{"id":2642,"date":"2023-02-13T10:30:00","date_gmt":"2023-02-13T15:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/?p=2642"},"modified":"2024-03-15T18:04:48","modified_gmt":"2024-03-15T22:04:48","slug":"one-way-interview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/interview-questions\/one-way-interview","title":{"rendered":"One-Way Interviews: What They Are (and How to Master Them)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You\u2019re overjoyed that you\u2019ve been invited to interview. Only, instead of receiving a typical job interview email<\/a> for a phone screen or live interview, you\u2019ve been asked to complete a one-way interview, and now you\u2019re confused. If interviewing is a two-way street, what the heck is a one-way interview?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One-way interviews are an efficient method of screening candidates in the early stages of the application process. And while you may think they are unfair to job seekers because they can\u2019t ask questions during the interview, one-way interviews offer many benefits to applicants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This guide will help you understand why companies use one-way interviews, how they can help you during the screening process, and how to present yourself in the best possible light! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is a One-Way Interview?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A one-way interview is a type of digital interview. \u201cDigital interview\u201d is an umbrella term that includes different styles of video interviewing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One-way interviews, sometimes called on-demand interviews, are an asynchronous style of interviewing applicants. In a nutshell, a candidate is invited to record their answers to a series of preselected interview questions. The recruiter or hiring manager<\/a> then reviews the answers and decides if the candidate should continue to the next step. It\u2019s similar to a phone interview<\/a>, but through video and without the live interaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Is a One-Way Interview Different From a Live Interview?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Outside of the obvious (like you can record the interview from home), there are two notable differences between a one-way interview and a live interview. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, in a one-way interview, you either read the questions on-screen or watch a prerecorded video of someone asking them. In some cases, it\u2019s a combination: you can see the question on screen while a voice reads them aloud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The other distinct feature of a one-way interview is that there\u2019s no back-and-forth between you and the interviewer. You can\u2019t ask for clarification, and the interviewer cannot follow up or prompt you for more information (though they may follow up after the fact for additional details).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Do Companies Use One-Way Interviews?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One-way interviews have several advantages over live interviews for employers and applicants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flexibility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One-way interviews are asynchronous, allowing you to record your interview from almost wherever and whenever you want. That means you can pick a time and date that\u2019s optimal for you instead of trying to squeeze the interview into a hectic schedule. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One-way interviews also enable you to record your answer at your convenience. So, if you\u2019re a morning person and do your best work at 6:00 a.m., you can record your interview then and be confident you\u2019re presenting your best self.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The same is true for the company. The recruiter or hiring manager doesn\u2019t have to try and find a time when both parties are available, freeing them up to attend to other tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>
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Expert Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One-way interviews are often used in the screening process, but can be used at any point in the interview process depending on the role and industry. Double-check the type (live video interview vs. one-way interview) when you agree to a digital interview because they are two very different experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

— Sean Fahey, CEO, Vidcruiter<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Undivided Attention<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In tandem with this, one-way interviews ensure you\u2019re not the last interview of the day. You won\u2019t run the risk of the interviewer being tired of asking the same question for the 10th time that day or worried they\u2019re not really listening to you because they just want to go home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Likewise, watching a recording means the hiring manager<\/a> is likely paying close attention to your answers. They can review responses whenever they want, allowing them to focus on what the candidate is saying instead of worrying about the next interview or other pressing tasks. Plus, the recruiter<\/a> can pause the interview if something urgent comes up and rewatch it later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fairness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One-way interviews standardize the screening phase of the application process. “They create a consistent interview experience and provide hiring teams with much more insight into you as a candidate,” says Sean Fahey, CEO of Vidcruiter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every candidate is asked the same questions in the same manner and has the same amount of time to answer them. Moreover, the interviewer can\u2019t ask follow-up questions, ensuring every candidate receives the same treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Skills Test<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

And one more reason companies use one-way interviews is that they can be a test of your communication skills<\/a>. Deepali Vyas, CEO and founder and CEO of Fearless+, points out that one-way interviews test your \u201cability to articulate and communicate answers in a succinct way.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you\u2019re in a live interview, there\u2019s usually no time limit on your answer. Hopefully, you don\u2019t ramble, but if your answer takes 68 seconds, it\u2019s not a big deal. But, in a one-way interview, you\u2019re given a certain amount of time to answer and no more. The recording will cut you off mid-word (though not all do). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCandidates who can convey technical information in a simplistic way are the ones that can win over recruiters,\u201d Vyas says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Connect With Top Talent<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Whether or not the job is remote<\/a>, one-way interviews allow employers to search for and screen candidates no matter where they live. “They transcend geographic limitations, opening doors to a larger candidate pool so recruiters can find top talent anywhere,” says Fahey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does AI or a Human Review My Answers?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

With all the buzz around AI, you might be worried that a robot reviews your one-way interview and decides whether or not you make it to the next round. Fortunately, that’s likely not the case. Fahey explains:<\/p>\n\n\n

Not all video interview platforms use AI to assess candidates or make decisions. Research indicates that using AI to assess, filter, or source candidates poses a high risk of introducing bias into the process, which is difficult to address, given the lack of transparency and human accountability in decision-making. You should be notified about the use of AI at the beginning of the process or interview if the platform uses it, and you may be able to decline the use of AI in your evaluation if you don\u2019t feel comfortable.<\/em><\/p>\n

Plenty of interview platforms still use raters to review and score your video interview. Once you finish your interview, evaluators go in when they are ready and follow a rating guide to assess your responses against job-relevant criteria (hint: it\u2019s often in the job description!).\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

How to Ace a One-Way Interview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before we give you the tips and tricks for nailing a one-way interview, here\u2019s how they generally work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll be invited to complete a one-way interview via a specialized platform. The specifics will vary, but most platforms allow you to log in and test your equipment before you get to the interview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you\u2019re ready to record your answers, you\u2019ll likely have access to a practice session first. This gives you a chance to experience the process before the main event. Even if there is no practice session, you should be given the specifics of how your one-way interview will work (e.g., you\u2019ll have 30 seconds to read or listen to the question, 60 seconds to record your answer, etc.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the recording, you\u2019ll get a question, then a countdown clock appears. This lets you know when the recording begins. Once it starts, you\u2019re on. There\u2019s also a timer that lets you know how much longer you have until the recording cuts off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll repeat this process until you get to the last question, then submit your answers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It sounds simple enough, and it really is. Just think of it as a Zoom interview where you do all the talking. That said, here are the specific things you need to know to ace a one-way interview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

>>MORE:<\/strong> 12 Tips for Your Next Zoom Interview<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before Your One-Way Interview<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Like any interview, you need to do some prep work for your one-way interview. That starts by reading the instructions on the invitation. Even though this is an on-demand interview, meaning you can do it when it suits you, there may still be a deadline. Give yourself plenty of time to get it done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, the platform may have certain technical requirements. You might need a specific operating system or have to login through a personalized link. Make sure you review all the details to ensure you don\u2019t miss anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do a Tech Test<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned above, most platforms allow you to log in outside of your one-way interview and test your equipment. Don\u2019t skip this step! Even if your tech meets all of the requirements, take some time to assess how things look on camera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fahey notes, “This tech check is where you can check lighting and camera position, decide if you want to turn on back blur, adjust the background, and make sure you are happy with your chosen environment.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Figure Out Where to Go<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

As a rule, high-speed internet is a requirement for one-way interviews. Hopefully, you have a reliable connection at home. However, that may not always be the case. What\u2019s more, you have to record your answers somewhere where you won\u2019t be interrupted. If your current living situation doesn\u2019t meet these requirements, consider some of the following options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n