A one way video interview is basically like putting together a kind of personal video for jobs. Recording their answers to questions using either is not the same as talking with a human face-to-face because the answers are recorded using a camera or your smartphone later. Then, the company reviews the video to decide whether the person has what it takes for the job.
Why is it Important?
People are applying for jobs in bulk. Meeting everyone in person would be overly time-consuming, so they watch and listen to answers on video, like watching a program and figuring out which personality is perfect for the story.
How It Works
- Time saved: You do not have to conduct many meetups — a company can watch videos from candidates when it is free.
- No pressure: People can record their replies once they feel.
- Pinky swear on everything: The questions and time elapsed for an answer are the same for everyone.
According to a survey, 80% of companies from the Fortune 500 use AI and automation tools, such as one way interview, to enhance experiences for candidates. And this tendency will increase.
What is a One-Way Video Interview?
A one-way interview is an on demand video made for a job. Instead of speaking in real time, candidates record their answers to pre-set job questions, and an employer watches the record later and picks who is best for the work. Getting hired becomes much easier and quicker because of filtering applicants on initial stages of recruiting.
Why Is It Becoming Popular?
One-way interviews are becoming popular is because they save a lot of time, as companies do not need to meet each person individually, and companies can spend a lot of hours in interviews. Then there are the same questions for everyone, and no replies make the answers flow freely in the set pattern. The candidate has no pressure of getting into a room full of board members to take his interview and make him feel forced to be in that environment.
Employer Advantages of One Way Video Interviews
1. Saves Time
No company wants to go through the hassle of meeting one by one. You could watch free recorded answers as if it was your favorite episode.
2. That’s Fair for Everyone
The same questions and amount of time to answer. It removes the bias from people’s decisions about who gets the job.
3. It is easier to compare
When the company talks to many people live, it is difficult to keep track of everything. One way interviews allow them to watch over and choose their favorite people.
4. No Scheduling Problems
With one-way video interviewing, companies do not have to wait for live interviews. They can watch them anytime.
5. Watch Actual Skills
They see exactly how the individual talk, laugh, or responds when they are not face to face.
Potential Drawbacks for Employers Using One-Way Interview
The one-way video interviewing is helpful, but it may come with some issues. Because people are recording answers instead of having a live-talking, the company might be missing out on vital points.
Common Issues For Employers
1. No Real Time Talking
In a live interview, you ask and answer questions off the top of your head. This is fine in a one-way record because no one is going to ask more questions and see a person’s body language.
2. People Do Not Finish
Some people are shy or may freeze being on camera. The best reason is that you might not complete the interview or even decline to apply. This may lead to the company losing some good workers.
3. Not Personality
It is easier to assess a person’s quality in a live talk as you see the individual. However, in a recorded clip, some may appear less confident, even though they are excellent for a position.
4. Tech Fail
Not everyone has a good camera, microphone, and internet. A clip that is blurred or has bad sound for the client to evaluate.
5. Less Conversational
A recorded interview is not live.
How to overcome them
Though one way interviews allow companies to select the finest workers, they must be simple and fair! Here is the correct way to overcome potential downgrades.
1. Ask Сlear Questions
People should be asked the obvious, easy one way video interview questions at companies.
2. Clarify Everything
Companies should just send a friendly email to everyone:
- How to do recording
- Time they have
- When to send it
3. Give Enough Time
They should let people think before they put something into recording. It also helps them answer better and feel less nervous.
4. Technical instruction
Tip for candidates if they experienced technical failures during interviewing.
5. Look at All Videos Fairly
Companies when you watch:
- Focus on the answers, not on who can really look good.
- Watch all the clips before choosing.
- Base talent picks on talent, not only on confidence.
How to Conduct a One Way Video Interviews
A person records answers to questions and companies watch it in the future. See how this works at companies here:
Step 1: Pick the Questions
The company writes a list of one way video interview questions it wants to ask. The list should be clear and simple so that people understand.
Step 2: Pick a Video Tool
People choose which website or app to record their input on. Ideally, it should also be simple and robust on both phones and computers.
Step 3: Send instructions
The company sends a friendly note telling people:
- How to record the clip
- When to send it
- Any special rules
Step 4: Make the Video
View your answers now! They will be able to answer in a quieter and better-lit space so that people can see them clearly.
Step 5: Select the Best Ones
Here, the company will go through the clip and choose the best employees.
Step 6: Get the Best One for a Live Round
Invite the best chosen ones for the final round with live chat or live interview.
Common Use Cases for One-Way Interview
“One-way” method is becoming an effective tool for helping companies hire quickly. The majority of industries use them to recruit the best workers. So, where are they actually most efficient?
1. Customer Service Positions
When working with recorded clips, people need to be nice on the phone or computers, so companies can use these interviews as a way to talk before hiring.
2. Sales jobs
Like any salesperson, they have to sell on the phone or via live streaming. They also have to persuade people to buy what they have! Clips let companies see immediately if a person feels confident, hence their selection.
3. Definition of Teacher Job
Teachers should speak clearly. Such interviews are used in schools and online learning to assess teachers’ speaking skills.
4. Acting & TV Jobs
Actors and TV performers need to be vocal and assertive. In lieu of live auditions, they will have to send in a tape for consideration.
5. Tech Jobs
A lot of tech jobs do not require much talking, but such interviews can help companies find that a candidate is able to think on feet.
6. Remote jobs
Most of today’s jobs are digital. Because people live in different parts of the world, recorded interviews enable companies to pick great talent who will work remotely without meeting in person.
How to Choose the Right One-Way Interview Tool
Companies need a decent recording interview tool to easily see people’s responses. Here is features of decent applicant screen platform:
1. Easy to Use
People need a simple tool to answer one way interview questions without too much trouble. If it is too hard, some will try harder.
2. Works on any Phone & Computer
Not everyone has a smart computer. A good tool should be able to be used by most people and by different types of devices (computer, smartphone, tablet).
3. Allows People to Retake it
Sometimes, we make mistakes when we speak. The good tool lets you re-track your answers before the final record.
4. Videos and Sound Quality
The tool should record clear clips so the companies can follow and read people.
5. Limiting All Responses
These tools limit the time each answer takes so it doesn’t go overboard or become the flavor of the day.
6. Keep Videos Safe
That tool should be safe to clips, so only the company can watch them.
7. Lets Companies Watch Anywhere
Companies should be able to save videos and view them whenever they want to.
How Long Should One Way Video Interviewing Be?
It must not be too lengthy or too short; it should be just right so the people can answer nicely without getting tired.
1. Total Interview Length
A good one-way interview should last less than 15 minutes, but for most jobs, it can range from 5 to 10 minutes. If it’s too long, people start getting bored, and if it’s too short, they cannot answer well.
- Short interviews (5–10 minutes): Simple position degrees, customer service type.
- Lengthier (10–15 minutes): For more specialized jobs like teachers or managers.
2. Question Each Answer
Each question should allow the person 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
- Short answers (30-60 seconds): For basic questions like “What is your name?”
- Longer (1 to 2 minutes): For advanced questions like “Why do you want this role?”
3. What About Time
Perfect timing helps companies choose the best workers.
- Not too long: Because people get bogged down
- Not too short: They can take the time to explain.
- Perfect Time: Finding and Verifying Answers to get the best employees.
How To Assess Responses in One Way Interview?
When recorded answers are sent, companies should monitor them very closely to find the best people. The right way to do it looks something like this:
1. Listen to What They Say
- So their answer, in this case, should be obvious and grammatically correct.
2. Check their Confidence
- A person should seem confident and talk in a friendly manner.
- They speak clearly and happily.
- They look too nervous and do not answer properly.
3. Confirm If They Answer The Question
Always cross-check to see if he answered what was asked.
4. Observe Their Body Language
- Even in a clip, how someone moves while speaking.
- Observe his gestures like hand movements, eye movements, etc.
- It is not considered proper if he turns away, hunches, mumbles, etc.
5. Score Everyone Fairly
Companies can decide how much to award for each part.
- Clear Speaking: 1-5 points
- Confidence: 1-5 points
- Question: Answer the Question – 1-5 points
- Answers to Body Language: 1-5 points
Conclusion
For companies to find that last worker, a one-way video interview can be great. Recorders pick up your answers, and then people listen back to the recording. This saves time for the company and avoids meeting all such people personally.
If companies want one-way video interviews to be fair and simple, they should ask precise questions, provide enough time for replies, and listen to all the videos. They should see what they say, how they say it, and if they answer the question well. When it is done properly, it helps the company and employees couple work that necessary magic.
FAQ
Can Candidates Re-Record Answers?
Yes, video interviews will automatically allow you to ask the candidate to answer the question again if it was done incorrectly. They do not want to seem inclined toward that option. However, some companies allow only one chance, so they must be fast on their feet.
Are One-Way Video Interviewing Suitable For Senior Roles?
They can be used in senior roles, but it’s not the best. Diminished talks to gig the skill level; thus, a live interview is often considered infinitely better at the senior level.
How Do One-Way Video Interview?
The person fills out their responses with a microphone or computer. There is no live communicative aspect, meaning that the company then watches the video later. This gives the company access via quickly running through loads of people. This resembles when you send your teacher your homework specifically instead of talking in class.