The hiring process for grads has rapidly changed in one year.
Handshakes and face-to-face meetings over a cup of coffee are on hold for now. Technology has accelerated the pace of resume tracking systems, video interviews, and now the one-way interview.
Our clients are being asked to use the one-way interview more frequently… and it is stressing them out.
What’s a one-way interview and how do I prepare?
Also called the asynchronous interview, it is when the job seeker logs into a platform by an invitation that provides a list of pre-set questions. Although these questions may be pre-recorded by the employer, there is no live interaction or conversation between interviewer and candidate. The interview responses are simply recorded and viewed at a later time.
The intent is to screen candidates as a replacement for a first-round interview. If the candidate is selected, then they proceed to the next round.
Sounds simple, right?
If grads thought in-person interviews were tough, the one-way interview has introduced a new level of complexity.
Here are some tips on how a grad can thrive in the one-way interview and get to the next round:
- Get to Know the Platform. There are many companies offering video interview software including HireVue, SparkVue, WEcruitr. Before getting started it’s important to understand how the software works. Very often the candidate will have a set amount of time to think about the question (30 seconds) and then a few minutes to answer, i.e. 3 minutes. Sometimes you may have the opportunity to re-record your answer, but this is not always the case. This will impact the quality of the answer.
- Homework counts. Ensure that you do your research on the company, interviewer, and what is happening in the industry. Look at the job requirements and highlight the keywords. Incorporate these keywords when you answer the interview questions
- Practice First. The urgency to answer the questions and get it over with maybe the first instinct, but don’t do it. Practice answering questions and record yourself on video or audio so you know what you sound like. If the software prompts you for practice questions beforehand, take advantage of this feature. Be prepared to answer…
- Tell me about yourself?
- Why are you applying to this role?
- How do you think your skills align with this position?
- Look into my eyes. It is important to have good audio, lighting, a clean background, and a video camera that works. Respond while looking directly at the camera, not the computer screen for the best presentation.
- Dress up. Always dress professionally on video. Even if you think the company culture is “casual”, dress professionally — shirt, jacket, blouse, and yes… pants and shoes too.
- Confidence is key… and smile. Even if this is stressful for you, you want to come across using confident body and facial language. Smile, enunciate and talk slowly. Try to enjoy it!
- Finish strong. Make sure the video is complete and uploaded to the system. If possible, write a thank you to HR contact.
The hiring landscape and the ways to get hired keep changing…but there are jobs out there and companies are hiring. If you know a grad that needs help with the one-way interview or landing the job, we can help at www.nextgreatstep.com.
