interviewer to focus on your answers.

5 Check your background

Before you start the interview, take a look at your surroundings, and make sure there’s nothing in the background that could be distracting or offensive. You don’t want them to be distracted by a messy room or anything else that could take away from your answers.

6 Look into the camera

When you’re answering the questions, be sure to look into the camera so that the interviewer can see your face. This will help create a connection and make it feel like you’re having a conversation rather than just reading off of a script.

7 Smile

Smile

Smiling is a fantastic way to exude confidence and create a rapport with the interviewer. Even though they can’t see you, they’ll be able to hear the smile in your voice. Smiling can benefit you as well; it has been shown to lower stress levels and improve your mood.

8 Test Your Equipment

Make sure your microphone and camera are working properly before the interview starts. You don’t want the interviewer to be unable to hear or see you. You can assess your equipment by doing a test call with a friend or family member.

9 Mind Your Body Language

Even though you can’t see the interviewer, it’s important to be aware of your body language. Sit up straight and avoid fidgeting, as this will make you appear nervous. Body language experts say that maintaining eye contact is also important, even if you’re just looking into the camera.

10 Speak Clearly

When you’re answering the questions, be sure to speak slowly and clearly. This will help ensure that the interviewer can understand you and that your answers are concise. Also, use natural language and avoid using industry jargon that the interviewer may not be familiar with.

11 Take Your Time

You don’t need to rush your answers. Take your time to think about each question and formulate a thoughtful response. The interviewer will appreciate your thoughtfulness. It can also help you speak more clearly when you know where you’re going with your answer. However, do be careful in timed interviews and keep a clock nearby to ensure you stay within the allotted time.

12 Don’t ramble

It’s important to be concise in your answers. The interviewer doesn’t want to hear you ramble on for minutes on end. Stick to the point and make sure your answer is relevant to the question.

13 Prepare for common interview questions

Prepare for common interview questions

Although the questions will be specific to the position you’re applying for, there are some common interview questions that you can prepare for. Practice your answers to these questions so that you can feel confident and comfortable during the interview. You can also check online for interview questions that have been asked previously for the position you’re applying for.

14 Don’t Be Afraid to Take a Break

If you need a moment to think about an answer, don’t be afraid to take a brief break. This will allow you to gather your thoughts and come up with a well-thought-out response. Some interview formats may have a timer for each question, so be aware of this and take your time accordingly.

15 Don’t Overthink Your Answers

That being said, it’s also important to be confident in your answers and not to overthink them. If you start second-guessing yourself, it will show in your answers. Just relax and be yourself. 

16 Be Enthusiastic

Your energy and enthusiasm will come across in your answers. The interviewer wants to see that you’re excited about the job and that you would be a good fit for the company. People want to be surrounded by positive, enthusiastic people, so make sure you come across as someone who would be a joy to work with.

17 Sell Yourself

This is your chance to sell yourself to the interviewer and convince them that you’re the best candidate for the job. Highlight your skills and experience that make you the perfect fit for the position. Remember you were selected because the interviewer believes you have the potential to be a great employee, so now is your chance to show them what you can do.

18 Be Honest

Don’t try to embellish your answers or pretend to be someone you’re not. The interviewer will see through this, and it will damage your credibility. Be honest about your qualifications and let your personality shine through. 

19 Wrap Up Strong

End the interview on a strong note by expressing your interest in the job and thanking the interviewer for their time. This will leave a positive impression and increase your chances of getting the job. If there is not a section for doing this in the interview format, you can always pop it in at the end of the last question.

20 Follow Up

After the interview, be sure to send a thank-you note or email to the interviewer. This shows that you’re grateful for the opportunity and that you’re still interested in the job. Following up is a wonderful way to make sure you’re top of mind when the hiring decision is made.

An example of a good follow-up email would be:

Dear Mr./Mrs. Smith,

Thank you so much for selecting me for an interview for the XYZ position. I enjoyed participating in the interview, and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn more about the job.

I am confident that my skills and experience make me the perfect candidate for the job, and I would be proud to join the XYZ team. I look forward to hearing from you soon about the next steps in the process.

Thank you again for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

John Doe.

Things To Be Aware Of For Your Interview

Style of interview

Style of interview

There are distinct types of one-way interviews; for example, some will let you rerecord your answer if you make a mistake, while others will not. Some will have a time limit for each question; others will not. It is important to be aware of the style of the interview so that you can prepare accordingly.

Topics of questions

The interviewer will likely ask you behavioral questions that explore how you have managed situations in the past. They may also ask you about your qualifications and why you are interested in the job. Try looking up some example questions and scripting answers for them.

Technical difficulties

With any video call, there is always the potential for technical difficulties. Be prepared for this by having a backup plan in place. For example, you could have your answers saved on your computer so that you can refer to them if the call is disconnected.

What Equipment Will I Need?

In order to do a one-way video interview, you will need a few things:

  • Computer: you don’t need the latest model but make sure your computer is working well enough to handle a video call.
  • Webcam: most laptops come with a built-in webcam, but if yours doesn’t, you’ll need to buy an external one.
  • Microphone: again, most laptops come with a built-in microphone, but if yours doesn’t, you’ll need to buy one. As an alternative, a lot of headphones will come with a microphone built-in; it might benefit you to use headphones even if your laptop has a microphone.
  • Lighting: If you want to look good on camera, consider a ring light which will help to reduce the appearance of shadows.

Still Don’t Feel Quite Prepared? 

Not to worry, we’ll start with our One Way Interview Guide to help you fully prepare, along with the Top Pre Screening Interview Questions For CandidatesThe Hardest Interview Questions, and the most common Final Interview Questions you’re likely to be asked.

Next, our interview guides cover a variety of industries, as you can see with our most common Burger King Interview Questions and McDonalds Interview Questions, or how about our Investment Banker Interview QuestionsMichaels Interview Questions, or even the top Fashion Designer Interview Questions you might be asked in 2023.

For your retail jobs, check out our most frequently asked Costco Interview QuestionsIkea Interview QuestionsWalgreens Interview Questions, and finally, the Best Buy Interview Questions.

Tips for One-Way Video Interview – Final Thoughts

One-way video interviews are becoming increasingly popular as they provide employers with a convenient and efficient way to screen candidates. If you’re preparing, keep the tips in this One-Way Video Interview Guide in mind to make sure you ace it. 

Wishing you the best of luck in your next Interview!

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