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Students searching for an internship or entry-level role can expect the hiring process to include a video interview. These types of asynchronous, one-way interviews have been on the rise since 2020, with 60 percent of human resource professionals saying they utilize these tools. This interview style differs from in-person interviews and requires their own set of tips to be successful. Here is everything you need to know for your next one-way interview.
Before the Interview
Prior to your virtual interview, you’ll want to practice common interview questions. The video interview will likely include behavioral questions such as “Tell me about yourself,” “How do you resolve conflict?” and “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”, along with other questions of that nature. You’ll want to have brief answers prepared and know how to deliver them using the STAR method.
If this is your first video interview, you can conduct a mock interview using AI. Using your preferred AI platform, write a prompt that includes instructions on how it should ask you questions, what types of questions it should ask, and whether to give feedback. You can also upload the job description and your resume to ensure the sample questions are tailored to the job you’re interviewing for. Afterward, ask it to give you feedback on your answers, and use the critique to perfect your responses before the real one takes place.
Before the interview starts, you’ll also want to make sure your surroundings are appropriate, your microphone is working, and the lighting is satisfactory. You don’t want to have a stellar interview just for muffled audio to ruin your chances. You should also dress professionally, just like you would for an in-person interview. Doing so will show that you take this interview just as seriously as any other.
During the Interview
Even though there isn’t another person on the other side of the screen, you want to approach this interview as if there were. This includes maintaining eye contact and looking at the camera instead of yourself on the screen.
Depending on the specific platform used, you’ll likely be given a time limit for each question. This includes approximately 30 seconds of “think time” once the question has been asked, and your answer itself will usually need to be somewhere between one and three minutes long. As you’re answering questions, be mindful of how long you’re taking. Only include the most important information to ensure you don’t go over the time limit. You don’t need to use the entire time allotment, but you can’t use any more than what’s allowed.
Just as you match keywords on your resume, you’ll want to include specific keywords relevant to the job description in your answers. This is because some employers have an AI tool that scans the interview transcript for these words before a human reviews the footage. This is dependent on the specific employer, but using the right keywords as you answer can be beneficial regardless.
After the Interview
Once the interview is complete, you’ll want to ensure the video is saved and was submitted properly. If you don’t receive a confirmation pop-up on the screen or a confirmation email, check your spam folder or reach out to the hiring manager to ensure it was submitted correctly.
Just like you would with any other interview, once the video is submitted, send a short thank-you email to the hiring manager. Express your gratitude for being given the opportunity to complete the interview, and mention that you look forward to hearing from them.
One-way interviews can feel odd at first, but with these tips, you’ll be a pro in no time.
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