The Pros and Cons of the One-Way Video Interview: What You Need to Know

The one-way video interview has revolutionized the hiring process for many employers, allowing them to quickly evaluate job candidates without in-person interviews. However, this type of interview has its pros and cons. Understanding these benefits and drawbacks can help you make the most of the one-way video interview experience.

On one hand, it offers a convenient way to screen candidates, while on the other hand, it can be more difficult to get a true sense of the candidate’s personality and capabilities. By being aware of the advantages and disadvantages of the one-way video interview, you can be sure to make the best decision for both the employer and the applicant.

Definition of one-way video interview

An online one-way video interview is a video interview that is conducted one way, with the interviewer on one end of the screen and the job candidate on the other. The candidate is unable to view the interviewer. A two-way video interview is a live video call with both sides able to view and talk to one another.

In some cases, an in-person interview can also be one-way, with the interviewer able to ask questions but the candidate unable to view or respond to the interviewer. An in-person interview can also be two-way, with both interviewer and interviewee able to see and speak to each other.

Pros of one-way video interview

Quicker – Since both interviewer and candidate have their own screens, a video interview can be much quicker than an in-person interview. This is helpful if you have a lot of people to interview for one job or if you have a very busy schedule.

Cheaper – A one-way video interview can also be cheaper than an in-person interview. Since the candidates don’t have to be flown to your office or brought to their own, you don’t have to incur those costs.

More flexible – If you’re doing interviews from a distance or have a very busy schedule, you can conduct the video interview at times when you otherwise wouldn’t be available to conduct an in-person interview.

More private – A one-way interview can be more private than an in-person interview, meaning you can ask questions that are private or confidential, such as salary history.

More controlled – An interviewer can be more controlled during a one-way interview than in an in-person interview. This is useful if you want to avoid being distracted by things like the candidate’s appearance.

More consistent – Interviewers can also be more consistent in a one-way interview since they don’t have to worry about body language or other nonverbal cues.

Cons of one-way video interview

Maybe less interactive – Because the candidate can’t see you, it can be less interactive, meaning you must do more of the talking. An in-person interview can be more interactive, with both parties able to ask questions and respond to each other.

May be harder to get a feel for the candidate’s personality – Because the candidate can’t see you, you may have a harder time getting a feel for the candidate’s personality. You may also have a harder time putting yourself out there in the way you might during an in-person interview.

May be harder to assess the candidate’s capabilities – You may have a harder time assessing the candidate’s capabilities during a one-way interview than during an in-person interview.

May be harder for the candidate to get a feel for the employer – Since the candidate can’t see you, he or she may have a harder time getting a feel for the employer during a one-way interview than during an in-person interview.

May be more difficult to judge the candidate’s fit for the position – You may have a harder time judging the candidate’s fit for the position during a one-way interview than during an in-person interview.

Tips for employers using one-way video interviews

Focus on the types of questions you can’t ask during an in-person interview – During a one-way interview, you can ask questions that you would be unable to ask during an in-person interview, such as salary history or if the candidate has any disabilities.

Preparing beforehand can help you get the most out of the interview Having a clear plan of what you want to cover in the interview can help you get the most out of the interview.

Make sure that you have a good connection so that you don’t end up having to cut the interview short or have the candidate lose connection.

Don’t be too quick to dismiss the candidate – Because a one-way interview is less interactive, you may have a harder time getting a feel for the candidate’s personality or assessing his or her capabilities.

Use the interview to get to know the candidate better – You may have a harder time getting a feel for the candidate’s personality during a one-way interview, so make sure to use the interview to get to know the candidate better.

Tips for job seekers using one-way video interviews

Be prepared – Make sure that you are prepared for the interview. Spend some time getting to know the company beforehand and make sure you know what the position entails.

Be yourself – Remember that you can’t see your interviewer, so you may have a harder time putting yourself out there. Be yourself and try to relax.

Practice beforehand – Make sure to practice the interview beforehand so that you know what to expect.

Prepare your questions – Make sure to ask questions during the interview, such as why you are being considered for the position. This will help you get a better sense of the employer.

Follow up after the interview – Remember that you can’t see your interviewer, so you may have a harder time gauging the employer’s level of interest in you.

Remember that an interview during off hours may not necessarily mean a lack of interest.

Conclusion

An online one-way video interview can be a convenient way for employers to interview job candidates, but it does have its pros and cons. During a one-way video interview, the interviewer is on one screen and the candidate is on the other. A two-way video interview is a live video call where both sides can view and speak to each other.