What is an On Demand Video Interview? (How to Ace Your On-Demand Interview)

What is an On Demand Video Interview?

Today’s competitive job market calls for efficacious recruiting strategies. On-Demand Video Interviews (ODVI) are one such powerful recruiter tool that can help ‘cut the corner’ in hiring processes.

 It is a cutting-edge technology where, instead of conducting interviews in person, recruiters send participants a list of pre-recorded questions which the candidate must answer within the specified timeframe. These answers are stored securely and can be reviewed and discussed later by the recruitment team.

 On-Demand Video Interview tools provide an efficient and cost-effective solution that offers employers great insight into potential candidates before taking them on board. It also helps recruiters save time as they can quickly review multiple candidates merely by watching their responses to the same set of questions.

 A successful On Demand Video interview requires certain preparations from the candidate – good internet connectivity, a quiet environment, being well groomed and true to yourself during the recording process. It’s important to practice speaking confidently and concisely, with proper pitch and body language so that your ideas come across accurately.

 Organisations today face more job applicants than ever before, making it essential for them to distinguish between qualified individuals. Of course, resumes only provide so much information – but with On-Demand Video Interviews companies can spot talent more accurately and reduce their interviewing costs exponentially!

How is an On Demand Video Interview different from a regular online interview?

In an On Demand Video Interview, the interaction between recruiter and candidate is asynchronous. Unlike a regular online interview,  neither party needs to be available at the exact same time – freeing up schedules and eliminating the need to coordinate.

The structure of this type of interview is also very different. Rather than having a live dialogue between interviewer and interviewee, questions must be pre-recorded by the recruiter then answered or recorded by the candidate without any additional commentary or follow-up questions. This makes On Demand Interviews easier to execute, as both parties can complete their end whenever they have time while still being able to deliver quality insights in a timely manner.

The process feels straightforward due to no real-time engagement necessary from either side which adds convenience both during setup, recruitment and reflection on results. 

As such, recruiting teams are presented with more opportunities than ever before when it comes to interviewing for their open roles.

How is an On Demand Video Interview different from an in-person interview?

On Demand video interviews and in-person interviews have distinct differences. For one, an On Demand video interview generally consists of a list of preset questions that the candidate has to answer and record themselves via webcam or mobile device at a time suitable for them. Meanwhile, in-person interviews often entail real-time dialogues between recruiters and candidates, where recruiters ask the applicant relevant questions about their qualifications.

One benefit that comes with an ODVI is that it allows recruiters to view responses when they have the time, making the process more efficient while reducing manual scheduling altogether. Conversely, during an in-person interview, recruiters are able to better appraise the candidate’s communication skills by picking up on body language signs and other nonverbal clues – something which is not possible during an On Demand video interview. 

Additionally, in-person conversations give hiring teams the chance to obtain a deeper understanding of the candidate’s suitability for the role by going over answers further as well as providing hints on how they are fairing throughout the session. This direct feedback can prove helpful for both sides. 

While there are clear distinctions between On Demand video interviews and in-person sessions, recruiting managers may decide to utilize either method depending on their needs and those of their applicants. Both forms of vetting carry their own strengths and should be utilized accordingly according to one’s objectives.

How to prepare for and ace your on-demand video interview

Step 1: Understand the concept of an on-demand video interview

Nailing an on-demand video interview requires a combination of technical finesse and savvy communication. On top of that, successful candidates must be willing to showcase their talents, enthusiasm, skills and culture add to an organization.

To begin, make sure your technical setup is ready for the big day — from stable internet connection to proper microphone use and adequate lighting. Then it’s time for practice runs: Record yourself answering the potential questions and don’t forget to review yourself with a critical eye. You should also ensure that you have done your research into the role or company so you are ready for any curveballs thrown at you during the interview. 

Then comes the crucial stage of engaging convincingly over camera – look directly into it and not elsewhere. Use all verbal and non-verbal cues effectively – try smiling sincerely as appropriate, speak clearly with conviction, gesture naturally and overall show that you mean business! 

Finally, be prepared to showcase who you are – authenticity can go a long way in acing such interviews where managers want to get an understanding of how you will fit into their team. With adequate preparation and genuine engagement, an on-demand video interview can serve as an effective platform to display your best qualities.

Step 2: Make sure you have the right equipment

Preparation is key for any video interview – and that includes making sure you have the equipment necessary to put your best foot forward. 

You’ll need a laptop or computer, a webcam, and a microphone. Ensure those are all connected properly, with appropriate drivers and software installed. Test it out by visiting online mic test websites beforehand.

Create a quiet space to take the interview free from distractions – no noisy kids or barking dogs! Pick somewhere with lots of natural light. Consider adding a light behind the camera as well – this will make your face look more radiant in the camera screen. 

The background should be clean and neutral too, as not to distract viewers from what you have to say. A plain wall would suffice, but other occasional pieces of decor can add more of an atmosphere to help keep everyone interested.

Step 3: Familiarize yourself with the company’s questions

Familiarizing oneself with a company’s questions for an ODVI is an important step in the preparation process. To provide the best answers to these questions, it is necessary to research the position at hand and the company itself.

 Questions commonly asked may include: 

• What interests you about this role? A thoughtful answer to this can demonstrate appreciation for the job requirements, as well as enthusiasm for working with the company. Taking time beforehand to review descriptions of the role and considering how you might add value can help formulate a response that expresses genuine interest. 

• Tell us what you know about our company? Doing thorough research on the company prior to your interview can help craft meaningful answers that show a keen understanding of its culture and mission. Describing historical milestones, achievements, and products can be key to setting yourself apart from other applicants.

• Tell me about yourself? Providing a succinct yet comprehensive account of your skillset, qualifications and relevant experiences within a few minutes is integral to getting through this question without rambling or appearing ill-prepared. 

• How do your past experiences and successes make you a suitable candidate for this role? Take time prior to your interview to reflect on past roles, accomplishments and challenges, so as to be able to articulate how they make you uniquely qualified for this opportunity. Explain why each experience has prepared you according to requirements stated by the employer in their job advertisement; backing up claims with tangible examples is always beneficial when answering such questions. 

• How do you ensure that tasks are completed effectively and efficiently? By thinking critically when giving an answer that demonstrates strong problem-solving skills or innovative strategies; speaking from personal experience ensures both efficiencies in accomplishing tasks and effectiveness in getting them done correctly without having had major issues arise.  

• What is your career plan, and how does this role at this company fit into that plan? An effective strategy for addressing this question would involve connecting past experiences/goals with current aspirations as well as predictions for future objectives expressed within a narrative centered around professional development.

Step 4: Practice your responses

Polishing a performance when it comes to an on-demand video interview is a fundamental step for acing the interview. It is imperative to carefully note down what you want to say for each specific question. Make notes with examples from your past workplace experience that can aptly illustrate your point and train yourself until you can ace the responses without needing any prompts. 

Practicing in advance will give you a really good look-in on how the actual interview may turn out and also gives you space to work through questions effectively. 

When the time finally arrives for real recording, ensure that you take advantage of any time pause given before responding. Note that some platforms might not allow multiple attempts during recording, so think ahead before speaking each response regarding relating them back to the job description and skill set prerequisites. Once done, review the video at least once so as to put forward your best foot even in terms of exterior features like sound and image quality. 

If permitted by platform rules, it’s further suggested that adjustments should be made as required along with taking notes dutifully after each interview session. In conclusion, practice up well before appearing in order to assure success in an on-demand video interview.

Step 5: Record your video interview

Ready to record? Before you hit “record,” ensure your success with these essential preparatory steps. 

1. Schedule: Map out recording time so you can meet the employer’s deadline.
2. Network: Perform an automatic network test to guarantee connection quality. 
3. Practice: Do a few practice recordings to make sure webcam and mic are working flawlessly.
4. Environment: Find a comfortable, quiet, well-lit spot with no background distractions that you can easily look away from when finishing answers or pausing. 
5. Microphone: Make sure the microphone is not too close to your mouth, as this can cause audio interference. 
6. Dress Code: Dress as if attending an in-person interview – impress! 
7. App Download: Download the employer’s app and input specified interview codes. 
8. Calming Techniques: Take some timeout before recording to do quick deep breathing exercises or power poses for extra confidence boosts. 
9. Answer Time Limit: Respond promptly within the allocated time frame. 
10. Save File Format & Naming Practice: Save your video in the given format and don’t forget follow the naming practice instructions!
11. After Submitting Video Review Opportunity: Review the material after submitting – consider rerecording if you want to further raise the bar of your answer quality level for any particular question(s). 
12. Be Authentic & Allow Connections To Shiny Through: Last but not least – show yourself authentically, whether verbally or non-verbally and allow recruiters and hiring managers a chance to connect with your personality through sincere smiles as best possible (depending on set up/interview context) during interview answers given.

Step 6: Edit & publish your video content appropriately

Before you edit, review the video recording you took while responding to questions. Make notes of any sections that could be improved or re-recorded, as well as any distracting elements in the background. 

Edit appropriately: Once all recordings are done, go ahead and edit your video content accordingly until you reach the desired quality level. You may add effects, text, delete unnecessary parts, trim sections or combine different angles – there is no single approach when editing video content.  

Follow instructions: Save the final outcome according to their guidelines which may include specific instructions around how you should name and save your file type format (e.g., WMV). Follow these expectations precisely before uploading the final version onto the employer’s platform. 

Check accuracy: Lastly, review what you’ve edited thoroughly one last time before submitting it so that it adheres with employer expectations. Once you’ve completed all these steps, you can submit your video according to the employer’s instructions.