A one-way video interview, often referred to as an asynchronous video interview, is a style of a job interview in which the applicant uses a platform for video recording to submit responses to pre-established interview questions. A standard in-person interview or a live video interview involves the candidate and the interviewer interacting in real time.

In a one-way video interview, the applicant often has a set amount of time to finish the process, during which they record their responses to questions that have been chosen in advance and provided by the hiring organization. The hiring committee or recruiters can afterward revisit the recorded video to assess the candidate’s responses at their convenience. Companies are using one-way video interview software more frequently since they are affordable and save both the hiring team and the candidate time. Also, they speed up the hiring process by enabling recruiters to quickly screen and assess a huge number of applicants.

Fortunately, there are several things you can do to differentiate your interview from the competition. The first step towards success is realizing that a one-way video interview can really benefit your application. Follow these instructions to ace your upcoming one-way video interview.

1. Preparation for your one-way interview

Take attention to the background, lighting, posture, and noise level. Locate a pleasant, well-lit area with a plain background. The finest backdrops are a simple wall, a screen, or a bookshelf (but check that nothing strange is behind you). Experts advise keeping at least two feet between you and the background. That area can lessen the shadow and improve the brightness. You can record your replies using the camera on your phone if you don’t have a webcam. Regardless of the device, make sure you test the microphone and camera angle first.

2. Practice your responses before a one-way video interview.

The greatest pre-recorded interview answers are condensed and well-prepared, even if there are no restrictions on the length of your responses. Given that you only have a brief window in each video interview to record your response, think carefully before you speak.

You should avoid over-rehearsing while using one-way movies because there is a hidden risk. If you overthink your response, it may come across as robotic and static. Memorizing your responses for video interviews would only make it harder to demonstrate your personality, which is already a challenge. You can predict some of the most typical interview questions and plan for them even if you aren’t given the questions in advance.

3. Follow the due date.

Usually, you’ll have a few days or more to finish the one-way video interview. This implies that you can pick a moment when there are no distractions and it fits you. It is advised that you strive to finish and submit your interview as soon as you can before the due date in order to make a good first impression. If you wait until the last minute, there’s a chance that technological issues or unforeseen circumstances will ruin your chance to finish it, and you’ll lose out completely.

4. Check the time constraints before you begin recording a response to a question.

Be aware that you might need to make changes in order to stay within the time limit if you have prepared a response for a question that takes 10 minutes but only gives you 5 minutes to do so. Nothing is more frustrating than having almost finished presenting your greatest argument or most crucial information just to have the time limit expire. Depending on how much information you have, adjust your points and the sequence in which you will present your responses.

5. Have a stable internet connection

The danger is that the timer will expire, your recording will be lost, and you won’t have the chance to respond to the question before it is too late. To prevent this, check your internet connection before beginning the interview, and if possible, request that other people in your home or office refrain from using the internet for the roughly 10 minutes it will take you to finish your one-way video interview. Close all other programs and browser windows on your smartphone as well.

6. Keep your eyes focused on the camera.

Even though it might seem strange to keep your eyes fixed on a camera for a while, this is crucial. You come out as unprepared and unprofessional if you are continuously glancing around the room you’re in, out the window, or like you’re reading from a script. Make sure you are continuously gazing at the camera to prevent giving the impression that you are unfocused or preoccupied.