One-Way Video Interviews: Cringe to Confidence

A new interview trend is here to stay: one-way video interviews. For many, they’ve become an essential part of the hiring process, but let’s be honest, they aren’t always the most pleasant experience.

One-way interviews, also called asynchronous interviews, are a screening tool where candidates record responses to pre-set questions without an interviewer present. These interviews let candidates respond at their convenience, and generally, you don’t get to see the questions ahead of time.?

More and more companies are using one-way video interviews to streamline their hiring process. They send a set of pre-recorded questions, and you get one take, with a limited time (usually 1-2 minutes) to answer each.?

But why has this method gained so much traction, and more importantly, how can you make the best of it?

Why Companies Like One-Way Video Interviews

1. Efficiency: One-way interviews save hiring managers time. Instead of coordinating schedules and spending hours in back-to-back interviews, companies can send out a link, receive video responses, and review them at their convenience. It's a great way to screen a large volume of candidates quickly without the logistical headaches of scheduling.

2. Consistency: Every candidate gets the same set of questions and the same amount of time to answer, theoretically creating an equal playing field. The company can then compare responses without bias from interviewer reactions or varying interview conditions.

3. Cost Savings: Companies save on labor and resources by eliminating the need for live interviewers in the early stages. They can also extend their search beyond local candidates, as geography no longer limits the pool of potential hires.

Why Candidates May Find It Less Than Ideal

1. Lack of Human Interaction: Normally, in an interview, you’d have the chance to read the interviewer’s body language, adjust your answers based on their reactions, or even ask clarifying questions. In one-way interviews, it’s just you and the camera. It feels impersonal and doesn’t allow you to engage in a back-and-forth conversation, which can be a significant disadvantage.

2. One-Take Pressure: Unlike traditional interviews, where a slip-up can be corrected with a laugh or a quick recovery, one-way interviews are unforgiving. If you stumble over a word or get nervous, that’s it—you’re stuck with that response. And if you experience technical difficulties like a mic that cuts out or your video freezing, it gets sent through anyway.?

3. Passing this interview doesn't mean you get the job: It just means you've passed the initial screening, and now there's more to come. Here’s a key point—these one-way interviews are usually just a screening tool. They aren't meant to test your expertise or character entirely but to see if you can communicate clearly and concisely.?

Companies want to know if you can present yourself confidently and get your points across quickly. If you pass this stage, the following interview, usually with a real person, will dive deeper into your experiences, test your character, and assess if you’re a good fit for the team. This initial screening just cuts through the noise, allowing recruiters to filter out candidates who may not have strong communication skills or can’t handle the pressure of a timed response.

4. Incomplete Evaluation of Soft Skills: In her article about the disadvantages of one-way interviews, Kiko Seals states that “One-way interviews primarily focus on technical proficiency and hard skills, often overlooking the critical evaluation of soft skills such as communication, teamwork, adaptability, and leadership. Organizations may fail to identify candidates who possess the necessary interpersonal skills vital for a cohesive and productive work environment.”

My Take on One-Way Video Interviews

I don’t hate this type of interview. It has some real advantages, especially for those nervous in traditional interview settings. You have time to prepare your answers, rehearse, and even refer to notes on your screen while recording. This makes it a bit easier, particularly for introverts or those with social anxiety, because you don’t have to worry about an interviewer judging your every move in real-time.

Plus, the first few questions are usually pretty standard—like “Tell me about yourself” or “Why are you interested in this role?”—which are easy to anticipate and prepare for, especially with an interview questions and answers guide. It's a more controlled environment without the pressure of someone sitting across from you. You get to focus solely on delivering your response clearly and concisely without worrying about any non-verbal cues from the other side. If talking to yourself on camera feels less stressful than a live interview, this can be an opportunity to showcase your skills with a little less anxiety.

How to Prepare for One-Way Video Interviews

These interviews aren’t going away anytime soon, so here are some tips to help you become a one-way interview master:

1. Practice: You’re not just preparing for an interview. You’re essentially preparing for a performance. Practice common interview questions on camera, time yourself, and get used to speaking naturally while staring into the lens. It’ll feel awkward initially, but repetition will help you get more comfortable.

2. Keep It Concise: You’ll likely only have 1-2 minutes to answer each question, so make your points clear and concise. Avoid rambling. Focus on structure. Introduce your point, summarize it with evidence or examples, and wrap it up nicely.

3. Mind Your Setting: Just because you’re at home doesn’t mean you can ignore your surroundings. Choose a clean, well-lit space with minimal distractions. Check your sound, make sure your internet is stable, and, of course, wear something professional. Remember, you’re creating an impression with every visual and audio detail.

4. Use Notes (Discreetly): Since no one is watching you live, you can have notes on the screen or nearby to keep you on track. Just make sure you’re not reading them word-for-word. Use them as a guide to stay focused and organized.

5. Look at the Camera, Not at Yourself: It’s tempting to keep an eye on your own video feed, but if you’re watching yourself the whole time, it can seem like you’re not making eye contact. To the person reviewing the video, proper eye contact happens when you look directly into the camera. It takes some getting used to, but it’s the best way to come across as engaged and professional on screen. Practice it ahead of time so it feels more natural during the interview.

The next time you’re asked to record yourself for a one-way interview, don’t panic. See it as an opportunity to showcase yourself in a controlled environment. And remember, your goal is to get past this stage and into a real conversation with an actual human being.

Chloe Chioy is a PR Specialist and Social Media Lead contracting with Resume Genius while pursuing a Master’s in Marketing Science at Nanyang Technological University. Her job insights and articles have been featured on top career platforms, blogs, and media outlets, including Zapier, Software Suggest, VolunteerHub, Fast Company, Her Campus, and the BBC.