Unlocking success: The STAR Method & video interview tips

On-demand video interviews are great ways to shorten time-to-hire—facilitating quicker offers so you can start your first day as soon as possible! 

But we get it… they can be a little nerve-wracking. How do I act? Is anyone really watching this? 

First and foremost, let’s clear up that second question. Your interview is not just going to a dark hole of the internet. The hiring team is watching it looking for their next hire!

Now that that’s out of the way, we’ve got a few tips to help you unlock success including the STAR Method and other video interview tips.  

Prepare like it’s an in-person interview

First, remember to treat this like any other interview. Do your research on the company and think through your strengths and weaknesses. Think through some challenges you’ve encountered in the past and how you approached them. You can even keep some notes next to you for reference!

Next, and this probably goes without saying, but make sure you’re in a quiet spot with good Wi-Fi. It doesn’t have to be your home! Maybe your car is a good spot. We’ve seen it all. Find what works.

Now take advantage of the practice questions! Record yourself and get the jitters out! Only you can see your practice recordings, so take advantage of them. 

Lastly, and this is the most important. This is your opportunity to showcase yourself and your skills—beyond what is just on a 1-page resume. You’re more than just what’s on a piece of paper, so just be yourself.  They want to see you and you alone. So relax and put your best foot forward!

How to Use the STAR Method for Video Interviews

Hiring teams want to know about times in your career where you’ve tackled different tasks or challenges. Once you have an example to share, start with the situation. Explain some details of your example, just so the interviewers have some context. 

Second, tell them what your task was. What was the problem or challenge that arose that needed your attention?

Next, what action did you take? What hard or soft skills did you use to help solve the problem? 

Finally, what was the result? It goes without saying, the result should be positive, so celebrate the achievement and why it was so important!

And remember, you don’t have to memorize everything! Jot down some notes to keep you on track. Practice keeping your answers concise, on topic, and to the point. We get it. Interviews can be stressful. So spend some time preparing and thinking about the STAR method prior to your next interview and get ready to ace it.

How to Sell You on Your Interview

It’s natural to feel nervous about how you’ll be perceived on your next video interview. The job search process is stressful. According to NorthOne, “73% of job seekers say that it’s one of the most stressful events of their entire lives.”

At HireVue, we want our solutions to make the process easier for candidates. A lot of times, candidates are nervous about how they’ll look, what their physical background says about them, what if they have to interview in their car?

But we say… none of that matters! Did a dog bark during your interview? It happens. This is life! And it shows how you handle distractions. Is the Wi-Fi better in your car? That’s what works! Do you have your collection of Star Wars figurines behind you? Who doesn’t love a hobby?

And here’s maybe the uncomfortable truth. If a company does judge you for something like that, there’s a good chance there isn’t a fit there. And that’s okay. Who wants to work somewhere where you can’t be yourself?!

So relax, take a deep breath, and sell you—because there’s only one you!

Tips for Neurodivergent Candidates

We also have some tips for neurodivergent candidates preparing for their interview.

When you have an upcoming OnDemand, ask for the questions in advance. HireVue encourages employers to provide them beforehand, but they aren’t required to. If you haven’t received them but feel they would be helpful, feel free to reach out to the recruiter and request them as an accommodation!

Next, and we encourage everyone to do this: take advantage of the practice questions. You can record yourself practicing before your final submission. Only you see the practice tries.

If you feel that your disability precludes you from being able to engage in an on-demand video interview, we suggest you reach out to your contact and request an accommodation.

And don’t worry—if you have any technical issues (and don’t we all at some point!), HireVue has resources in our Candidate Help Center.

Candidates, you got the interview! Take a deep breath and be proud of yourself. Relax and get ready to ace your interview!