Amanda Rose: How to nail the one-way video interview

One-way video interviews are becoming increasingly common, and they don’t have to be as daunting as they might seem.

One-way video interviews have become increasingly common as the first stage in the job interview process before speaking to an actual person.

Sometimes they will send you the questions and ask you to make a video answering them then send it in.

Other times it is live, with questions on the screen and the candidate answering like any other interview.

Show your personality even if there isn’t someone on the other side. Picture: iStock

The key in either case is to pretend someone is on the other end.

Do it alone so you don’t get self conscious but don’t see it as just talking to a screen.

Bring out your personality when you answers the questions.

You should have your stats and all relevant information in front of you.

It might include what areas you have succeeded in; how may KPIs (key performance indicators) have you met or surpassed; what you have done in your role or team.

Did you save time? Make money? Save money? Were you voted most productive leader? Were you promoted three times in a month?

Whatever the case, give some stats.

Promote it!

You should be tracking this information while you are in your role or you won’t remember it all when it comes time for an interview.

Make sure you dress the part even though it’s a video.

Look at your background, have the right lighting, make it a pleasant experience for the person watching it.

Amanda Rose recommends having facts and figures ready in front of you. Picture: Monique Harmer

If you know the names of the people who will be watching the video, mention their names. Be smart about it.

The message you need to get in no matter what questions you are asked is: Why you are different.

Think about what skills everyone talks about that you are good it.

Maybe you are extremely organised or have great time management – don’t underestimate those things, they are great skills to have.

Most companies ask all the standard questions, but some companies can also choose creative ones, such as: “If you are stranded on an island, what are the three things you would take?” Personally, I think this type of question is ridiculous as it doesn’t tell you anything about someone, but if you get one, my advice is have fun with it.

Show your personality in those questions.

My final tip for a one-way video interview is to have a bit of sugar beforehand so you have energy.

I love my sugar and caffeine mix before any speaking.

Or maybe have a sneaky mimosa if it’s a morning interview.

Originally published as Amanda Rose: How to nail the one-way video interview