If you've looked for a job lately, you're probably already living this scenario: Instead of a request for an interview with a human, you're asked to record an interview answering a predesigned set of questions. These asynchronous, one-way video interviews are now a standard early hurdle in the hiring process. Companies love them because they give recruiters their time back, but the evidence that they are successful at identifying top talent is still pending.

Recent studies in the International Journal of Selection and Assessment suggest that these tools are far from neutral. Small differences like how the platform is built, how much preparation is given before recording, and how a question is phrased can significantly change how a candidate performs. While some modern platforms like Rhāyo are trying to fix this by replacing traditional resumes with skills-based assessments and video, many older systems still rely on design choices the candidate never sees and employers rarely audit. This often means that a tool designed to be objective might be moving human bias into the software itself.

There are, however, upsides for candidates. One-way interviews are more flexible in terms of scheduling, and ensure that every applicant responds to the exact same questions. However, you're still being judged by the person watching the interview or an unmanned algorithm; methods of review that researchers are still evaluating for accuracy.

Another consideration is that video interviews are isolating by nature. You're talking to a blank screen without human feedback, and this uncomfortable, awkward feeling could potentially harm your performance despite your qualifications.. The psychological gap between speaking to a live person and to your cell phone may feel wide to someone who is unfamiliar with content creation.

Ultimately, one-way interviews offer companies a big boost in efficiency, but they are far from a perfect science. If you find yourself prepping for a video interview, treat the camera as the listener. By focusing on the camera, rather than an imaginary person in the room, you can reduce the stiffness associated with being on camera. It may not solve the format problem, but it can help you appear more natural in the long run.