Top tips for recording a one-way video interview

Asynchronous video interviews have been around for a while but are increasingly popular, allowing candidates to record their responses to interview questions in their own time. Asynchronous simply means 'one-way' so it's not Teams, Zoom or Google Meet but enables you to bring your CV and personality to life. This format offers flexibility but also requires careful preparation to ensure that your recorded responses leave a positive impression. Here are some essential tips to help you record a professional asynchronous video interview.

1. Choose the right environment

Your environment plays a significant role in how professional your video appears. Choose a quiet, well-lit space with a neutral background to avoid distractions. Ensure that the area is free from clutter, and consider using a plain wall or a tidy room as your backdrop. Good lighting is crucial—natural light is ideal, so position yourself facing a window if possible. If natural light isn’t available, use a desk lamp or ring light to illuminate your face evenly.

2. Test your equipment

Before recording your interview, test your equipment to avoid any technical glitches. Ensure your camera is functioning correctly and that the audio is clear. Use headphones with a built-in microphone or an external microphone for better sound quality, as built-in laptop microphones can sometimes pick up background noise. Additionally, check your internet connection to ensure your video uploads smoothly without any interruptions.

3. Dress professionally

Even though you’re not meeting the interviewer in person, it’s important to dress professionally. Wear attire that you would typically choose for an in-person interview—this shows respect for the process and reflects your seriousness about the opportunity. Avoid busy patterns that might be distracting on camera. Dressing the part can also boost your confidence and help you get into the right mindset for the interview.

4. Maintain good posture and body language

Your body language can convey a lot, even through a video. Sit up straight, with your shoulders back, and keep your body relaxed. Avoid fidgeting or making excessive hand movements, as these can be distracting. Make sure to maintain eye contact by looking directly into the camera, not at the screen. This creates the impression that you’re engaging directly with the interviewer, even though they aren’t there in real-time.

5. Practice before recording

Rehearsing your responses before recording is crucial for a polished performance. Familiarize yourself with the questions, and practice your answers out loud to ensure that you’re concise and clear. If possible, do a test run by recording yourself answering a sample question. This will help you identify any areas where you might need to improve, such as speaking too quickly, using filler words, or appearing too stiff on camera.

6. Be mindful of your tone and pace

Since the interviewer isn’t there to ask follow-up questions or seek clarification, it’s important to speak clearly and at a moderate pace. Avoid rushing through your answers—take a moment to gather your thoughts before you start speaking, and pause briefly between sentences to ensure your message is coming across effectively. Your tone should be professional but conversational, reflecting confidence and enthusiasm for the role.

7. Stick to the time limit

Many asynchronous video interviews come with time limits for each response. Make sure to stay within these limits, as going over time might prevent the interviewer from seeing your full answer or suggest that you have trouble staying concise. Practice timing your responses during your preparation to get a feel for how long you have and to ensure you cover all key points within the allotted time.

8. Focus on the key points

Given the constraints of an asynchronous interview, it’s important to focus on the key points in your responses. Highlight your most relevant experience, skills, and achievements that directly relate to the job you’re applying for. If possible, structure your answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to ensure that your responses are clear, concise, and impactful.

9. Eliminate distractions

Before you start recording, eliminate any potential distractions. Turn off notifications on your computer and phone, and let others in your household know that you need quiet during the recording session. Close any unnecessary applications on your computer to avoid interruptions, and make sure your background is free from visual distractions that could divert attention away from your answers.

10. Review before submitting

Take the time to review your recordings before submitting them. Watch each video to ensure that your answers are clear, your audio is crisp, and your video quality is good. Check for any background noise or visual distractions that you might have missed. If you’re not satisfied with a particular response, don’t hesitate to re-record it. Remember, this is your chance to make a strong first impression, so it’s worth the extra effort to ensure everything is polished and professional.

Final thoughts

Recording a professional asynchronous video interview requires preparation, attention to detail, and a calm, focused approach. By choosing the right environment, testing your equipment, and practicing your responses, you can present yourself confidently and make a strong impression on your potential employer. Remember, the key is to be yourself—let your personality shine through while demonstrating your qualifications for the role. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well-prepared to ace your asynchronous video interview.