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Are you ready for your next virtual job interview?

A woman in formal attire in front of a laptop in a bright room

The job market is going more and more virtual because of COVID-19, so that means in some cases you'll be asked to do a one-way interview for pre-screening.

Instead of a live interview, you'll be asked to record a video of yourself answering questions that hiring managers will watch later.

An impactful one-way interview will help you get called back for the next round!

Prepare

Once you submit your job application and you're short listed, the recruiter will email you a link to record your interview.

Don't rush into recording the interview right away!

Preparation before recording your interview will go a long way in sending an impactful recorded interview.

Know the recruitment platform

The recruiter will send you the link to the interview platform, where you'll be required to record your answers.

Go through the tutorial on the website of the platform (YouTube has many tutorial videos to help you know what to expect).

Top video interviewing tools: Hire vue, vidcruiter, interviewstream

Check system requirements

Check the following system requirements supported by the recruitment platform:

  • Camera resolution

  • Sound (mic and speakers)

  • Internet speed

  • Laptop/ PC power

    A grown man crying. Overlay caption reads: SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS, NOT MET...

Quiz

Kevin is confident that he can record his interview right away. What will you advise him?

Did you know?

Most interview platforms allow up to two attempts for recorded interviews, so use your attempts mindfully.

Set Up

  • Use a laptop or PC instead of a cellphone.

  • Have the camera at your eye level (use a box or a stack of books if needed).

  • Place yourself an arm's length away from the camera.

  • Put your phone on "do not disturb" mode.

  • Set up a hotspot on your computer from your cellphone as a backup internet connection.

  • Have uniform lighting from all angles. Consider investing in a ring light.

Illustration of workspace objects

Rehearse

Overlay caption reads: REHEARSAL ONE DOES NOT SIMPLY WALK IN WITHOUT PRACTICING!

Rehearsal will help you get comfortable with sufficient practice. Record yourself in front of the camera answering these commonly asked questions:

  • Tell us about yourself.

  • Where do you see yourself professionally in five years?

  • Why did you apply for this position?

  • What are your strengths and weaknesses?

  • Why should we hire you?

Make sure you have professional body language:

  • Look directly at the camera.

  • Minimize gestures and avoid folding your arms.

  • Keep your posture as straight as comfortably possible.

Peer Review

Show your recording to a friend or a family member who can give you honest feedback to help you improve.

Rehearse and record again using the feedback from your reviewer. Ask your reviewer if they see improvement.

Yoda looking innocently. Underlying text: Peer review this can you please?

Things That Can Go Wrong

Murphy's Law states: "Anything that can go wrong will go wrong," so take care of any potential disruptions before you start recording your final interview.

Screen Background

Have a clean and tidy background or use virtual background.

A man with awkward virtual background with himself sucking on a straw from a juice box.

Noise and Disruption

If you live with pets and/or roommates: send your pet outside the room and ask your roommates to keep the noise level to a minimum.

Underlying text: Complains about you watching TV at night. Loudly bangs dishes for two hours every morning starting at 7:30am

Take Action

You're ready to record your interview. Be confident and sail through!

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License:

This Byte has been authored by

SP

Sara Pirani

Engineer, educator, life long learner

English

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