AI and One-Way Video Interviews in Australia: Your Rights and How to Answer (2026 Guide)
By Judy Wallis, Recruiter & Interview CoachLast updated
Judy Wallis is a recruiter, interview coach and the founder of Interview Practice Lab.
Quick answer
In a one-way or AI video interview you record answers to set questions with no-one on the other end. A recruiter, a hiring manager, software, or a mix of all three may review them later. In Australia you can ask how your recording will be reviewed and kept, and you can ask for a copy of the personal information an employer holds about you. From 10 December 2026, organisations covered by the Privacy Act must say in their privacy policy when software makes or substantially helps make decisions that significantly affect people. The best way to answer is the same for a person or a machine: clear, structured STAR answers that match the job ad.
Why this matters now
Many large Australian employers now use recorded video interviews as an early screening step, especially for graduate, retail, contact-centre and high-volume roles. Some platforms also use AI to transcribe, score or rank answers.
I spent years as a senior recruitment adviser, and I've watched these recordings from the other side. Most candidates worry about the wrong things (their lighting, their background) and not enough about the thing that's actually assessed: what they say.
Which video interview are you facing?
Pick the type of interview you've been invited to. The tips change to match.
One-way (pre-recorded) video interview
- Who's there: no-one. You see a question on screen, get preparation time (often 30 seconds to a few minutes), then record your answer within a time limit.
- Can you re-record? Sometimes. The invitation or the practice question usually tells you. Don't assume you can.
- Who watches it: usually a recruiter or hiring manager, often at speed. Some platforms also transcribe or score answers.
- Tip: always do the practice question if one is offered. It's the only chance to check your timing without it counting.
What happens to your recording
Here's what usually happens behind the screen, from a recruiter's point of view:
- It's reviewed in a batch. Recruiters often review many one-way interviews in one sitting. The first 20 seconds of each answer matter most.
- It may be transcribed or scored. Some platforms turn your answer into text, and some score it against criteria set by the employer.
- A person usually makes the shortlist call. In most processes I've seen, software helps sort candidates but a person decides who moves forward. That isn't guaranteed, which is why it's worth asking.
- It's kept for a period. How long depends on the employer and platform. Their privacy policy or collection notice should say.
Be sceptical of anyone who claims to know exactly what an AI tool "looks for". Vendors change their models, and employers choose their own criteria.
Your rights in Australia
This section is general information, not legal advice. It applies to organisations covered by the Privacy Act 1988. Most small businesses with annual turnover of A$3 million or less are not covered.
How to ask about recording reviews
Asking a polite, specific question before your interview won't hurt your chances. As a recruiter, I'd see it as a sign that you're organised. Send it by email to the recruiter or the contact on your invitation, ideally a day or two before your deadline.
How to answer an AI interviewer (or a one-way recording)
1. Use STAR, and say the result out loud
Situation, Task, Action, Result. Keep the Situation and Task to two sentences, spend most of your time on what you did, and finish with a result you can describe or measure. Many candidates run out of time before the Result, and that's the part recruiters (and scoring tools) look for.
2. Use the job ad's words, naturally
If the ad says "stakeholder management" and "attention to detail", use those phrases when they're true of your example. Don't string keywords together; a recruiter will notice and so will most scoring tools.
3. Plan for the clock
Aim for about 90 seconds for a two-minute limit. Use the preparation time to jot three words: your example, your main action, your result.
4. Start strong
Answer the question in your first sentence ("A good example is when I…"). Recruiters reviewing in a batch decide quickly.
5. Talk to the lens
Look at the camera, not your own face on screen. Speak a little slower than normal and pause for a second before you start, because some platforms cut the first moment.
6. Don't try to game it
- Don't read from a script. It sounds flat and you'll look down.
- Don't use a live AI helper to feed you answers. Many employers treat it as cheating, and it shows in your eye movement and timing.
- Don't worry about your accent. Clear structure matters far more than how you sound.
7. If the tech fails
Take a screenshot, note the time, and email the recruiter straight away. Technical problems are common and most recruiters will reset the link.
Practice the timing
Pick a common question, take 30 seconds to prepare, then answer out loud in 90 seconds. No recording, nothing is saved.
Question 1 of 6
Tell me about yourself.
Ready to prepare
0:30
30 seconds to prepare · 90 seconds to answer
Quick setup checklist
0 of 7 done
Practice before the real one
The fastest way to get comfortable is to record yourself answering real questions under time pressure, then fix one thing at a time. The Practice Lab gives you timed, recorded interview questions with feedback on your answers.
Try the Practice Lab freeOutside Australia?
The answering tips work anywhere. The rights section is Australian. If you're in Canada, the UK or elsewhere, check your own privacy regulator for the rules on automated decisions and access to your information.