For those of you who get nervous when put on the spot, the one-way interview is a godsend- and I’ll tell you why. Think about the things you wish you could change in an on-the-spot phone interview. Chances are ‘I wish I had the questions ahead of time’ and ‘I wish I could have planned out my answers more’ crossed your mind at least once. With a one-way video interview you won’t have those problems as long as you take advantage of the extra time you have.
A one-way video interview is set up when the interviewer emails you a list of interview questions and expects an answer from you in video format. One-way video interviews, or asynchronous interviews, are likely going to pick up much more steam as HR pros realize how much time they are wasting on phone interviews. Not only is it much more professional and personable, it shows you are up to speed with current tech trends if you participate.
Now, onto handling the one-way video interview. The first step is preparing for it. Since you have a set deadline for when you need to respond to the interviewer, make sure to plan out when you are going to research, practice and finally record the interview. Video interviews can be a great tool for job seekers as long as they take advantage of everything they have to offer. So with your extra time, start preparing by researching the company so you can give great answers to the interview questions. Look up the website, read their history, blog, and forums to see exactly what it is they do. Find news articles online about projects they have worked on, be they successes or failures. This is something job seekers should already be doing. Mention the successes in your answers, but be aware of the failures.
Next is planning out your answers. The STAR method of answering questions is a guaranteed way to successfully answer interview questions and should be the format for every applicable response. Make sure your responses are clear, concise and you don’t ramble; you’ve had plenty of time to plan this out and the employer expects sharp answers from job seekers. Plan out your answers so that they incorporate your applicable experience, examples of moral fiber, and goals and motivation for wanting the job. It’s a sure-fire formula that is easy to follow with the right amount of preparation.
Now that you’re done practicing it is time to film your responses. First off, make sure you have adequate lighting and are dressed professionally. Shave, shower and get a haircut if you need to, and wear appropriate clothing. Give about five seconds of time before talking and five seconds after talking so there is no cut-off. Make sure to include these three topics in as many interview questions as you can: information from company research, examples of moral fiber, and your goals and motivation for wanting the job.
When you are finished with the last of the interview questions, make sure to thank your interviewer at the very end of the video. Employers want job seekers who are grateful for the opportunity given to them. So good luck and start recording!
Job seekers: have you completed a one-way video interview before? Tell us about it in the comments section below!
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