Q&A One way video interviews

What are they and how do they work?

Q: What are one-way interviews?
If you haven't experienced a one-way interview before you may be a little confused by what a one-way interview is. Think of it like a questionnaire but in video format. You receive an invitation by email with questions to respond to. You will be given a certain amount of time to respond and usually you will have more than one chance to record. You will also be given a deadline to respond by. This is delivered with video interviewing software that activates your camera in your device or computer so when you respond to each question it submits it directly back to the employer through his software.

One way interviews are also referred to as pre-recorded interviews and on-demand interviews. What makes them different is that you are essentially recording your answers alone, talking to your camera, instead of an interviewer. However, the interviewer is reviewing them, just not live at the time you are recording them. So, you need to ensure that you present your responses professionally.
Q: Why are employers using one-way interviews?
This format provides a convenient way for you to respond at a time that works for you from the privacy of your home, as long as it is before the deadline. The interviewer can also conveniently review at a designated time. The format also ensures that every candidate receives the same questions with the same experience with no variation providing a structured and standardized interview. The interviewer can then rate each response using a consistent scoring method and share that with other hiring team members using the same scoring format. This is often used in higher volume hiring where there are many applicants, providing a more efficient method than a phone screen.
Q: At what stage can a candidate expect to be invited to a one-way video interview?
One way interviews are being used at many stages of the interview process as employers move to digital hiring workflows. You may be invited to participate in a one-way interview at the first stage when applying. This can be when applying at a career site, to a job ad or even when applying for University or other entry applications. The video interview is typically embedded as part of the application process where you will be asked to answer one or two questions in addition to uploading your resume. Employers are regularly using this to replace phone screens after they have reviewed your resume. In this case you would be invited to a one-way video interview after your resume has been reviewed and you have been selected to move forward. And finally you could see one-way video invitations later in the interview process with behavioral questions, or be invited to a live video interview, replacing face-to-face interviews.
Q: What do I need to know to prepare for a one-way interview?
You should prepare for a one-way interview the same way you would an in person interview. Make sure you have practiced and prepared answering questions succinctly and confidently. Refer to our popular interview question guide for more information on the kinds of questions you may be asked in a video interview. When accessing your video interview you will be asked to provide consent and then you want to look for things like the deadline, recording length, a preview question option and if you have more than one recording attempt. Another option that may be provided to you is to respond in audio or video at your option. Finally, make sure that you are in a professional, tidy environment and that you are dressed professionally. Remember that the interviewer will see what your camera sees. It is a good idea to ensure you have good lighting on your face, in front of you. Most interview software offers a tutorial to watch in advance with tips and the option to test your camera to ensure the video and audio is picking up properly. Finally, you can respond to your one-way video interview from a computer or from your mobile device. Look for a pop up that may appear to allow your camera to activate.