HireVue is the market leader in both UK and US video interviews is HireVue, which is why we have focused on HireVue video interview tips.

Top video interview practice tips

CHAT GPT and Google Bard can help with your video interviews.

How? We can think of at least four ways:

  • Help applicants prepare for interviews: It can help applicants prepare for interviews by providing them with practice questions and answers. This can help applicants to feel more confident and prepared for their interviews.
  • For carrying out asynchronous video interviews, it can:
  • Help applicants record and upload videos: It can help applicants to record and upload videos of themselves answering questions. This can help applicants to make a good first impression on potential employers.
  • Help applicants analyse their interview videos: It can help applicants to analyse their interview videos by providing them with feedback on their body language, eye contact, and voice modulation. This can help applicants to improve their interviewing skills and to increase their chances of getting the job.


Video Interview Rules

With video interviews you need to pump yourself up in advance.

This rule is especially useful when you’re in a series of interviews in one day. Only have 30 seconds between video calls? Get up out of that chair and stretch. Take a sip of water. Do four jumping jacks. 

Resist the urge to pick up your phone and start doom scrolling. Instead, do something calming or something physical, and you’ll be more prepared for whatever is thrown at you next.

Virtual Interviewing rule two

You need to GET THE OTHER PERSON SMILING.

I’ve found the most powerful way to get an interviewer smiling authentically is to ask them to share their favorite aspect of their job or team.

Rule three for Virtual Interviewing

You need to ASK SPECIFIC QUESTIONS ABOUT VIRTUAL TEAM CULTURE AND WORK ENVIRONMENT.

When we go to an interview in person, we get a window into the culture: People chatting in the coffee room, the buzz in the cafeteria, maybe even people playing table tennis.

Ask questions about the team culture, how the company has managed the transition from in-office to remote, how virtual onboarding will go.

If there are opportunities to meet in person, you name it.

Virtual interviewing can be intimidating until we remember to use the space and format to our advantage.

Other top Video Job Interview Tips

Before your big interview, take a little time to follow each of these steps and incorporate these video interview skills:

While interviewing virtually may have some drawbacks, it can also carry key advantages. Mainly, there’s the fact that you have a screen in front of you that only you can see.

you don’t want to avoid seeming distracted or robotically reading a script. Although it might be helpful to have some:

  • notes in view just in case you need a quick reference.
  • prompts for responses to frequently asked interview questions.
  • Examples of what you’ve researched on Glassdoor and/or LinkedIn about this company / interviewer.

Get Your Screen Setup Spot On 

“Dress to impress” has been the traditional mantra for in-person job interviews. However, conducting these meetings through a screen requires interviewees to account for more than just what they’re wearing. Added considerations include lighting, audio, background, internet speed, and cutting out distractions. 

Don’t feel intimidated but taking small steps to ensure crisp presentation, and an uninterrupted dialogue, can definitely make a difference in the eyes of interviewers. Sometimes, these technical details are make-or-break.

Watch your Body Language

  • Looking into the camera while you’re speaking, and looking at the speaker’s video feed while they are speaking.
  • Using visible hand gestures to emphasize and quantify your points, while avoiding gestures that may come off as aggressive.
  • Display confident body posture by sitting up straight with your shoulders relaxed.

hy Are Virtual Interviews Better?

During the Covid-19 pandemic, all interviews are mostly conducted online alongside classes and corporate meetings.
There are some cons of such meetings and interviews and the most important one is that you cannot meet the people in front of you in person.

However, some institutes and individuals prefer it more than the conventional ones. Below are some of the reasons why virtual interviews are better:

Virtual interviews provide an interview a good period to prepare for the discussion.

University Interviews Prep

Another benefit of holding such interviews is that there is very less amount of preparation that is required.

But a quiet and distraction-free spot will be required for holding the interview.

A virtual interview always makes a candidate feel more comfortable as they will be able to answer more naturally in this setup.
There may be scenarios when the candidate is working somewhere and is not able to travel to the interview location because of his or her strict working hours. In that case, a virtual interview is the best solution that assists in making the whole session done on a remote basis.

Etiquettes Of Virtual Interview

The first and most important thing about a virtual interview is that it should look like an original interview.
So, dressing professionally and looking sharp and clean still applies. A lot of individuals do not take this seriously enough and this affects the results of the interview.

Using professional language, sitting straight and maintaining eye contact are something that applicants should remember while appearing for a virtual interview.

For interviewees, it is important to keep the questions before holding the session.

What’s the Right Amount of Preparation?

  • Why do you want to work here?
  • Why should we hire you?
  • What would your coworkers say about you?
  • Why do you want to leave your current role?
  • What is your greatest strength?
  • What is your greatest weakness? (Ugh.)

How to Practice video interviews

  • Brushing up on best practices and recommended techniques can only go so far.
  • The best way to develop comfort and confidence in video interviews is to spend time going through the motions.
  • See if you can enlist your friends, family members, or colleagues to run through scenarios. 

Using video assessments

We specialise in designing highly predictive psychometric solutions. 
In particular, situational judgement test design, realistic job preview design, aptitude test design and personality questionnaire design.

We work across a wide range of sectors and job roles.
Our tailor-made psychometric offerings are as unique as our clients’ organisations.

Our organisation prides itself on client satisfaction.
We have many positive LinkedIn reviews from our big client projects.

Why not contact us today to see how we can assist your organisation in hiring the best potential talent for your organisation.

Using video interviews

Video interviews are completed virtually.
Even via any candidate’s mobile. A video interview does then allow employers to drill down on a candidate’s employment value. Just as they would do in a face-to-face interview!

Get Your Setup Right

  • For lighting, make sure your dominant source of light is in front of you.
  • Positioning yourself in front of your light source will cast a you-shaped shadow over your video! Next, be aware of your background.
  • Look for a space that is neutral, professional, and free of distractions.
  • Last, make sure you know where your microphone is located on your device.
  • This ensures you won’t accidentally cover it up.
  • Then you’ll know where to direct your voice to be more effectively heard.

Prepare Your Answers In Advance

  • Whether you’re running a live or one-way interview, you and your team should craft a list of quality questions before the interview.
  • These questions should be based on concrete job qualifications, and you should consistently use the same list for each candidate.
  • Creating a structured interview process allows you to compare each candidate more objectively to one another, resulting in less biased hiring decisions.

Dress for a Face-to-Face Interview

  • Video interviews often take place before a candidate has a chance to meet you in person, which means your video interactions set the tone for your personal and employer brand.
  • Treat this interview as you would an in-person interview and dress professionally from head to toe.
    This will impress candidates and show them you’re serious about their interviews and the opportunity.
  • Wearing an office-ready outfit will also keep you in a professional mindset.
  • Then you’ll be less likely to stray from your structured interview questions.
Woman working at kitchen table Hirevue Video Interview Tips

Best Video Interviewing Software:

  • VidCruiter: Best video interview platform with full recruiting suite
  • SparkHire: A top interview platform for SMB and staffing
  • myInterview: Easy to get started video interview software
  • interviewstream: One of the first video interview platforms
  • RecRight: Great candidate support
  • AllyO: Great for high volume hiring
  • OutMatch: Video interviews plus candidate assessment

Graduate Video Interview Tips – Do’s

Here are our Graduate interview tips do’s.

  • Practice in order to pass basic maths and literacy tests.
  • Dress appropriately.
  • Aim to give a direct answer to each question.
  • Place your laptop or mobile on a flat surface to avoid any jolting during your video interview.

Graduate Video Interview Tips – Dont’s

To be sure, some large firms are imposing hiring freezes or postponing filling roles. But many companies are avoiding pauses to keep business moving forward.
That means job seekers need to be prepared for meeting their potential employers by video.

  1. Do not miss the interview and then call to reschedule.
  2. Bring anyone else to the interview.
  3. Don’t give indirect answers to any question.
  4. Have a respectable answer for why you are leaving your current job.
  5. Do not answer your phone during the interview.

Our Video Interview Guidance Specialist

Hannah from Talent & Career is offering short Video Interview Guidance and/or Careers Guidance sessions, via Skype. 
Aimed at those students who have missed their guidance sessions because of the schools’ closure and also to any others who now have concerns about their plans in the light of there being no summer exams.

To book in please complete a contact form on Hannah’s website.

Also, make sure to read Hannah’s guest blog on Career Guidance.

Hirevue video interview tips

Even if this isn’t your first Hirevue video interview, remember that the same general face to face interview tips given above still apply. For example, always research the company and role you are applying for in advance.

Following your Hirevue video interview, successful applicants typically advance to a face-to-face interview.

Practice by recording yourself

Using your smartphone or computer, record yourself as you practice for your interview.  Ideally, you want to have a friend or family member ask you questions so that the encounter feels natural, and so that person can also give you feedback. Speak in sound bites of about 20 to 30 seconds for each answer.

When you play back the recording, listen for every “um” and “you know” that you say unconsciously. Your nonverbal communication also needs to be paid attention to–posture, facial expression, how much you fidget. Make eye contact and smile.

Minimize technical glitches and maximize production quality


Too many technical glitches on your end will raise doubts about your capabilities.  If you need a password, have that saved somewhere so that logging in isn’t trouble. Make sure to sign into your video conferencing system as early as you can and test the connection if possible. How is the connection? What is the video quality like?

Finally, have a backup phone number and an email address to reach out to someone in case the equipment fails. 

Control your surroundings and mute notifications.

Don’t do a video job interview in your bedroom with the closet door open, or in the kitchen filled with dirty dishes. Make sure the background looks professional. Control the environment for potential noise and check around for anything that could be distracting; nothing except maybe a glass of water should be in the foreground of your interview, experts say.

Dress as if you were meeting in person


A big mistake people make during video job interviews is looking professional on top and wearing sweatpants and slippers below. During an interview, you might have to unexpectedly get up to lower the blinds behind you or grab a piece of paper. There’s also something about getting dressed that puts you in a more professional mindset for the interview.

CREATE YOUR PERFECT INTERVIEW ENVIRONMENT

Before you start your interview, first and foremost, you want to be comfortable. And since you can interview anywhere, find the place where you’ll be the most comfortable, and where you can enter the “zone.”

Remember, the employer will see and hear what’s goes on around you, so pick a spot to record that’s quiet and free from distractions.

And check your lighting. You want to make sure your lighting is in front of you since light from behind isn’t flattering. You want to find a room or location with decent lighting, so your face is clearly visible. If you’re sitting in front of a window during the daytime, close the blinds to prevent heavy backlighting.

Don’t worry about making eye contact with the camera. To maximize your comfort level, if you want, you can hide your video while you answer the questions.

PREPARE LIKE YOU WOULD FOR ANY OTHER INTERVIEW

In a HireVue video interview, because employers choose the questions they ask you, you’ll be asked common types of interview questions.

These are some common types of interview questions, and questions that show up frequently in video and live or phone interviews:

  • Job Scenario Questions. In these questions, you’ll be asked what you’d do in a scenario you’ll probably see on the job. For example: “A customer has just gotten off the phone with another support representative and is angry. Describe what steps you’d take to calm them down.” You might also be asked to act out what you’d do. For example: “A customer has just gotten off the phone with another support representative and is angry. Describe what steps you’d take to calm them down.”
  • Past Experience Questions. You’ll be asked to share a past experience and what you did. For example: “Tell us about a time you calmed down an angry customer. What steps did you take, and why?”

You can also research other common interview questions as you prepare. What’s most important is having a list of stories and experiences you can apply to different types of questions. Some of the places to find common interview questions include Glassdoor and Indeed.

Video Interview Game based assessment

Some interviews include a series of short games played within the HireVue interview platform. Each game takes roughly 3 minutes to complete and comes with its own instructions. Some of the games may remind you of “brain-teaser” type games. Other games take on a chatbot-like format where you respond to incoming text messages.

Different games have different rules, so be sure to read the instructions so you go into each game prepared and ready. When you begin, you’ll see a countdown starting at “3.” When the countdown reaches zero, start playing.

Some games require concentration and focus. Finding a distraction-free area, and playing when you feel awake and sharp, are the most important steps you can take to succeed.

SET ASIDE TIME TO PRACTIVE VIDEO INTERVIEWS

Practice makes perfect, and video interviewing is no exception. If you’ve researched common interview questions, and prepped answers, practice until you feel comfortable and prepared.

When you start your interview, you’ll be able to practice as much as you want within the HireVue platform. Take as much time as you need to get ready.

Most interviews take less than 20 or 30 minutes to complete. At a minimum set aside around 45 minutes of distraction-free time. It probably won’t take that long, so this is just to stay on the safe side. And know that, depending on the role, some might take longer.

No matter what job you’re interviewing for, set aside ample distraction-free time. This way you won’t feel rushed taking your interview and can be your best.

Working on laptop Hirevue Video Interview Tips

Hirevue video interview preparation

  • Firstly, remember that many of the good practices you’re familiar with for face-to-face interviews will still apply. In particular, you will need to dress smart and to appear well-groomed. Also, ensure that you maintain eye contact as much as possible with the camera.
  • Secondly, answer the video interview questions as concisely as possible. Make the most efficient use of the time available for each question. There will be a countdown timer, so use it as your guide!
  • Finally, show some consideration for your video interviewing company. If it is a reputable, research-driven video interviewing company (such as HireVue) there will be software analysing your changes in facial expression and body language. Plus, content analysis software to analyse your interview answers.

– – – Hirevue Video Interview Tips – – –

Before conducting your video interview, remember to…

  • Keep your camera steady
  • Have your head and shoulders positioned square on to your camera
  • Rest your camera on a flat surface
  • Ensure that the room where you are conducting the interview is well-lit.

STEM Graduate Video Interview Tips

Games typically add around 10 minutes to the interview. And if you’re interviewing for a software development role, you’ll probably also be asked to complete one or more coding challenges.

Video interviewing on demand is gaining traction across industries as a better way to identify top talent. In this article, we’ll cover how to leverage video for the best talent, faster. Interviewing with an on-demand video is different than interviewing one-on-one. Since it happens earlier in the hiring process, tips and tricks associated with good interviewing are generally not applicable.

When considering what questions to ask candidates in an on-demand video interview, you need to establish what you want to learn from each candidate’s answers. Here at HireVue, we’ve identified five metrics you should consider when creating your on-demand video interview:

Hirevue Video interview tips

2. Communication Skills

The ability to communicate is consistently rated as the most valued “soft skill.” Employees who are able to effectively organize their thoughts and succinctly present them will be valuable in any role. Identifying the best communicators with on-demand video interviewing allows you to fast-track them through the hiring process before your competitors know what they’re missing. Many organizations are also starting to tackle the issue of data “siloing,” a problem that arises when departments do not share data with one another and are unable to make comprehensive decisions as a result. New hires without pre-existing departmental bias and stellar communication skills will play a huge role in dismantling these data silos.

Creative Thinking

Crisis happens; they are an unfortunate fact of life. Filling your talent pipeline with candidates who are able to quickly react to these situations as they occur will do wonders for the long-term health of your organization. At the end of the day, organizations need problem solvers.

HireVue Video interview tips

Motivation for the Job / Interest in the Company

  • It should come as no surprise that applicants with only a passing interest in the position probably won’t be the best performers.
  • Applicants who do their research, digging into the responsibilities of the role and where it fits in the structure of your organization are far more likely to produce results.
  • Gauging interest is also beneficial when it comes to ranking applicants for pursuit.
  • Candidates who are already employed and are only passively looking for work should be prioritized below those who are actively searching (and will be off the market quickly).

HireVue Video interview tips

Scenario-driven video interview questions

Questions that present a candidate with a given scenario and ask how they would respond are incredibly useful for measuring their ability to communicate and think on the fly. During on-demand interviews, HireVue provides each candidate with thirty seconds to prepare their response. Interviewees who put together comprehensive solutions in those thirty seconds and communicate them in a way that makes sense are going to be your star achievers. When asking questions like these, many organizations use video to present each scenario. Providing a visual element to these questions makes each scenario seem more realistic, and helps more visual learners align their thoughts.

What does this job / company do?

If a candidate chuckles when they see this question, it means they’ve probably done their research – and are very interested in the position. On the other hand, if a candidate starts to sweat (or blows it off entirely), you’ve caught an applicant with only passive interest in the opportunity. To the prepared, passionate candidate, this question is a walk in the park. They will relish the opportunity to show off their experience in the industry or depth of research in your organization. The unprepared, aloof candidate won’t fare so well.

Why did you apply?

This question is a passion-magnet. The easy answer is something along the lines of: “I have a great deal of experience in similar roles.” And while this answer is not bad, it probably doesn’t tell you anything new: chances are you have their resume. A passionate candidate will not only use this question as an opportunity to explain past experience, they will also explain what drove them to the industry (or why they’ve stayed).

Video interview tips. Man talking to laptop.

HireVue video interview tips

Competency video interviews

Competency-based interviews are the basis of most graduate interviews, hence the need to read our graduate interview tips. Interviews that are structured around a set of competencies have been shown to be considerably more reliable and predictive of future work performance than the traditionally “unstructured” interview format. In fact competency-based interviews (CBI) have become such an established part of recruitment processes that it is not unusual to encounter candidates who have learnt their best competency examples by heart!

interview tips

Interviewing Introduction

A well-conducted interview should form the basis of every selection process, but it does have limitations because no matter how skilled the interview process is, it can still only collect self-reported information from the candidate.

Thus, the most effective way of predicting job performance is to use a mix of assessments. In addition to a graduate interview.

Matching assessment exercises to the role and level

Graduate-level roles typically involve several online aptitude tests and a personality profile.

Managerial roles require a range of assessment exercises and psychometric tools. These are complex roles requiring a broad range of skills, knowledge and abilities involved. It is fairer and more professional for a company to use this multi-assessment approach.

Graduate Assessment Options

  • Graduate interviews at Assessment Centres
    • Group Exercise
    • In-tray Exercise
    • Fact Find Exercise
    • Role Play design / Interactive Exercise
  • Graduate Interviews and Graduates Interview Guides
  • Development Centre design and development exercise

Graduate Interview tips

A well-conducted interview should form the basis of every selection process, but it does have limitations because no matter how skilled the interview process is, it can still only collect self-reported information from the candidate, for example:

The panel might ask a candidate to give examples of problems they have tackled and explore their knowledge of problem-solving techniques, but an assessment exercise which allows the candidate to demonstrate this ability in practice is likely to be more informative.

virtual assessment tips

Safer and Fairer

Additional methods of assessment can, therefore:

  1. improve the quality and quantity of information on which to base the selection decision
  2. allow candidates to demonstrate how they meet requirements, rather than relying on self-report and performance at interview.

No perfect method of assessment exists, but the most effective way of predicting job performance is to use a mix of assessment methods and look at the results in an integrated way to build up a picture of the candidate. At the simplest level, this may involve no more than looking at examples of candidate’s past work (e.g. for a post which requires experience in producing clear and concise Committee reports, or information leaflets, publicity materials or instruction manuals). At its most complex and sophisticated it might be a full Assessment Centre using a range of tests and exercises for Senior Management positions.

Graduate Panel Interviews

Panels need to decide if it is appropriate to use additional assessment techniques beyond the interview. Think about the job level, the pool of candidates you need to attract and the criteria you need to assess against. For many jobs, the interview alone will be the most appropriate approach.

  • For many basic level operative and clerical jobs, particularly where there is a constant need to recruit, the best method is to use the Fast Track to Interview approach, where all interested job seekers are automatically invited to interview, helped if necessary to complete a simplified application form and interviewed against the person specification without delay as the only method of assessment.
  • Recruitment initiatives targeting jobs to unemployed residents should not use methods of assessment beyond the interview unless this is strictly essential. The interview should be conducted in as informal and encouraging way as possible.
  • It is not appropriate to use a battery of assessment techniques for jobs requiring basic level skills. Rather than enhance the outcome, this is more likely to put potential applicants off.
  • Never use assessment tools for their own sake. Selection decisions will only be enhanced if the assessment tool is really needed to get at information that cannot be obtained otherwise.

virtual assessment tips

Quality Standards and Preparatory Steps

In all cases ensure that:

Never just reuse tests or exercises without reviewing their effectiveness in the past.

  • The choice and construction of each assessment method flows from the requirements of the job;
  • The Job description and Person Specification have been reviewed and are up-to-date
  • Tasks in assessment exercises compare with tasks found in the job;
  • Tests and exercises assess requirements for the job, at the right level to do the job
  • When using a newly devised test or exercise, wherever possible pilot it with a group of existing employees in the area of work.
  • Always offer feedback on test and exercise results.

Never just reuse tests or exercises without reviewing their effectiveness in the past.

Virtual Interview

University interviews are quite important in setting up the right picture and example about yourself in front of the teachers. The interviews determine how well are you connected to your roots and students are also judged on where they come from based on the interviews. There are a few things can do and at the same time avoid doing or saying at such an interview. The tips and tricks will come in handy for someone who is appearing for the university application interviews for the first time. In recent times, since the pandemic is in full force, all interviews are being held virtually so the below tips will be specifically related to someone who is performing the interview from their smart devices.

Firstly, an active internet connection is very important, when you’re appearing for such an interview. Even though the internet connection is a dependency factor but a stable internet connection will surely ensure better scores for someone and at the same time an unstable network might bring in a negative impact if not marks deduction. Since the interview will be judged on the appearance style and how you present yourself, a stable internet connection does help in building the image. The interviewers will always remember a good experience they had with a candidate, so every minute detail counts, even the internet stability. It is always better if you take the interview from a laptop rather than a phone as it looks more professional. However, if one does not have a laptop at their disposal, then a smartphone can be used.

Secondly, selecting the right set of hardware is also important. For example, if your laptop does not have a decent webcam, then an external one will be required. The pre-in

nstalled cameras on most devices are not so good, so for interview purposes, it is always advisable to keep an external camera to keep in handy. As virtual interviews are about presenting yourself, you must look clean and sharp. Once you have set up the webcam, it is important to sit right in front of the camera and make sure that sunlight is coming from the front and not the back, so that you are visible to the interviewees. If you’re using a setup with multiple monitors, then the division should be set in such a manner that the one in front of you becomes the interview screen. Nobody wants to do a side-faced interview.

The third tip is a pretty common one and it is about sitting in a quiet place. If you have multiple rooms at your disposal then chose the quietest one. If you do the interview sitting somewhere

where there is consistent disturbance and surrounding noise, then it is relatively evident that it will affect the experience, which in turn will harm your interview results.

The fourth tip is to switch off the notifications of your phone if you use your smartphone for attending the interview. Calls or notifications can hamper the network and connectivity of your device and the interview might get paused or even shut down in certain cases. This will lead to a negative impact on the interview results again.

Finally, doing a test run with your current setting is important. You must be aware of all the minute details of your setup. It is better to check everything on the rest run session and then make changes accordingly if something is not right.

Why Are Virtual Interviews Better?

During the Covid-19 pandemic, all interviews are mostly conducted online alongside classes and corporate meetings. There are some cons of such meetings and interviews and the most important one is that you cannot meet the people in front of you in person. However, some institutes and individuals prefer it more than the conventional ones. Below are some of the reasons why virtual interviews are better:

Virtual interviews provide an interview a good period to prepare for the discussion. The old method of meetings is held on the same day most of the time, so the interviewee does not get any time to prepare. The prime motive is to make sure that the interview goes well, so scheduling or booking an interview session using the virtual meeting applications is always better.

Another benefit of holding such interviews is that there is very less amount of preparation that is required. If you are going to interview at a physical location, then a separate interview room or a conference room will be required, however, in the case of a virtual interview, no interview room is required as the whole session can be conducted using a smart device. But a quiet and distraction-free spot will be required for holding the interview.

A virtual interview always makes a candidate feel more comfortable as they will be able to answer more naturally in this setup. There may be scenarios when the candidate is working somewhere and is not able to travel to the interview location because of his or her strict working hours. In that case, a virtual interview is the best solution that assists in making the whole session done on a remote basis.

Video Assessment Coaching Tips

Even before this pandemic, virtual interviews were becoming more common place as a form of screening applicants for roles.

Virtual interviews allow employers to remotely assess the suitability of a candidate via a video link. Historically they were usually performed as one of the first stages of assessment, used to narrow down the pool of applicants invited to the next stage of the assessment process.

At the present time, as we move out of Lockdown and exist within the confines of Social Distancing, virtual interviews are gaining traction as a more influential method of assessing candidates and are very often taking centre stage as the penultimate hurdle of a recruitment process.

Virtual interviews usually, but not always take the form of a live, two-way conversation between employer and candidate, held via a digital conferencing platform or video chat application, such as Skype, Zoom or GoToMeeting.  Sometimes they may take the form of a one-way session where the applicant is presented with pre-set questions and required to provide their answers through video recording software.

Virtual interview benefits

Clearly there are benefits to this approach to interviewing; for both the recruiting organisation and the candidate; they provide a greater reach by eliminating the need for travel.  Travelling a long distance to attend a first stage interview in person can be impractical, especially if you are unsure of your chance of progression.

To train yourself for virtual interviews you should include the same methods of preparation as for a face to face interview. 

Key virtual interview preparation

Here are some further points that need to be considered and addressed:

  • What device are you going to use?
  • Where are you going to sit?
  • What is the best way to frame yourself on camera? Consider
    • Lighting
    • Backdrop
    • Camera angle
    • Eye gaze, look at the camera not your image
  • Rehearsal; ask a friend to speak to you through your device and get them to video you.  Consider how you are going to meet and greet.
  • Get in the zone before the time of the interview;
    • Clear your schedule at least an hour before
    • Access the platform at least ten minutes before

Hybrid working interviews

This hybrid approach extends to interviews: Depending on tech capabilities, employers may use asynchronous videos to interview candidates, while others may prefer or only have the capability for in-person interviews. When presented with the option of either/or, which tends to be the more successful technique to get the best hires?

In-person interview pros and cons

Of course, not all recuiters have adopted expensive video interview platforms.

In-person interview benefits

Organic conversation

Asynchronous video interviews are often built upon a series of questions for which the candidate has time to prepare answers. But during in-person interviews, recruiters can ask questions off the cuff, which tests the candidate’s ability to think on their feet and allows for more natural conversation.

Human connection

Recruiters who are filling roles like customer service reps or retail team members might find in-person interviews to be more informative. Interviewers can get a sense of how the candidate would interact with customers by setting up example scenarios and asking the candidate how they would handle the situation. Body language, voice, and energy also can be analyzed when meeting in person, offering the recruiter insight into the candidate’s approachability and personability.

Scheduling issues

Finding the time to set up an in-person interview can be one of its main hindrances. 

Accessibility

Face-to-face interviews need scheduling and in-person attendance at that specific time. So, when compared to video interviews, face-to-face interviews are more time-consuming and logistically more challenging. 

Both the interviewer and the interviee’s calendars need to have the same interview slot avialable. Plus, the fact that the face-to-face interview location needs to be convenient for both candidate and interviewer to get to.

Asynchronous video interview pros and cons

There are many benefits associated with asynchronous video interviews, including reduced cost/improved ROI, convenience, and less stressful. Unless that is the asynchronous video interview cons below apply.

Asynchronous video interview benefits

Candidate and recruiter flexibility

If you want to replicate a face-to-face interviewing process then consider allowing candidates to record their own video interview. 

Most ATS systems have an automatic scheduling function. This then allows interview candidates to choose the most convenient time for them to record their own video interview.

Faster time to hire

The more conveniently a candidate can record themselves answering interview questions and submitting video files electronically, the faster recruiters can evaluate the responses, narrow the field, and hire new workers. Removing the need for multiple schedules to align cuts time drastically and helps recruiters fill roles faster.

Asynchronous video interview cons

Lack of authenticity

A major disadvantage of video interviews is that often interview candidates can get the know the type of questions being asked. Unless of course these are being randomly drawn from a large interview question bank.

Accessibility

Of course video interviews rely upon mobile phones and wireless connectivity. Plus being familiar with this tech. 

Higher applicant drop-off rates

Given these two drawbacks, interview candidates are a lot more likely to drop out of the selection process. Thereby impacting your talent acquisition costs and ROI – as well as lossing your business talent opportunities.

Virtual Interview best practice

  • Live video interviews can allow for real-time recruiter questions and candidate responses.
  • Maybe other interview formats alswo need to offered to candidates that prefer those.
  • The choice of video interview or face-to-face interview should be based upon your target audience’s preferences.

Our HireVue GBA designs

We collaborated for 2.5 years at MIndX (later HireVue). Our input was mainly designing the psychometric principles behind the game based assessment. Hence we worked alongside IO psychs, data scientists and the MindX game designer specialists. Thereby, operating at the cutting edge of game-based assessment design.

For example, we based HireVue’s Emotions video assessment tool on that small group of facial emotions that people can identify cross-culturally.  It was important to have a transparent scoring model – since AI is increasingly criticised for having a black-box approach. Also, for the computer to present ‘random’ sets of faces of different ages, genders and ethnic origins – all within different working contexts. 

AI-Enhanced Video Interview Tips

Those interviews that are assessed using Artificial Intelligence and pre-prepared questions do scrutinise facial expressions, however, content of answers is always weighted more highly.  Remember to keep answers relevant and provide clear evidence of how you can demonstrate the required competencies.  Ensure that you speech is positive and energetic and ensure that your answers remain within the correct time-frame, if one is stated.

The Do’s of video assessment

  1. Do use any opportunity to practice your video assessment beforehand.
  2. Sounds obvious, but do check that you have plenty of battery power on your phone or on your laptop.
  3. Generally speaking, you need to ensure the place where you take your video interview is very well lit. 
    Check, in particular, that the interview space’s lighting doesn’t shadow your face. 
  4. So, if you’re scheduled for a HireVue video assessment then do take advantage of the practice video interview questions that the HireVue platform offers…
  5. In particular, get familiar with the whole video assessment set-up screens and the video assessment format which you will have to follow.
  6. Spread your CV and any application notes around you on your desk/table. You need to ensure that you have ease of access to these. also, that they will not distract you at any point.
  7. It is important to be positive so smiling helps! 
  8. Talk at eye level to your laptop or to your phone’s camera.
  9. Also, aim to give so depth so don’t have your face right up close to the screen

– – – HireVue Video Assessments – – –

We provide more useful video assessment don’ts below:

 The Dont’s of video assessment

  1. Aim to look at the camera and not at your own self-image…
  2. Secondly, pretend that this allows you to make eye contact with a face-to-face interviewer.
  3. Don’t think that because this isn’t a face-to-face interview you can eat or drink during your video assessment.
  4. Similarly, you must avoid having anything distract you during the video interview session. So turn off any electronic devices that might do this.
  5. Do not conduct the video interview on your cell phone or in a public or unwired setting, like a coffee shop or your car. 

In summary, you should aim to make your video as effortless as possible for your potential recruiter to view and hear. That means keeping the Internet connection and the audio as consistent as possible.

– – – HireVue Video Assessments – – –

Best practice for video assessment/video conferencing

With any video conferencing or business video calls, ensure that the background behind you does not distract the person you are speaking to.

Similarly, we believe that it is still very important to make the right first impression. That means that if you have a very messy – or even ‘unprofessional’ background… then that may make it more difficult to convince the person you are conferencing with that you are the sort of business-focused person they were expecting!

Video Assessment Designs

A key part of any assessment project is identifying the most important criteria for successful performance. We can help you apply the assessment techniques that business psychology has shown to be the most effective for selecting high job performers. Rob Williams Assessment can advise you on the products that best fit your requirements.

Having worked for many of the UK’s leading consultancies, Rob Williams has extensive experience of assessment for recruitment and for development.

Good games can provide an engaging and authentic environment designed to keep practice meaningful and personally relevant. With simulated visualization, authentic problem solving, and instant feedback, computer games can afford a realistic framework for experimentation.

Another key feature of well-designed games that can enhance learning and motivation is adaptivity related to providing appropriate and adaptive levels of challenge. Gee has argued that the secret of a good game is not its D graphics and other bells and whistles, but its underlying architecture in which each level dances around the outer limits of the player’s abilities, seeking at every point to be hard enough to be just doable.

– – – HireVue Video Assessments – – –

Video-Interview Techniques – Video Based Assessment

Similarly, psychologists (e.g., Vygotsky) have long argued that the best instruction hovers at the boundary of a student’s competence. Flow is another name for this phenomenon. It is a construct first proposed by Csikszentmihalyi to describe an optimal experiential state that involves complete immersion in an activity and a deep sense of enjoyment. Flow represents full engagement, which is crucial for deep learning.

In a video-based assessment, you’ll record your responses to a series of interview questions in your internet browser (on desktop computers) or on the HireVue App (on mobile devices). This is just like an on-demand video interview; you can complete it at the time that works best for you.

HireVue Video-Based Assessments 

Even though digital learning games have become common in education, relatively little attention has been paid to game-based assessment. Nevertheless, it has been argued that learning analytics could speed up the adoption of game-based learning by enhancing both summative and formative assessment practices. 

It’s hard enough to gain insights into a resume or profile. Especially for technical roles where the devil is in the details. But employers simply can’t bring every qualified candidate in for an in-person interview.

Expand your talent pipeline

Unless they introduce video interviews. These can be completed virtually. Even via any candidate’s mobile. A video interview does then allow employers to drill down on a candidate’s employment value. Just as they would do in a face-to-face interview!

So, you fill your recruiting pipeline with worthy candidates. Then, your next stage in the recruiting lifecycle is to evaluate each candidate’s skills and qualifications. To move only the right ones through the pipeline.

HireVue game based assessment. Woman in boardroom on video call.

Using video interviews

There are other pitfalls in the conventional interviewing process that recruiters and hiring managers rely on. First, in spite of an evaluator’s best intentions, bias can creep into their process, both in content and manner, that can put a candidate at a disadvantage.

Second, an unstructured interviewing process can also unintentionally gloss over the most important skills that lead to on-the-job success.

Finally, it’s not always easy to build a scalable, repeatable process that can evaluate a large pool of good candidates without letting some slip through the cracks.

Part II

Here are a few tips on how to successfully deliver a video-based interview.

‘Will they like me? Am I fully prepared for it?’ Whether we admit or not, but almost everyone feels some nerve when preparing for a job interview. Just calm your nerves. Control your nervousness gesture like frequent touching your forehead, twirling your hair, excessively tapping your fingers or showing too much of hand movement. In fact, some of your little habits that you even may not be aware of needs to be rectified, hence watch yourself on camera for practising to break your nervous habits.

Technically set the stage

Download plug-ins and apps that you would need to get in the video-based platform.  Remember to turn off email alerts, software updates and other notifications that may distract you. Do a technical trial run if possible and charge your device before you show up on the screen during the interview. And finally, set up lighting in a way that is bright and illuminates your face from the front. Also, make sure that one uses the login name that’s more professional instead of some comical ones.

Mind your pace

Be conscious of your tone and pitch. Give pauses in a subtle way to reflect on what exactly you are trying to convey. Many a time due to mysterious internet connections, your messages may not sound clear. Also, being conscious of a video interview, we often forget to maintain the pace of our conversation with almost no pauses or taking excessively long pauses in between. The pace, tonality and pitch need to be practised before you appear for a video-based interview. 

Stick to the basics

Though we all know what the basics are, however, we often tend to ignore these critical preparatory skills. Dress professionally, choose something that looks neat while you are sitting down and avoid wearing too bright colours. Make sure to smile, but not too much; just have an enthusiastic, confident and a genuine smile. Maintain good eye contact, neither too aggressive nor too weak and for sure no longer than five seconds at a time.

Video-Interview Techniques – Video Based Assessment

In a video-based assessment, you’ll record your responses to a series of interview questions in your internet browser (on desktop computers) or on the HireVue App (on mobile devices). This is just like an on-demand video interview; you can complete it at the time that works best for you.

Game-Based Assessment

Game-Based Assessment. In a game-based assessment, you’ll complete a series of short games in your internet browser (on desktop) or on the HireVue App (on mobile). Just like a video-based assessment, you can complete your game-based assessment anytime, anywhere.

– – – HireVue Video-Based Assessments – – –

Video-Based Assessment + Game-Based Assessment. This is just what it sounds like. After responding to the video portion of the assessment, you’ll also play a series of short games.

When you start the experience, we will tell you what type of assessment – or combination of assessments – you’ll see.

Here’s how you can ensure you do your very best on a HireVue Assessment:

How to Prepare for a Video-Based Assessment

In a video-based assessment, you’ll respond to a series of interview questions on your computer or smartphone. The entire experience is on demand: you can complete the interview whenever, wherever.

For example, for some customer-facing jobs, your interview may contain a question about how you would respond to an angry customer and you would be prompted to respond by recording an answer on video as if you were addressing that customer. In job roles such as these, your empathy, friendliness, and ability to address the emotions of the angry customer are critical.

We advise you to be aware that the employer will be able to see what is in the background of your video. While most video-based assessments take under 20-30 minutes to complete, you should set aside 45 minutes to stay on the safe side.

Preparing for the Video-Based Assessment

As you prepare for your video-based assessment, consider these tips. If some look familiar, this is because they are applicable to any interview situation. The same tips that help you succeed in a traditional interview will also help you succeed in a video-based assessment.

  • Understand the roles and responsibilities of the role you applied for
  • Be familiar with the different types of interview questions, and come into the assessment with approaches in mind for responding to each type.

Common types of questions you’ll see in a video-based assessment are:

  • Situational judgement questions.
  • Scenario-based simulations. The key difference between this type of question and a situational judgment question is that you’ll act out your response, rather than explain it.
  • Past behaviour questions.

Unlike a typical interview, you can complete a video-based assessment anytime, anywhere. You should take advantage of this. Be sure to take your assessment during the time of day you feel sharpest and most alert.

Can I Trick/Study/Practice for a Video-Based Assessment?

Beyond practising as you would for any interview, no. There isn’t a cheat, hack, or trick.

You should also remember that if you pass the assessment, your video interview will be reviewed by recruiters and hiring managers.

Aside from traditional interview preparation, there is no way to study for a HireVue video-based assessment. HireVue does not work with any third parties to provide “training” or “preparation” services.

Frequently Asked Questions: Video-Based Assessments

Q: Do I need to maintain “eye contact” with my camera?

A: Not necessarily. A HireVue video-based assessment is looking at tens of thousands of factors. One little expression or individual factor makes very little difference in the overall score. Do what feels most natural to you.

Q: Does a video-based assessment look for “keywords”?

A: A HireVue video-based assessment considers the whole context of a response, not just certain words here or there. The same sort of evaluation happens in a video-based assessment. The key difference is that you can verbally describe the action you would take, rather than shoehorn your approach into one of several given options.

FAQ: Video-Based Assessments

Q: Is this facial recognition technology?

A: No. HireVue does not use facial recognition technology or track facial features for identity recognition purposes.

Our focus here is on game-based assessment.

Introduction to game-based assessment

Game-based assessments evaluate a range of competencies. In particular, cognitive skills (e.g. numeracy, working memory, problem-solving). Also, the cognitive component of behaviours. For example the emotion recognition component of empathy.

They are based on decades of psychological research. Hence game-based assessments are used to predict job performance in a similar way. Since game-based assessments mimic tasks successfully used in traditional psychometric assessments.

Game-based assessment strategies

  • Before playing each game, check which cognitive skills are being assessed.
  • Remember that many data points are collected in any game-based assessment. You need to collect as many assessment points as possible.
  • The provider’s instructions will advise what you are expected to do. So, follow these instructions carefully.
  • You will most probably be taking the game-based assessment on your mobile phone. So, you need to get into a focussed mindset.
  • Ensure your environment as quiet and disturbance-free as possible
  • Finally, that is the level of detailed info that gamified assessments can measure.
  • Remember game-based assessment companies aim to collect 1000’s, if not 10,000s data points about you and your performance.

HireVue Video interview tips

How to Prepare for a Game-Based Assessment

  • In a game-based assessment, you’ll complete a series of short games designed to measure skills relevant to your job role.
  • Just like your video-based assessment, you can complete the games whenever, wherever.
  • You might notice that the challenges you need to solve resemble those in traditional assessment – just in a more engaging, game-based format. At the beginning of each game, you can see a summary of the skills that are being assessed.

What to Expect

In a game-based assessment, you’ll play a series of short games. Each game takes approximately 3 minutes to complete and comes with its own instructions. Some of the games may remind you of “brain-teaser” type games.

Choosing Your Space

Game-based assessments often require a high degree of concentration and focus.

While some game-based assessments last only 7 minutes, others may last 15-20. You should set aside around 30 minutes of distraction-free time to stay on the safe side.

Preparing for the Game-Based Assessment

There are several steps you can take to prepare for a game-based assessment:

  • Charge or plug in your device of choice.
  • Take your assessment at a time when you are most awake and sharp. Most games require a high degree of focus; you’ll be most successful if you take your assessment when you are most alert.
  • Read instructions carefully. Make sure you understand what the game is all about before you start playing. The rules are simple and intuitive, and it might be tempting to just start. But reading the instructions is worthwhile.
  • Give yourself a breather between games. Take a second to relax after each game, so you can begin the next game fully refreshed and focused.

Game-Based Assessment Tips

Before you start playing each game, you are provided with instructions to explain what you are expected to do. The game then starts with some easy levels so you can get used to the game format and task before levels increase in complexity.

Finding a distraction-free area is one of the most important steps you can take to succeed in a game-based assessment.

Most tasks are mentally challenging, but the game format is easy to follow and interact with. Presenting our assessment challenges in a game-based format allows us to make them as engaging as possible, and to motivate you to perform at your best.

Video-Based Assessment Design Work with Hire Vue GBA 

– – – HireVue Video-Based Assessments – – –

Designing GBA Digital Assessments

Rob Williams Assessment Ltd specialises in designing bespoke digital assessments.

A key part of any assessment project is identifying the most important criteria for successful performance. We can help you apply the assessment techniques that business psychology has shown to be the most effective for selecting high job performers. Rob Williams Assessment can advise you on the products that best fit your requirements.

Having worked for many of the UK’s leading consultancies, Rob Williams has extensive experience of assessment for recruitment and for development.

Digital Assessments for Graduates

GBAs are becoming a core component of many graduate recruitment schemes. For example Accenture, Deloitte and Unilever’s graduate recruitment schemes.

MindX – Entry Talent Sifting

The digital assessment supplier MindX, with their cutting-edge cognitive ability mini-game tests, are a leading UK supplier of game-based assessment for entry talent.

Video interview tips

These are our top Video Interview tips.

  • Firstly, remember that many of the good practices you’re familiar with for face-to-face interviews will still apply. In particular, you will need to dress smart and to appear well-groomed. Also, ensure that you maintain eye contact as much as possible with the camera.
  • Secondly, answer the video interview questions as concisely as possible. Make the most efficient use of the time available for each question. There will be a countdown timer, so use it as your guide!
  • Finally, show some consideration for your video interviewing company. If it is a reputable, research-driven video interviewing company (such as HireVue) there will be software analysing your changes in facial expression and body language. Plus, content analysis software to analyse your interview answers.

– – – HireVue Video-Based Assessments – – –

How should you conduct your video interview?

Remember to:

  • Keep your camera steady
  • Have your head and shoulders positioned square on to your camera
  • Rest your camera on a flat surface
  • Ensure that the room where you are conducting the interview is well-lit.

Game-based assessment examples 

In terms of Recruiters using game-based assessment let’s start with Price Waterhouse Coopers as a premier game-based assessment example. We will also consider the reasons why recruiters should be serious about game-based assessment. 

Gamification has emerged as the latest weapon in the war for talent. In the selection stage of the recruitment process, an increasing number of organisations are turning to game-style elements to improve candidate engagement and satisfaction, while still facilitating the collection of fundamental assessment information.

It is useful to make a distinction between gamified assessments and game-based assessments, where the former is predominantly a psychometric instrument that features game-style elements for better engagement, while the latter is a purpose-built game that assesses user behaviour while playing the game.

Gamification positives

Ideally, gamification in candidate selection allows employer and candidate objectives to overlap:

  • Raise candidates’ motivation to complete the assessment and improve the accuracy of results
  • Provide immediate feedback to candidates and improve their satisfaction with the hiring process
  • Convey a modern and attractive employer brand helping to attract top talent

Game-based assessment examples

  • Reduce dropout rates helping to control recruitment costs.

However, when clumsily deployed, organisations risk that candidates do not feel taken seriously and exit the hiring process. When candidates find it difficult to detect the fairness and relevance of the game, the game will lack ‘face validity’. In this situation, an organisation can risk reputational damage.

The challenge is to ensure that gamification in recruitment is truly fit-for-purpose and is experienced as such. Whether gamified or not, candidates experience assessments as pressured, high-stakes situations, which can limit the scope for ‘having fun’. It is crucial that the candidates’ time and effort are visibly valued. Thus, the process must be clearly justifiable and allow for an assessment of the key metrics required for the role.

Is it fun and games in gamification?

The stakes in gamified recruitment are high for employers and candidates alike. Whether gamified or not, accuracy in the assessment of a candidate’s fit for a role remains critical.

It is important to consider that small cues within the gaming environment can influence participants’ responses. It may sway an assessment’s validity. In fact, any environment, whether curated or not, will influence our behaviours in some way. With this in mind, behavioural economics, the science of decision-making that blends insights from economics, psychology and neuroscience. This offers helpful insights into the optimisation of game-style elements in recruitment.

Game-based assessment examples

Avoid irrelevant game situations

Candidates must understand how the assessment is appropriate for the role.  
game situations viewed as irrelevant for the job. It’s important to frame the game with an introductory message. Explaining the game’s relevance, and how it assesses their fit for the role. Also, of course, how the data will be used. Furthermore, candidates generally appreciate immediate feedback to gauge their results and understand their performance during the assessment.

Excessive game complexity can reduce game enjoyment, reduce assessment accuracy and increase the dropout rate. Games must, therefore, strike a difficult balance between allowing sufficient nuance, while minimising biases and choice overload.

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