AI’s Impact on Your Virtual First Impression: Navigating Video Interviews with Confidence

A traditional in-person job interview with a human recruiter can be stressful. But automated video interviews (AVIs) conducted by AI can be even more challenging, especially if you’re not prepared. It’s therefore a good idea to arm yourself with all the information you need to ace your virtual interviews.

What are automated video interviews?

Also called on-demand interviews, asynchronous interviews – or simply, AI interviews – AVIs are video recordings of candidates’ answers to automated questions presented on a screen. These responses may then be analysed by AI algorithms checking for features like tone of voice, facial expressions and gestures, and the key words used. Depending on the type of vacancy and the number of applicants, AI recommendations may be presented to human recruiters for shortlisting decisions, or AI alone may make the judgement about who gets to proceed to the next stage in the recruitment process.

At a meeting of the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in January 2023, it was estimated that as many as 83% of employers and up to 99% of Fortune 500 companies now use some form of automated tool to screen or rank candidates for hire. A 2023 survey by resume app provider, Resume Builder, found that 43% of companies either already used AI interviews, or planned to adopt them by 2024. Even more significantly, 15% of surveyed employers said that they would rely on AI to make hiring decisions without intervention from human recruiters.

This means there’s a good chance that your next job interview will be an automated video interview, so learning what to expect ahead of time may give you an advantage in the job market.

What to expect in an AVI interview

In order to avoid being caught off guard, you should familiarise yourself with the structure, objectives and challenges of automated video interviews.

Structure of AVI interviews

During AI interviews, a series of standardised questions will appear in text on the screen in front of you. You will be invited to reply to the questions, and your responses will be recorded. There may be a time limit for each answer.

At the end of the interview, the video recording or a transcript may be provided to a human recruiter, with observations or recommendations. But in some cases, an algorithm alone may determine whether or not you will progress to the next round in the recruitment process.

Purpose of AVI interviews

The purpose of an AI interview is to objectively collect data about candidates, analyse it, and possibly make an initial decision about their suitability for a role without any intervention from a human interviewer.

Types of data being collected fall into three main categories – visual, verbal and vocal. Visual data includes your facial expressions (such as smiles or frowns), eye movements and hand movements. Your recorded verbal input covers your vocabulary, fluency, and your use of keywords relevant to the vacant role. Vocal data, such as your tone of voice and pronunciation, may also be collected.

Potential challenges of AVI interviews

Virtual interviews come with their own set of challenges, in addition to the ones you would normally experience when face-to-face with a human hiring manager. Here are some common ones you should be prepared for:

Technical issues and distractions

A poor internet connection can create disruption by freezing the screen, causing confusion and even dropping out altogether. Your performance could also be negatively impacted by problems with your camera or microphone. In addition, because you’re not in a dedicated interview environment, you could be disturbed by background noise, family members and pets.

Limited non-verbal clues

Face-to-face interviews are assisted by non-verbal cues indicated by body language. But in automated video interviews, candidates can find it difficult to convey their enthusiasm and energy, and also can’t pick up on how well their performance is being rated by the AI interviewer.

Time management pressure

Having a limited time in which to answer a question can be nerve-racking, resulting in rushed responses and agitation. There may also be only a single opportunity to take the interview with no retakes allowed, leading to additional pressure and potential visible anxiety.

Ambiguity and impersonal experience

When being interviewed by a human, you can ask for further clarification of questions that could have more than one interpretation. But automated systems may be unable to provide any further explanation. And virtual interviews don’t lend themselves to candidate engagement either, so you’re unlikely to get a feel for, or connect with, the company culture.

Tips for acing a video interview

The keys to success in a recorded virtual interview are preparation and planning ahead, making sure that you perform at your best.

Before the interview

Familiarise yourself with the interview platform

If possible, find out which automated video interview platform you will be using, and visit its website to look at the likely interview structure and try to do a test run.

Prepare and practice

First, revisit the advertisement, job description, required qualifications and also the employer’s website, to extract important keywords that will rate well with the algorithm if you use them.

Then prepare for likely questions, such as “Tell us about yourself/your professional background”, “What are your strengths/weaknesses?”, “Describe a challenge you faced at work, and how you reacted” and “Why do you want this job?”. Keep your answers concise and to the point.

It’s helpful to make a trial video recording of your responses using your phone or laptop. But don’t rely too heavily on scripted answers or you may come across as unnatural and stiff. Review your recordings to find ways to improve your content and presentation.

Test your equipment and location

Make sure your camera and microphone are working properly, and that your laptop is well charged. Try to choose a time of day when there’s likely to be less pressure on your internet connection speed. Select a quiet, well-lit space with a neutral background and ask others in your household to not disturb you. Shut the door and switch your phone to silent before the interview starts.

During the interview

Follow instructions carefully

Automated video interviews often have specific instructions (e.g., log-in procedures, how to record answers). Read these instructions thoroughly and follow them.

Present yourself in the best light

Dress as you would for an in-person interview. This shows professionalism and helps put you in the right mindset. Try to maintain eye contact by looking directly at the camera, and not at the image of yourself on the screen. It’s not easy, but try to forget that you’re being interviewed by an algorithm. Pretend instead that you’re sitting across the desk from a human interviewer, and behave accordingly. Being on camera can dull your shine, so focus on lifting your enthusiasm up a notch, aiming for warmth, energy and conviction.

Automated video interviews are here to stay

There’s a strong chance that your next job application will involve a virtual interview, so it’s a good idea to know what to expect in an AI interview. Familiarise yourself with the structure, purpose and challenges of automated video interviews, and then make sure you have understood all the tips that will make your preparation faultless and your performance during video interviews the best it can be.

Adecco is invested in the success of job candidates, and our expert recruiters are armed with plenty of ways to help you ace your interview and achieve your ambitions. Get in touch today to find out how we can help, or simply send us your resume and let us do the hard work for you.