How to Prepare for Video Interviews

What is an asynchronous video interview?

In the early stages of applying for a graduate scheme or apprenticeship, you will likely face an asynchronous (or "one-way") video interview. Many employers use HireVue for this stage, while others use their assessment provider's own platform or a system built into their careers site.

There is no human interviewer. Instead, a question will appear on the screen in text or video format. You usually get 30 to 60 seconds to prepare your thoughts, followed by one to three minutes to record your answer. Once time is up, the recording stops automatically and is sent to an assessor who reviews it later.

The technical setup

Before you press start, ensure your environment sets you up for success.

Lighting

The light source must be in front of you, illuminating your face. Do not sit with a bright window behind you, or you will appear as a dark silhouette. A desk lamp behind your laptop works well.

Background

Keep it neutral and tidy. A plain wall or a neat bookshelf is ideal. Avoid having unmade beds, laundry, or messy posters in the frame.

Audio

Use headphones with a built-in microphone or a dedicated external microphone if you have one. Built-in laptop microphones often pick up fan noise and room echo. Test your audio in the platform's practice section to ensure you are clear.

Notifications

Put your phone on silent and move it out of reach. Turn off desktop notifications (like WhatsApp Web, iMessage, or email pop-ups) so they do not distract you mid-sentence.

Body language and eye contact

Speaking to a blank screen feels unnatural, but you must project the same enthusiasm as you would in a real interview.

Look at the lens

This is the golden rule. When you are recording, look directly at your webcam lens, not at the screen. Looking at the lens creates the illusion of eye contact for the assessor watching later. Looking at the screen makes it appear as though you are looking down.

Posture

Sit up straight, centred in the frame. Your head and shoulders should be visible. Use hand gestures naturally if that is how you normally speak, but keep them within the frame.

Dress code

Dress exactly as you would for an in-person interview. For most corporate roles, this means a smart shirt, blouse, or suit jacket.

Structuring your answers

Because there is no interviewer to prompt you or ask follow-up questions, you must provide a complete, well-structured answer the first time.

If you are asked a competency question (e.g., "Tell me about a time you worked in a team to solve a problem"), use the STAR method:

• Situation: Set the scene briefly. (10%)
• Task: Explain what you needed to achieve. (10%)
• Action: Detail exactly what you did. This is the most important part. (60%)
• Result: Share the positive outcome, using numbers if possible. (20%)

Have three or four versatile STAR examples ready before you start the interview. You can usually adapt these to fit most competency questions.

Not every question will be a competency question. Expect motivational questions like "Why do you want to join us?" (see our guide to answering "Why this company?") and strengths-based questions like "What do you enjoy doing most?", where there is no past example to give. Our guide to strengths-based vs competency interviews covers how to handle both.

Dealing with the timer

The countdown timer on the screen can induce panic.

The preparation time

Use the 30-60 seconds of prep time to jot down a few bullet points on a sticky note. Stick it next to your webcam lens. Do not try to write a full script; you will run out of time and sound robotic when reading it.

The recording time

Do not feel pressured to use the entire recording window. If you are given three minutes but you have delivered a strong, structured STAR answer in two minutes, stop the recording. Rambling to fill the time dilutes the impact of your answer.

If you stumble over your words, do not panic. Pause, take a breath, correct yourself, and continue. Assessors know this format is stressful and they expect natural human speech, not a flawless theatrical performance.

Live video interviews

Later in the process, and at smaller employers, you are more likely to have a live interview over Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or Google Meet with a real interviewer. Everything above about lighting, background, and looking at the lens still applies, with a few differences:

• Join early. Open the link five minutes before the start time so you can deal with any software updates or permission requests.
• Have a backup. Keep the interviewer's or recruiter's phone number or email to hand in case your connection drops.
• It is a conversation. Unlike a recorded interview, you can ask the interviewer to repeat a question or clarify what they mean. Pause briefly before answering so you do not talk over them if there is a delay on the line.
• Prepare questions. Have two or three questions ready to ask at the end, just as you would in person.

FAQ

• Can I re-record my answers?↓

  Can I re-record my answers?

  It depends on how the employer has set up the interview. Many give you one attempt per question, while some allow a retake. The instructions will tell you before you start. Most platforms also provide practice questions at the start. Do the practice questions as many times as you need to feel comfortable with the software and the timer.

• Will an AI be grading my interview?↓

  Will an AI be grading my interview?

  Possibly in part. HireVue stopped analysing candidates' facial expressions in 2021, but some employers still use software to help assess the content of what you say, alongside or before human review. Either way, what is scored is the substance and structure of your answer, so focus on clear, well-organised examples rather than trying to perform for the camera.

• Can I use notes?↓

  Can I use notes?

  Yes, but use them sparingly. Sticking a few bullet points next to your webcam is fine. Reading from a script on your screen or looking down at a notebook constantly is very obvious and will count against you.

• What if I need adjustments?↓

  What if I need adjustments?

  If you have a disability or condition that makes the format difficult, such as needing extra preparation time or a different format, contact the recruitment team before you start. Employers must make reasonable adjustments for disabled candidates.

Next steps

If you pass the video interview, the next stage is often an assessment centre. Read our guide on assessment centres and what to expect to prepare for group exercises and case studies.

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