What is an Automated Video Interview and How Can You Prepare for It?

If you’re a jobseeker, you might not always be greeted by a smiling recruiter on the other end of the screen. In some cases, you might end up speaking to an AI-powered interview agent instead of a human being.

Automated video interviews are becoming more common - and if you're job hunting, there's a good chance you'll face one as more and more companies of all sizes are staring to implement them as part of their hiring process.  

But there’s no need to worry - this isn’t a dystopian shift. It’s simply a smarter, more efficient way to streamline early-stage hiring.

Let’s break it down.

So, what is an automated video interview?

An automated video interview is any interview process that doesn’t require a live human interviewer to be present in real time. Instead, candidates interact with a digital platform that guides them through the process.

There are a few different formats,

Pre-recorded video interviews - You record answers to a set of questions, usually within a time limit.

Text-based interviews - You type responses in a chat-style interface.

Voice-based interviews - You speak your answers, often over the phone or an app.

AI agent-led interviews - A conversational AI agent asks follow-up questions, reacts to your answers, and simulates a human-like interaction in real time.

Depending on the platform, your responses may be reviewed by recruiters, analyzed by AI, or both. Some platforms assess,

• The clarity and content of your answers
• Tone of voice and pace of speech
• Facial expressions and body language (in video formats)
• Use of role-specific keywords or soft skills

But ultimately, human recruiters still make the decisions. The AI is there to help, not to replace.

Why are companies using them?

Speed and fairness. That’s the short answer.

1. Companies can screen hundreds (or thousands) of applicants without the back-and-forth scheduling.
2. Each candidate goes through a structured process designed to ensure fairness - but the experience isn’t always identical. With AI agents, the interview can still follow a consistent evaluation framework while allowing the questions to adapt dynamically based on your responses. That means less bias, and more room for relevant, contextual conversation.
3. Candidates can record answers at their convenience.

It’s not just for tech companies. Everyone from retail to banking to healthcare is jumping on board.

How can you prepare for an automated video interview?

There are mistakes you could make, but here’s the good news! You can absolutely practice using the real deal and get better. And platforms like SpectraSeek make it easier than ever.

Here’s your game plan!

1. Understand the format

Before your interview, find out (if you can):

• How many questions there will be
• How much time you’ll have to answer
• Whether you can re-record responses

Knowing the structure helps reduce surprise and anxiety.

2. Practice with AI video interview tools

Use video interview practice tools like SpectraSeek to simulate real interview scenarios. These tools allow you to:

• Practice job interview videos in your field
• Get instant AI feedback on your answers, pacing, and delivery
• Track progress over time with performance dashboards

SpectraSeek is especially helpful because it offers role-specific interviews and even analyzes non-verbal cues—a feature most traditional prep methods miss.

3. Prepare your answers (but don’t over-script)

You’ll likely face common interview questions like:

• “Tell us about yourself.”
• “Do you have experience using (a tool or software)?”
• “Do you have a notice period to serve, or will you be able to join immediately?”

Practice your answers out loud, but don’t memorize them word-for-word. Automated interviews can detect if you're too rehearsed.

4. Mind your environment

Yes, this matters, big time.

• Choose a quiet, well-lit space
• Position your camera at eye level
• Dress as if it’s a real in-person interview (because it kind of is)

Bonus - Practice your body language on camera. Your facial expressions, eye contact, and posture send signals, even if no one’s watching live.

5. Stay calm, stay you

There’s no need to stress if you mess up a sentence. Just pause, breathe, and keep going. Remember - your personality still shines through, even in a one-way setup.

Practice makes prepared

Automated video interviews might feel strange at first. Talking to a screen instead of a person can be awkward.

But like anything, preparation changes everything.

With the right AI video interview practice software, like SpectraSeek, you can build confidence, improve your delivery, and walk into (or sit for) every interview ready to shine!