Introduction: Technology Is Changing the Hiring Game

The hiring process is now more tech-driven than ever before.

In fact, hiring is no longer about connecting with another person in a meaningful way – those days are long gone. (While there are steps in the hiring process that still include connecting with a real human person and making an impression, that experience is a much smaller percentage of the interactions you’ll experience.)

Today, hiring is much more about automation, efficiency, and speed.

We already know that 86% of organizations use modern tools like video conferencing and online assessments in recruitment (source). And 83% of US companies are now using AI to power at least some part of their HR pipeline, including the controversial use of automated video interviews (source).

What Do People Think of Video Interviews?

Of course, the majority of people dislike, and a sizeable group HATE video interviews.

A massive 70% of Americans prefer in-person job interviews – 17% prefer video, and only 9% are happy with audio-only interviews (source).

And don’t even get started on one-way video interviews, where you’re forced to record yourself answering questions for some unseen bot…

One way video interviews (Automated video interviews or AVIs) are considered to be a soul-crushing experience that candidates universally loathe – and justifiably so (source).

What is in Our Near Future Regarding Video Interviews?

More video interviews…

Here’s the brutal truth: this trend of automation and AI injection into every part of the HR process is not slowing down. And neither will it slow down in the future.

In fact, on the contrary, and despite all the protestations of the public; it is going to accelerate. (Beyond the cost savings, AI tools give HR professionals and hiring managers plausible cover for their failures in hiring – not to mention how much time it saves them. Because of these reasons, they universally love it.)

Ultimately, no matter what candidates think, AI and automation are here to stay.

Moreover, it’s worth remembering: Managers can’t help themselves. They’ll push these technologies to the point where they’ll do more harm than good, all in the name of efficiency – many times even at the expense of their long-term success.

That’s how the corporate world works.

What Should You Do About Video Interviews?

While we’ve talked extensively about the issues AI is causing for applicants and professionals alike across the entire hiring pipeline, in this article, we will focus on mitigating the damage and turning the tables around video interviews (automated and live video interviews alike.)

You can grumble and fight it… But the reality is that you need to adapt or be left behind.

In this cutthroat environment, your job isn’t to sit back and complain. It’s to master the art of delivering spectacular video interview performances, using every tool at your disposal to make sure you stand out and get the job, even if the system is stacked against you. (Because it is stacked against you.)

In short: You need to learn how to win this game; as the world won’t slow down just because you don’t like the rules.

Let’s talk about the how of this winning…

What Makes Video Interviews Special

Video interviews are fundamentally different from their in-person ones. Research shows – as you might expect – video interviews tend to lack the depth and richness of face-to-face interactions.

While video hiring interviews are not as thoroughly studied, video interviews in other contexts (such as academic research and polling) have quite a bit of literature. And according to such research, it turns out that video interviews generate fewer words overall and produce less “code density.” – This means: the amount of information provided is reduced compared to in-person settings (source).

In the context of a job interview, this less communication depth can make it harder for candidates to fully articulate their skills and experiences or for interviewers to dive into nuanced questions. And that can be quite problematic…

Remember: Many hiring decisions depend on detailed storytelling or an experienced sense of the candidate created via the correct use of body language, both of which are harder to convey via a screen.

The Critical Role of Communication Skills

Precisely because of these limitations, video interviews require even more exceptional communication skills. In fact, research has found that in video-based settings, strong communicators who can effectively express themselves through voice tone, body language, and facial expressions do even better (source).

Think of it like this: In a video interview, you’re not just answering questions – you’re performing. And your ability to convey confidence and clarity while managing the limitations of the medium matters more than it does in person.

Details (which we’ll discuss in the checklist below) matter.

The Perception vs. Reality of Video Interviews

Keep in mind, many candidates can hurt their own chances precisely because it’s a video interview.

You see… Many candidates feel they don’t have the same opportunity to perform during video interviews as they would in person. They also feel that these video interviews are less useful for the purposes of an interview. Research shows applicants also view virtual interviews as less job-relevant and rate the interviewers lower on trustworthiness or competence (source).

Or put another way, many candidates think something along the lines of: “these dumb useless video interviews done by incompetent, untrustworthy companies suck!”.

Of course, that is a damaging attitude!

And because of that attitude, you like the interviewers less. This can, in turn, hurt your presentation, lead to lower scores for likeability (they like you less) and lower your chance of being hired.

Therefore… It’s best to be detached and emotionally uninterested toward the whole thing.

The reality is video interviews are on the rise, and mastering them can actually set you apart. Don’t just react to it. Don’t hate it – even though you have every justified reason to.

Instead, like we teach our students on all matters corporate, find a way to use it to your advantage…

Your Video Interview Success Checklist

To our surprise, the NIH has done some impressive thinking on video interviews. Starting from their work, we’ve created the following checklist for you

Before Your Video Interview

1. Test Your Technology

  • Verify Equipment: Make sure your camera, microphone, and internet connection are functioning correctly. Use the testing tools provided by platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet to identify potential issues.
  • Plan for Failures: Keep a backup plan ready, such as enabling a mobile hotspot or having an alternate device on standby.
  • Contact Information: Save the interviewer’s phone number or email. If technical issues arise, immediately notify them and reschedule.

2. Perfect Your Lighting and Framing

  • Optimize Lighting: If there was only one thing you were going to do to jazz up your videos, it’s lighting. Learn the basics (YouTube is your friend)… Position a light source in front of you, at face level, to eliminate shadows and create a professional image.
  • Frame Yourself: Center your face in the camera at eye level, avoiding awkward angles. This simple adjustment boosts professionalism.

3. Prepare for The Conversation

  • Mock Interviews: Record yourself answering potential interview questions. Review your performance to assess your tone, posture, and clarity.
  • Have Ice-Breaker Topics: Be ready for light conversation at the beginning of the interview. Sometimes the people interviewing you suck or don’t know what they are doing. Having a few ice-breakers better than “how’s the weather over there” can make a big difference in your likeability. Prepare casual questions about the company, team, or interviewer’s background to show interest and build rapport.

5. Dress and Groom Professionally

  • Wear Interview-Appropriate Attire: Dress as if the interview were in-person, from head to toe. Yes, this includes pants, socks and shoes. (There is a psychological effect we won’t get into, but it’s absolutely crucial. Ask us at one of our events.)
  • Hair and Makeup: Invest in professional grooming. Get makeup done (yes, all genders.) Cameras exaggerate imperfections, and people are used to looking at exceptionally attractive individuals both on legacy and social media.
  • Avoid Visual Distractions: Stick to solid colors and avoid patterns or bright shades that may distort on camera.

6. Set a Professional Background

  • Declutter Your Space: Be sure your background is neutral and free of distractions. A messy environment reflects poorly on your professionalism. Moreover, the wrong book, toy, poster, tool, or object of any kind can get you cancelled and blacklisted. (Incidentally, we teach our students to use an empty wall behind them with no objects, making sure there is nothing that can compromise their application or privacy.)

7. Research the Platform and Interviewers

  • Learn the Tools: The actual interview should never be the first time you’re using the platform. Become familiar with whatever tool they want you to use. Try features like mute, screen sharing, and chat.
  • Know Your Audience: Research the interviewers on LinkedIn or company websites to customize your responses and build rapport. (See our gathering intelligence section or Launch Your Career‘s interview modules.)

8. Setup Tools & Software

  • Use A Laptop Not a Phone: A laptop is much easier to secure than a phone and a much more isolated environment in terms of privacy and security. Using your phone for video interviews is highly discouraged.
  • Screen Sharing Prep: Make sure you can share your screen (if required). Test the feature ahead of time, but also be sure that your screen displays only what’s needed. If you’re prompted to share your screen, make sure your personal files and sensitive information are hidden.
  • Create a Separate User Account: At the very least, set up a new user profile on your computer just for the interview. This will help isolate your personal data from the interview environment.
  • Use a Virtual Machine or Separate Device: If you’re concerned about privacy and security, consider using a virtual machine (VM) or even a completely separate laptop for the interview. (A VM acts as a self-contained system, completely isolated from your primary device, keeping your personal data and browsing history off-limits.)
  • Sandbox for Proprietary Software: If the company requires installing proprietary software (like a custom interview tool), set it up in a virtual machine (VM), or a brand new laptop (to be formatted after you’re done with the interview).

During the Interview: Key Strategies for Success

1. Nonverbal Communication

  • Eye Contact: Look directly at the camera, not the screen, to simulate real-life engagement and confidence.
  • Body Language: Sit upright, avoid slouching, and use more than occasional hand gestures to emphasize your points (watch a TV news anchor or a famous YouTube influencer – not TikTok, different media – to get the right level of motion.)

2. Vocal Delivery

  • Projection: Speak clearly and confidently, as if presenting to a group. Be louder than you would if you were speaking to someone face to face.
  • Enunciation: Slow down slightly and articulate each word to avoid miscommunication (audio lags or distortions, etc.)

3. Structure Your Responses

  • Use the STAR Method: When answering behavioral questions, organize your responses using Situation, Task, Action, and Result.
  • Use The Language of Value: The Language of Value is the most comprehensive framework for answering interview questions and appearing qualified.

4. Demonstrate Enthusiasm and Adaptability

  • Smile: A warm and genuine smile combined with an upbeat tone can convey enthusiasm and make you more likable.
  • Handle Disruptions Gracefully: If there’s an interruption, such as a loud noise or technical issue, acknowledge it briefly, apologize if necessary, and resume calmly. (This shows resilience under pressure. We can even talk about manufacturing such experiences by utilizing a friend’s loud assistance behind the scenes, but that’s going off topic…)

5. “Cheat”

  • Post-It Notes Behind The Camera: Place notes with key points about the company or reminders near your camera, outside of their point of view.
  • Bullet Points, Not Scripts: Use prompts and reminders, never full sentences.

6. Maximize Features of the Platform

  • Leverage Multiple Attempts: If the platform allows re-recorded responses for automated questions: record multiple times and refine your answers until it is perfect.

7. Ask Insightful Questions

  • Demonstrate Engagement: Prepare thoughtful questions (again, post-its) about the role or organization to show your genuine interest.

Post-Interview Checklist

1. Follow Up

  • Thank Them: Send a personalized thank-you email within 24 hours of the interview. Mention specific moments or insights from the conversation to show attentiveness and enthusiasm.

2. Reflect and Improve

  • Take Notes: Immediately after the interview, take a few minutes to take notes. What went well? What sucked? What can you improve? These notes are worth their weight in gold over the arc of your career.

3. Protect Your Data

  • Remain Private: If you don’t get the job, consider withdrawing your consent for the company to retain your data. This includes requesting the deletion of interview recordings, personal information, and any other digital footprint. If a piece of data about you does not serve you, it should not exist. You have rights…

What If It’s an AVI? What Should You Do?

Automated Video Interviews (AVIs) are a nightmare for candidates and an unproven liability for employers.

The Dehumanizing Effect of AVIs

Automated video interviews depersonalize and dehumanize the process of hiring (source). They turn you into a digital performance measured against biased and unexplainable algorithms.

The technology itself is a black box:

  • These algorithms might label you a “troublesome employee” based on your facial expressions or tone of voice, but they can’t justify or explain why.
  • This lack of accountability means you could be rejected not because you’re a poor fit, but because the machine had a bias.
  • These types of AI systems have some pretty egregious racial biases.

Of course, companies won’t even realize the harm AVIs cause until the consequences – bad hires and lawsuits – catch up with them. And that will take a long time.

Therefore, it’s best you learn how to handle AVIs…

How to Handle an AVI

If you’re stuck doing a one-way AVI, follow these survival tips. These are similar to the checklist above, but a little more pronounced:

  1. Give it As Little Data As Possible: This is your core principle. You have no idea how the data will be used. Limit it to the best of your ability.
  2. Prepare the Environment: Ensure perfect lighting, a neutral background (blank wall), and excellent camera framing.
  3. Overemphasize Positive Expressions: Smile more than usual and project enthusiasm. Algorithms can associate warmth and positivity with suitability for a role.
  4. Enunciate Clearly and Maintain Eye Contact: Speak slowly, enunciate every word, and look directly at the camera.
  5. Answer Concisely and Logically: Structure your responses with precision and specificity (e.g., the STAR method). Avoid rambling, as AVIs value clarity over depth.
  6. Practice with Mock AVIs: Record yourself. Watch it. And perhaps even, get AI systems to watch it and give you feedback.

Please keep in mind, none of these tips are an acknowledgement or condoning of AVIs…

AVIs are terrible, and they should be fought every step of the way. They strip humanity from the hiring process, introduce bias in hiring, present serious risks to investors, and no amount of personal preparation will fix a fundamentally broken system.

The solution to AVIs is in collective action and legislation. Until that happens, play the game to the best of your ability…

Final Thoughts

Video interviews are here, and pretending otherwise won’t get you anywhere. You need to own them.

Mastering the tech, being prepared with sharp responses, and coming across as genuinely engaged is mandatory.

Take control of this format and use it to showcase your skills, your confidence, and your value.

Because if you’re not ready for this new world of hiring, you’re already behind.

PS – The best video interview is no video interview. They can be bypassed using the Warm Application Method – learn it!