In today's fast-paced job market, pre-recorded interviews are swiftly becoming a standard component of the initial hiring process. Employers provide a set of recorded or written questions, and candidates respond by submitting their answers through video recordings. These interviews offer a multitude of advantages for both employers and candidates:
- Time-saver for both parties
- Flexible scheduling and location
- Broader pool of potential candidates
- Accelerated screening process
- Effective identifier of qualified individuals
- Easy assessment of candidate’s skills and motivation
A pre-recorded interview is most often the first line of job candidate screening. Even though you won’t be interacting directly with the employer, it’s important to approach it with the utmost professionalism. Want to stand out and make a lasting impression? Check out these expert tips on mastering this innovative interview technique!
Treat pre-recordings like any other interview
Even though you're not meeting the employer in person, acing this initial interview is essential. It could be the deciding factor between moving forward in the hiring process or facing a rejection. Make sure you're thoroughly prepared by having:
- A solid grasp of the company's background.
- A clear understanding of the job role and its responsibilities.
- Compelling reasons why you are the ideal candidate for the position.
A pre-recorded interview tends to be more concise compared to live interactions, but it still provides a platform for you to demonstrate your understanding of the company and the job role. Thoroughly researching both will enable you to confidently address questions and tailor your examples from past experiences to highlight your skills and qualifications effectively.
Make sure that you also dress appropriately. This includes professional attire, hair, makeup, etc. Even though you may not be interacting with someone live, your appearance will be reviewed and taken into consideration.
Get Comfortable with Your Reflection
Watching yourself speak might feel a little awkward at first, but it's a powerful way to improve your one-way communication in a pre-recorded interview. Try speaking in front of a mirror or setting up a practice video call. Start with easy topics like the weather, pets, or movies, then progress to answering interview questions. If you can, record yourself and watch the playback to identify areas for improvement.
Consider the following while reviewing:
- Are you speaking too fast or too slow?
- Do you often use filler words (um, like, uh, etc.)?
- How frequently do you fidget with your hair or clothing?
- Is your voice at an appropriate volume?
- Where is your gaze directed? Are you looking at the screen or elsewhere?
When recording, ensure you maintain eye contact with the screen. Off-screen, it may be beneficial to keep a notecard with key reminders such as:
- Breathe deeply and regularly.
- Think before speaking to minimize filler words.
- Keep your shoulders relaxed.
Familiarize yourself with the video software
Familiarize yourself with the pre-recorded interview process well in advance. If possible, consider reaching out to the interviewing company to inquire about the software they will be using. Ensure that your technology is fully compatible with theirs. Some platforms offer a detailed guide before the interview starts; if so, make sure to review it carefully. Pay close attention to the nuances of different software. Here are a few variations to be aware of:
- Understand the retake policy of the interview software. Certain platforms may permit only a single retake, whereas others might provide multiple chances. Some platforms may not offer retakes at all.
- Be aware of the time limits for each response, including any variations. Pre-recorded interviews are designed for efficiency, so you might not always have as much time as you'd like to answer each question. Hone your responses so you can make quick adjustments if needed. Check out this article for examples of one-way interview questions.
- Always remember to properly start and end your video recording. Avoid the common mistake of finishing your answer and forgetting that you're still on camera.
- Check if the video software provides an option for a background filter. If it does, pick something simple and professional with muted colors to keep the focus on you. If a filter isn't available, make sure your surroundings are quiet and free of distractions like posters, pets, or TV screens.
Conclusion
Get ready for your first pre-recorded interview by preparing in advance, so you can approach it with confidence. Research the company and the role thoroughly, and practice common interview questions to refine your responses. Ensure your technology is set up correctly, your surroundings are distraction-free, and you present yourself professionally. By doing so, you can stand out from other candidates and pave the way for future opportunities in the hiring process. Remember, every interview is a learning experience that brings you one step closer to your dream job!