With the coronavirus impacting face-to-face meetings, video interviews have been on the rise. But what is a one-way interview? In this article, we take a look at why this particular form of video interview has cropped up. We highlight the benefits and pitfalls for the interviewer and the interviewee. And we also cover top tips for a one-way video job interview.

What is a One-Way Video Interview?

This is when an employer or hiring manager asks a candidate to answer questions over video. The interviewee can be asked to participate in a one-sided online video session. Or they are asked to pre-record a video of them answering the questions.

What is the purpose? A one-way video interview is often used to see if the candidate meets the basic requirements. This type of starting interview can replace or supplement commonplace phone interviews. What are the pros and cons?

For the employer, it gives them the chance to re-watch a video. They can also stop it at any moment and move onto the next one if they feel that a candidate is not the right fit. This improves efficiency in candidate screening and also reduces wasted time.

For the candidate, there can be the opportunity to review their answers. Before submitting they could also possibly re-record the video session. This depends on the specific details of the interview request from the employer. But this limits building a connection with the hiring manager through conversation.

6 Keys to Master the One-Way Video Job Interview

If you are a novice to the one-way interview, there are steps you can follow and take into account in advance. These are the things you should bear in mind:

1. Instructions

Carefully read the details from the employer on how to execute the one-way interview for them. They may provide you with an online platform where you need to login instead to record the interview. You want to show that you are methodological and think things through. You do not want to be disqualified before the one-way interview even starts.

2. Deadline

If the interview is requested to be pre-recorded, send your video in earlier than the deadline. This will show proactiveness and that you do not leave things to the last minute. The hiring manager could also let you choose several times of the day to do the one-way video interview. Then they send you a link in advance for you to do so.

3. Platform

There may be a URL link to join an online video recording session provided by the employer. To do so, there may also be additional details, such as a login username and password to get onto the platform. Make sure you have these on standby ready to use for the scheduled time of your one-way video interview.

4. Device

You want the video to have the best quality, so use your computer where at all possible. The last resort should be your smartphone unless specified by the employer. Test your camera and microphone for sound levels in advance. You want to make sure the sound and visuals are seen clearly. Also, check your internet connection. A perfect answer will not make a difference if there is lagging or your sound is fuzzy.

5. Documents

Keep several documents with you on-the-ready. This includes your answers for the interview. You may have been lucky enough to have been given questions in advance. If not, prepare for the standard job interview questions. Do not forget a copy of the job description and your resume or curriculum vitae. You can refer to these at any time during the one-way video interview.

Top tip: Tackle on-the-spot the interview questions as if you are solving a problem. Talk about the challenges, the measurable actions you took, and the solution obtained.

6. Time

Bear in mind the time limit often provided by the interviewer. If the interview request is 20 minutes, make use of the full-time slot to sell yourself. Do not go over either. The employer or hiring manager at the other end would have carved out this time from their day to watch your video.

Top tip: Practice. This is so that you can manage to fit in everything you want to talk about and sound natural. If you are given interview questions in advance, this is even more applicable.

The Bottom Line

Fixate on what you can control, which is the answers in the one-way interview. There may not be another person interacting with you, but demonstrate that you know the job at hand. Present the best version of yourself with clear answers that show you are the right fit for the position.