New Interview Formats in 2026: AI Interviews, Async Video, and What to Expect
Interview formats in UK recruitment have evolved significantly in the last few years. Alongside traditional phone screens and panel interviews, employers increasingly use asynchronous video interviews, AI-powered assessments, and automated screening tools. Knowing what to expect — and how to perform well — in these newer formats matters.
Asynchronous Video Interviews
Asynchronous video interviews (sometimes called "one-way video interviews") are increasingly common at the early stages of UK recruitment. Rather than speaking to a recruiter in real time, you record your answers to pre-set questions using a platform such as HireVue, Spark Hire, or Willo.
How they work:
- You receive a link to the platform
- Questions appear on screen one at a time
- You typically have a short preparation time (thirty to sixty seconds) and a set response time (one to three minutes)
- Your responses are recorded and reviewed by the recruiter asynchronously
How to prepare:
- Test your camera, microphone, and internet connection before starting
- Ensure your background is clean and your lighting is good
- Practise on the platform in advance if a practice mode is available
- Speak clearly, maintain eye contact with the camera, and answer concisely
- Treat each question as you would in a live interview — structure your answers using STAR where appropriate
- Do not assume the format means standards are lower — your responses are reviewed seriously
The main challenge:
The absence of a live interviewer makes it harder to gauge how your answer is landing. Prepare well enough that you do not depend on real-time feedback to self-correct.
AI-Powered Assessments
Some employers use AI tools to analyse recorded interviews or written responses for specific signals — language patterns, communication clarity, or behavioural indicators.
What these tools typically assess:
- Communication skills (clarity, structure, relevance of responses)
- Competency indicators based on language analysis
- In some cases, engagement and delivery signals
How to perform well:
- Speak clearly and structure your responses logically
- Avoid filler words, excessive hedging, and rambling
- Be specific and concise — AI tools often reward clear, direct responses
- Do not try to game the system with specific word patterns — respond naturally and professionally
It is worth noting that AI interview tools have faced scrutiny for potential bias. Reputable employers using these tools should also have human review in the process. If you are concerned about bias in AI screening, ACAS provides guidance on candidate rights.
Gamified Assessments
Some graduate and volume recruiters use gamified assessments — interactive tasks that measure cognitive ability, personality traits, or situational judgment in a game-like format. Platforms like Pymetrics use these.
How to approach them:
- These assessments are not easily "prepared for" in a traditional sense
- Read any instructions carefully before starting
- Play honestly — these tools are designed to identify genuine patterns, not be gamed
- Some are timed and require fast decision-making; others emphasise accuracy
Live Video Interviews: Best Practices in 2026
Live video interviews remain the most common format for mid-process and final-stage interviews. In 2026, the key additions to standard preparation:
- Ensure you are using an up-to-date version of the video platform (Zoom, Teams, Google Meet)
- Check your virtual background if using one — AI backgrounds in particular can behave poorly with movement
- Be aware that many interviewers now have AI meeting transcription tools running — speak clearly and concisely, as transcripts may be reviewed
Traditional Formats Are Not Going Away
Despite the growth of new formats, face-to-face interviews remain important for senior roles, final stages, and employers who place high value on in-person assessment. Do not invest so heavily in preparing for digital formats that you neglect standard interview preparation.
The fundamentals — clear STAR examples, thorough company research, strong questions to ask — remain the foundation of every format.
Use CVCircuit to build a CV that gets you past initial screening tools and into the interview process — regardless of the format the employer uses.