One Way Interviews: Preparing a Video Cover Letter

Larger companies are inundated with applications, and scheduling and conducting interviews is time consuming. Many have begun using AI services to conduct video interviews to narrow down candidates more quickly. Requests for video cover letters are also becoming more common, sometimes testing candidates' creativity but also giving candidates an opportunity to showcase who they are and what their goals are without having to go into an office for an in-person interview.

For a video cover letter, you have more time to prepare and can also edit and improve the production quality. In an AI interview, on the other hand, while you can do the interview at any time and can often re-record answers before submitting, you won't know the questions ahead of time and can't edit for quality.

Make sure you're prepared well for any technical issues. Especially for an AI interview, check that your internet connection is fast and reliable. Adjust your lighting and find a clear background. Check the volume on your computer and on your microphone or headset. Your voice should be clear with no breaking up or sudden changes in volume.

Act as natural as possible to show your best self to the camera. Of course you want to be professional, so don't be too informal, but avoid being awkward or robotic. Speak confidently at a normal, conversational pace. Practise ahead of time with possible questions. Imagine that you're speaking to another person about your career goals, rather than to a camera.

However, keep in mind that this is a monologue, not a dialogue. You can't ask questions like you would in an interview, and no one will ask you to further explain yourself. A video cover letter is a performance, giving the best impression of yourself and your abilities in just a few minutes. An AI interview has set questions to answer, but you must be clear and concise since there's no chance for further discussion. The process may seem impersonal but it saves time and may help you get into a new job more quickly!