What is a one-way video interview?

A ane-way video interview is a simple, self-recorded interview you complete on your own time. This is an on-demand interview, which means that you'll be recording your video interview answers at your convenience as long as you submit them before the deadline. You set the pace and can pause to gather your thoughts.

One-way video interviews don't require any special prep, just a device with a camera and microphone.

What to expect

You’ll receive an email invitation with a link to your interview; however, accepting the interview does not mean the interview will immediately begin.

First, you’ll go through a short walkthrough. We’ll confirm your email, explain the process, and help you test your camera, mic, and connection. You’ll also have a chance to practice and record sample answers. Once everything is set, you’ll be able to start the interview.

During the interview, you'll be presented with questions one at a time. You will be able to pause the interview and return through the interview link as many times as you need, as long as you submit the interview before the deadline.

The process is very easy, and you'll be provided with specific instructions along the way.

Watch a tutorial video

Here's a quick tutorial video so you can see the entire one-way video interview experience and know what to expect.

Before you begin

Before starting the one-way video interview, make sure your setup is ready so everything runs smoothly

• Choose a quiet, well-lit location where you won't be interrupted
• Use a supported browser for one-way video interviews
• Close other applications that may be using your camera or microphone (such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet)
• Position your camera at eye level so your face is clearly visible
• Silence notifications on your devices to minimize distractions
• Set aside enough uninterrupted time to complete the one-way video interview before the deadline
• Review the instructions and tutorials provided by Spark Hire during the process
• Take advantage of the option to practice recording at the start of your one-way video interview

Read more on how to prepare for a one-way video interview.

How to start

Click the link you received via email for your one-way video interview.

You'll be taken to a page where you will find more details about the job, the number of interview questions, and the deadline.

Once you enter your interview, you'll be taken through a few steps before recording your answers:

Step 1: Welcome!

1. First, we’ll show you a quick intro video to welcome you to the interview.
2. You’ll read a few short tips that will make sure you’re ready to start.
3. Next, we’ll show you a tutorial on how the process works and ask you to read and confirm our interview expectations and consent guidelines. Make sure you carefully review what’s okay and what you agree to during the interview.
4. After, you may be prompted to add or update some information to help ensure the organization you’re interviewing for has the most up-to-date details about you.

Step 2: Set up and practice

1. Then, we’ll help you set up your camera and microphone. You'll need to confirm that both are working before proceeding.

2. Once you’re all set, you can do a quick practice video. In addition to testing how everything looks and sounds, you’ll get comfortable with the recording process and understand what the one-way video interview looks like. You’ll be able to review your practice video and retake it if needed before proceeding to the actual interview questions.

3. When you’re ready to begin, click Begin interview.

Step 3: Record interview responses

1. You'll proceed to the first question. You'll see a screen with information about the question, including:
   • Think time: This is how long you'll have to think about your response before needing to record
   • Takes: This is how many takes you're allotted to record before needing to submit your response
   • Time limit: This is your response's time limit, for example, a 1-min question
2. Depending on the setup, you’ll see different options:
   • If there is limited think time, you will see a View question & start countdown option. You’ll have a timer during which you can think about how you'll respond to the question. When the timer is up, recording will begin automatically.

• If there is unlimited think time, you’ll start the recording whenever you’re ready by clicking Start recording and then begin your response. There will be a Stop button where the record button had been; click this to end the recording.

3. After recording, your video will play back for you to review. If you're satisfied with it, click on Submit to proceed to the next question.

• You may be given the option to retake the question. Click on Retake to record another response and then submit.
• If you run out of takes or the organization doesn’t allow multiple takes and you still don’t want to submit the answer, you will be given the option to skip responding to the question.

Step 4: Submit your interview

Once you’ve submitted answers to all of your questions, your interview will be submitted to the company you're interviewing for to watch and review.