A Pre-Recorded or One-Way interview, is an interview where the interviewer isn’t present, when the candidate answers pre-set questions concerning a specific job, using a link through which they can record their answers (usually within a completion deadline).
Employers are using this tool, rather than a phone interview, to decide if they are interested in having a candidate come for an in-person interview. They can also let staff be involved in the interview process, without having to coordinate schedules.
Tips for your One Way/Pre-Recorded interview:
Speak Clearly
Speak slowly and clearly. Speak loud enough that the interviewer can hear what you are saying.
Set the Stage
Make sure that the background of your video is a well-lit, professional, and clean space for your interview.
Dress for Success
Dress professionally, unless you are given other instructions, such as business casual.
Research
Research the company and practice answering interview questions (see possible questions below).
Follow instructions
Carefully read and follow the one-way interview instructions. This way, you will know how much time you have to think about your answer before recording and how many times you can rerecord it.
Find a quiet and private area
Find an area to record your one-way interview that will allow you to complete it without interruptions or distractions.
Recording – Make sure that your audio is on
If you are using a computer to complete your one-way, make sure to verify the microphone you are using before recording. Additionally, you should always play back your first recorded answer to make certain that your audio and webcam are working properly.
Recording – Make sure you see yourself on the screen
If you don’t see yourself on the screen when recording, that means your webcam isn’t properly connected or verified. Don’t make the mistake of continuing to record if this is the case.
Make a positive impression
A great thing about one-way interviews is that they’re convenient for both employers and job seekers. You can complete your one-way from anywhere via your mobile phone or from the comfort of your own home using a computer and webcam. However, you should still be professional and treat the one-way interview as if it were a traditional in-office interview. Be aware of your posture and make sure you are sitting up straight to show that you are confident and taking the interview seriously. The one-way interview is a chance to show your interpersonal skills, enthusiasm and desire for the position, which is not something you can put in a resume.
What to expect in a one-way interview
What is the format?
The interview questions will be presented to you in either text or video form.
Instructions
You can find instructions for your one-way interview on the landing page. When you start the interview, you will be told the number of questions, usually up to 10. They are presented one at a time, so you will have an opportunity to think about your response. The length of time to answer a question varies from 3 minutes to 30 seconds. You will have from 1 to unlimited attempts, to answer a question. However, you should aim for doing your best the first time. Do not get caught up trying to record perfect responses.
Devices
If you don’t have access to a computer and webcam, you can complete your one-way interview by using your mobile device by downloading the mobile app for iOS or Android devices. You can also check out your local library for a computer to use for free to complete your interview.
Possible Interview Questions
What do you know about our company?
Research the company by browsing their website, reading articles about them, and checking out their social media accounts to get an idea of their company culture and how it relates to your values and personality.
What are your strengths?
Answer with your strongest skills that allow you to perform the job you are interviewing for.
What are your weaknesses or areas need improvement?
Answer with an area you work on, but it should be something that you can say has never caused you a problem with doing your work.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years, or what are your career goals?
Your answer should include something that is possible with the company you are interviewing with, or they may get the feeling that you are not interested in them long term.
What is your ideal work environment?
Your answer should include what you know about their culture that relates to what is important to you.
Describe your work ethic.
Describe how important it is to you to complete all your work effectively and efficiently.
Tell me about yourself.
Prepare an answer that includes a combination of your strongest skills, accomplishments and experience that relates to the position you are interviewing for.
Why should we hire you?
Prepare an answer that emphasizes all the skills, experience and qualities that are emphasized in the requirements for the job and how you have what they are looking for.
What’s your greatest career accomplishment? or
Tell me about a time you went over and above to get a job done.
Think about what you have done that saved money, improved efficiency, or was above expectations (your accomplishments).
Tell me about a big mistake you made, how you dealt with it, and what you learned from the experience.
Prepare an answer of a mistake that you made or something that you work on, that did not affect your overall job performance. You do not want to give the hiring manager a reason to have concerns about your ability to perform the job you are interviewing for.
Why do you want this job?
Think about your answer. You will stand out with the hiring manager if you say something more than, “This job is a good growth opportunity.” Here is an example: “I want this job because it will give me the opportunity to build upon the experience that I have from supervising and training new hires, which I really enjoy, by moving into a supervisory role.”