It’s not uncommon for applicants to undergo pre-screening before being scheduled for an interview. While phone pre-screens are not uncommon, they require a human from the company to conduct the phone call.
These days, many companies are switching to more automated pre-screening methods. A skills test or a personality test are the most common. But one-way videos are growing in popularity.
While they can be confusing to crack, knowing how to navigate a one-way interview is essential. As technology continues to play a more significant role in recruiting and hiring, job seekers are more likely than ever to face a one-way interview before making it to the in-person interview.
Sample Wedge
Reflect on your value
Think about why you would be a good fit for the role. Have a few specific skills that you could discuss in detail ready. Likewise, think of experiences that prepared you for the responsibilities this role requires. Employers often ask about teamwork or the challenges you had to overcome. Have specific examples ready if they were to ask about these things. Always focus on what you did for your team or what you did to succeed.
What’s your greatest accomplishment?
This question helps employers see how successful youve been in your career. Having impressive accomplishments can indicate that you are an ambitious and goal-oriented person. In your answer, share a specific professional achievement. Discuss what steps you took to reach this accomplishment.
Example: “Last year, I made it my goal to win the MVP award in the sales department. I had always admired the other salespeople who won this award, and it was finally my time to stand out. I worked toward it by putting in more effort than ever before. I was constantly calling clients and finding ways to nurture our relationships. I took a course on persuasive techniques in my spare time.
I even met with the CEO of our corporation to see if I could shadow him for a day to see what techniques he used. When the final quarter closed, I had increased my sales by 50%. My manager took notice and was more than happy to grant me the MVP award at our end-of-the-year party.”
Tell me about yourself
Since employers may use a video interview to screen candidates, they are likely to ask you general questions like this one to learn more about your personality and interests. This question helps employers determine if you would be a good fit for their company culture. In your answer, take a few moments to briefly discuss your professional experience. End your answer by sharing a few lighthearted facts about yourself to show youre a well-rounded person.
Example: “I am a charismatic leader with over five years of marketing experience. Last year, I graduated from my MBA program with honors. Throughout my program, I learned how to effectively lead a team and implement the best marketing practices. When Im not looking into the latest marketing trends, I like to spend my free time training my dog. He is a border collie that knows well over 25 tricks. He and I get along since we are both so focused and determined to get the job done right.”
Why do companies do one-way video interviews?
Employers most often use a one-way video interview for their initial screening process. Rather than having to call candidates on the phone or schedule a live video chat, they can simply ask candidates to send in a short video.
Many employers use this interview format as a way for candidates to introduce themselves. They typically have you answer a series of basic questions that help them learn more about your personality and interest in the role. They may prefer this screening format since they can watch it at their leisure as well as replay your video for other hiring managers.
Be personable and confident
When its time to record, try to get into a confident mindset. Remind yourself that you can rerecord your responses if needed. During your video, make eye contact and smile at the camera. Make sure to sit up straight and try to keep your body relatively still. While speaking in front of a camera may not be the most natural thing for you, try to come off as professional and charismatic during your interview.
Practice your responses
Before recording, write out what you want to say for each question. Practice your responses. Eventually, you want to be able to say your responses without reading a notecard and in a natural way. Sounding overly rehearsed may take away from the quality information you want to share. When recording, pretend you’re talking directly to an interviewer.
Why are you interested in this position?
Take this opportunity to talk about how your past experiences have helped to prepare you for this job. You should also mention any success you experienced in a previous position that will show that you are the right candidate.
Are video interview questions much different than those asked during in-person interviews?
It depends! Regardless of the format, the fundamentals of interviewing remain the same. You’ll want to project confidence, professionalism, and enthusiasm for the job whether you’re being interviewed digitally or you’re in the same room as the interviewer.
That said, there are two kinds of video interviews, and the way questions are asked can vary during each.
Why do Employer Use One-Way Video Interviews?
Companies turn to one-way video interviews because they offer distinct advantages over two-way interviews of any format.
The company can screen 20 interviewees at the same time without having to worry about who is available when. The HR department, supervisor, and other team members can look over the candidate submission at their leisure. And, in most cases, the candidate can complete the video portion of their interview at a time that’s most convenient for them.
Candidates that live in far-flung locations don’t have to travel to the main office for an interview. One-way video interviews open companies up to finding and hiring the best candidates no matter where they live.
Especially for remote jobs, the ability to participate in video calls is an essential skill. If an applicant says they want to work remotely but doesn’t have a webcam of any sort, they likely aren’t the right fit for the organization.
FAQ
What is a wedge interview?
What kind of questions are asked on a video interview?
- Why are you interested in this position? …
- What do you know about our company? …
- What are your strengths? …
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years? …
- What is your ideal work environment? …
- Describe your work ethic. …
- Tell me about yourself.
What questions are asked in pre-recorded interview?
…
Pre-recorded video interview questions examples
- ‘Tell me about yourself’
- ‘Why are you interested in this position? ‘
- ‘What skills can you bring to this role’?
How many questions are asked in a video interview?
