If you are interviewing with HireVue, this blog post is for you!
I’ll walk you through the typical HireVue interview experience. I’ll share some tips for first-time HireVue interviewees that will make your job search process a little smoother.
What is a HireVue video interview?
Companies use HireVue to sort through candidates, but for you it seems it is there to give you nightmares. HireVue is a company that provides video interviewing services, they provide a platform for live one-way interviews where you will record your answers to interview questions. As in all interviews facial expressions and body language matter who you are as well as what you say is an important part of how candiates are assess in hiring decisions.
Hiring managers have been using HireVue interviews for recruitment in everything from the most important positions in companies, such as roles with high visibility or leadership responsibilities, to entry-level positions where you are just starting to build out your resume.
The HireVue interview process usually goes as follows: You get sent an email invite, go to the hirevue website or app, record answers to questions by talking to your screen, and get an email if you got through and (sometimes) if not.
Assessed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) or reviewed by a Human directly your result boils down to a collection of recommendations of Yes, Maybe or No
If you are not getting straight yesses then – lets be honest here – just like a panel interview you probably aren’t getting through this interview process.
How important are HireVue interviews?
The stakes are high. If you mess up the HireVue, that’s most likely the end of your application.
If you want to get feedback today on how you are doing, check out https://tryvoomer.com where you can practice for the HireVue, view practice questions, and get instant feedback.
What should I expect in a HireVue interview
Lets take a quick look through the HireVue experience today so you don’t freak out!
The intro page
This is just a welcome screen, but this is a great time to take a deep breath, remember you got this far, and now it’s time to show why you have what it takes to get to the next interview stage.
The overview page
Here we get an overview of how many video questions there will be to answer. If there were multiple choice, or code questions these would be listed here too. This interview has three one-way video questions. Easy right? (hmmm sound)
The welcome video
Then we usually get a welcome video, it takes a minute or so to watch, but importantly it can help you get into the mindset that this is an interview – which is so hard to do with remote one-way video interviews.
Camera and Microphone check
You’ll get a pop up that tries to make sure that HireVue is able to record you.
HireVue practice question
Then you’ll get the opportunity to see what you look like for real. This is the perfect opportunity to get yourself set up for success.
Uh oh, this doesn’t look great.
You can request feedback on your technology set up for HireVue interviews using https://tryvoomer.com
7 quick steps to HireVue success:
#1 Add charger: don’t fail by running out of battery
#2 Check internet connection and speed:
You can use fast.com or if your able to play this video on youtube on your computer with no loading or buffering you should be all set. Look for more than 5mbps. If you are struggling with the internet connection, you can try using your school or office internet.
#3 Add boxes under your laptop to raise the webcam position to your eye level:
This helps you to maintain eye-contact during your responses.
#4 Get rid of light from behind you: Before you start the interview make sure that you prepare by closing any curtains behind you.
#5 Put a light in front of you: You the candidate are the start of the show, highlight your skills in the content of your answer, but also make sure your face is visible to the recruiter.
#6 Use an external microphone: Many candidates forget how important the audio quality is in both live interviews and video interviews.
#7 Add a feature to the background like a plant: Of course you the candidate are the focal point of the recruitment process, but your camera sees the environment around you too. Add something simple and unobtrusive. Bonus points if it is related to something about who you are that you want the recruiter to know upfront.
Doesn’t this look so much better?
You can request instant feedback on your video set up and technology from artificial intelligence over at https://tryvoomer.com ! They also have loads of practice questions.
With the practice question you have one attempt to record. Don’t expect anything more for the real thing, some companies may let you have multiple attempts but it seems to be the exception not the norm. Don’t swear if you mess up, take a breath, stay composed, and continue.
The Prep Timer
We get a brief intro to the simple layout for video questions with an overlay, you can end the preparation time early, and end your answer recording early. Usually you are given around 30 seconds to prepare. Your technology should already be sorted by this point.
Remember recording doesn’t start straight away, this is the prep time!!
Your timer counts down, and if you didn’t end early you are done!
You might have noticed the practice question is pretty generic. You can answer unlimited specific practice questions with Voomer and get feedback from artificial intelligence on your performance before you dive into your HireVue video interview. Check out our YouTube and other articles for tips on questions, answers, and getting prepared for the assessments.
The real HireVue interview
Now the serious part. Before you click “begin” make sure you are in the right mindset:
- Prepare yourself and your environment. Dress as you would if your one-way video interview was a live interview.
- Go in feeling great!
- Remember to sit the landing and finish your answer before the timer runs out. Talk natural. Act natural.
- Structure your answer using the CAR or STAR method.
After you complete your first answer take a breath and continue, if something didn’t go quite right don’t sweat it. Reset, game face on.
Rinse and repeat until all the HireVue questions are done.
You made it!!!
Congratulations! You did it! Even getting through the HireVue is a victory you shouldn’t underestimate. Speaking confidently and concisely in a one way video interview is a skill you have to develop over time. Its not natural and its not comfortable. Great work.
Now relax, take another deep breath, and reflect on what you thought were the best parts of the interview, what were the challenges, which questions you want to prepare for more in the future, and what areas of your resume you highlighted well, and areas next time you might focus more on.
The “Thank You” video
Watch the thank you video. Remember although the experience is deeply impersonal, alien, and was you alone. you are now one step further on your journey to achieving your goals and getting the job!
One HireVue mistake to avoid
That was our brief overview of an experience on the HireVue platform, but what about how to avoid the one mistake that can totally derail you.
Well the one thing that messes many people up is that the real interview question timer does not start up the same way as the practice interview timer. When the timer starts up unexpectedly it can really throw you off course.
When you click begin to start your HireVue interview, be ready to begin, your prep time will start ticking down immediately!
Our advice, practice makes perfect. You can find practice questions and get feedback that builds up your confidence on https://tryvoomer.com
From all of us at Voomer: Good luck in your interview!