one way video interview questions

One way video interview questions and how to excel

One-way video interviews also called asynchronous video interviews are becoming very popular these days with recruiters during the hiring process. One-way video interviews replace phone call interviews, recruiters can set one-way video interview questions and email them to all the shortlisted candidates. Candidates can record the video response to all the questions at any time. They give more insight into candidates and save a lot of time for recruiters.

If you encounter a one-way video interview, it’s better to be well-prepared for those questions. Use this opportunity to show the hiring manager or recruiter that you are a good fit for the position and that you are passionate about the company and your career. According to a recent article on Quartz, the use of pre-recorded interviews has increased by 30% since last year. Even though certain interview questions might seem difficult, doing well on them is essential if you want to get the job you really want. Listed below are some of the more typical one-way video interview questions that hiring managers and recruiters ask, along with suggestions on formulating strong responses.

1. Why are you interested in this position? What draws you to this job, and why?

Recruiters ask this to determine whether you have a thorough understanding of the job description and the duties associated with the position. Be specific because this question is a fantastic chance to show your interest and excitement about the job. Make use of this to discuss how your prior experiences have helped to prepare you for this position. Any achievement you had in a prior job that will demonstrate that you are a suitable candidate should also be mentioned.

2. What do you know about the company?

It not only reflects your interest in the job role, but it also demonstrates how ready you are to take on responsibility. There is no justification for not being able to respond to this question, especially with the internet at your fingertips. Make sure to do your research in advance – learning about the company and its people! Maintain interaction in the discussion and communicate naturally.  You don’t have to divulge every fact or figure you learned. A simple browse through their website and social media pages will inform you of the company’s culture, giving you sufficient knowledge to make an intelligent, unrehearsed speech.  If a candidate has minimal background knowledge of the organization, 47% of interviewers indicated they wouldn’t offer them the position.

3. What are your strengths? What qualities do you have?

This question enables recruiters to identify your strongest traits. They can then determine how confident you are in your talents. Present a confident, competent image of yourself that is neither opinionated nor haughty. Your answer should be relevant to the job description and your capacity to carry out the responsibilities delegated to you. Never overstate or brag about past accomplishments, because every recruiter is aware that “teamwork” and not just one individual’s contribution is always involved. For instance, if you are being interviewed for a job where you will be in charge of a sizable team, mention how well you communicate and how you can get along with a wide range of people.

4. Tell me about yourself.

This is one of the most typical icebreaker questions used in one-way video interviews. Using this question, recruiters can learn more about a candidate’s priorities and self-perception. The answer a candidate gives to this question can disclose a lot about them, including their personalities, backgrounds, and ideals. Utilize this as an additional chance to highlight your abilities and accomplishments for the hiring manager or recruiter to leave a lasting impression. Use this question to showcase what makes you unique. Recruiters are generally looking for candidates who are capable both inside and outside the office, so highlight any hobbies or interests that compliment your work style or make you stand out. 

5. What are your unique qualities?

The hiring manager’s primary goal is to determine whether you are more or less qualified for the position than the other applicants they are interviewing. They can make better selections for the business with the help of this query. Focus on describing certain traits that might be advantageous to the employer and the employment role. To persuade them that you are not just well prepared but also a good fit, emphasize your skills or specific aspects of your past.

6. In three years, where do you see yourself?

The answer to this issue will depend on the individual and the sector, hence there is no ideal response. Their motive is to determine whether the path you are on is in line with the goals of the company and how you see your future. Give broad descriptions of the abilities you hope to acquire over time and the kinds of goals you’d like to achieve in the future. Sometimes, there may be context clues in the interview that point to what sort of candidate they’re looking for, be that an ambitious climber, or someone who wants to work the same job for a while.

7. What kind of workplace would you prefer?

A recruiter or hiring manager asks you this question to ascertain whether you fit the company’s culture well. Give your genuine answer. If you could function well in a big, busy office, say that. If you enjoy working in a small workplace where you can collaborate with coworkers easily, explain why that is important.

8. Why should we pick you for the position, in your opinion?

This is one of the most common questions in a one-way video interview. It is posed to help a recruiter or hiring manager understand how you present yourself to potential employers to “sell” yourself. It’s also important to put yourself in the recruiter’s position and provide them with reasons to choose you above other candidates. Explain how your performance in various roles over the years benefited the company as you talk about it.

9. Tell us about your work ethic.

This question is posed to determine how well you can fit into a company’s culture. Describe how important it is to you that you finish every work you’ve been given quickly and effectively.

10. How Would You Contribute to a Positive Work Culture?

When answering this question in a one-way video interview, express your commitment to collaborative efforts and building strong relationships with colleagues. Highlight instances where you’ve actively contributed to team projects and encouraged a sense of unity. Express your willingness to participate in team-building activities and events. Discuss your role in motivating and inspiring team members during challenging projects.

11. How Do You Handle High-Pressure Situations?

Handling high-pressure situations is a crucial skill in any professional setting. When addressing this question in a one-way video interview, emphasize your ability to remain calm and composed under pressure. Share specific examples where you successfully navigated high-pressure scenarios without becoming overwhelmed. Highlight your problem-solving skills and how you approach challenges with a solutions-oriented mindset. Communicate your proficiency in managing time efficiently, especially when faced with time-sensitive tasks.

12. How Would You Handle a Situation Where You Disagree with a Team Member?

Effectively managing disagreements with team members is a vital skill in a collaborative work environment. When addressing this question, stress the significance of maintaining a professional and respectful demeanor during disagreements. Emphasize the importance of active listening to understand your team member’s perspective fully. Discuss your approach to finding common ground and areas of agreement with team members.

13. What Are Your Long-Term Career Goals?

When addressing the question about your long-term career goals, begin by expressing your passion for your chosen field and enthusiasm for long-term career growth. Demonstrate how your long-term career goals align with the values and mission of the company you’re interviewing for. Mention your aspirations for leadership roles or skill development over time. Showcase how your aspirations align with the company’s strategic vision.

14. Describe a Challenging Situation You Faced at Work.

When describing a challenging situation you faced at work, begin by providing a brief overview of the challenging situation you encountered at work. Clearly define the challenge you faced, outlining the complexity and potential impact. Explain the decision-making process and any strategic considerations. Detail the problem-solving strategies you employed.  Discuss any obstacles or hurdles you had to overcome during the process. Reflect on how the experience contributed to your personal and professional growth.

15. How Do You Prioritize and Manage Your Time?

Effectively managing time is a critical skill in the professional realm. Discuss how you would adhere to a strategic and organized approach that aligns with both short-term tasks and long-term goals. Mention how you might create detailed to-do lists to help organize and structure your day. Talk about categorizing tasks by deadlines and importance,  and ensuring that you tackle high-priority items first.  Discuss your approach to unforeseen circumstances and how you might adapt or adjust your schedule to accommodate changes.

16. What Motivates You in Your Work?

Discuss the things that make you “tick.” If you take joy in engaging in tasks that align with your interests and skills, mention this as a  constant motivator. Perhaps you are drawn to the prospect of acquiring new knowledge and skills or making a meaningful impact in the world or your workplace. Discuss the things about work that provide you with a sense of purpose, such as a collaborative and positive team environment,  working with supportive colleagues, or achieving goals.  

17. Tell Us About a Successful Project You’ve Led.

This question is a great opportunity to highlight your contributions to a team, as well as your leadership capabilities. Explain your project, responsibilities, and goals briefly. Then, talk about any improvements you made to the process, as well as how your leadership impacted the project. Share the achievements you and your team were able to garner. Don’t be shy- this question is an opportunity to highlight your successes. Be specific about how your project achieved or overachieved goals, and how it affected your company. 

18. Discuss a Time When You Had to Collaborate with a Diverse Team.

Showcasing your ability to work with different backgrounds and skill sets can be valuable. Use this opportunity to discuss your experiences working with different types of people. Discuss how you approach people who are incredibly different from you, and what you might do to bridge the gap. Recruiters want to know how you handle conflict, so be sure to highlight any instances where you were able to bring the team together or solve a problem. 

19. How Do You Stay Updated on Industry Trends and Developments?

Staying updated on industry trends and developments is crucial for professional growth and effectiveness. Mention if you regularly read industry-specific publications and journals to help you stay abreast of the latest research, innovations, and emerging trends within your field. Note any webinars and online courses offered by industry experts or educational institutions that you have taken to stay informed about new technologies, methodologies, and best practices. 

20. How Do You Handle Feedback and Constructive Criticism?

Handling feedback and constructive criticism is an integral part of professional growth, and recruiters want to be sure that you are capable of accepting both feedback and constructive criticism. Discuss how you would try to listen to the perspectives of others and allow for a more constructive dialogue. Mention what you would do if the feedback is unclear or requires further explanation. Try to state your commitment to understanding feedback thoroughly and implementing necessary changes. Feedback is a valuable tool for improvement and an opportunity to enhance your skills and performance- highlight this.

Also read: Phone screening interview questions