Video interviews and psychometric tests are becoming the norm in hiring, especially in the early screening stages.

If you’ve received an invitation to one, congrats – it’s a sign you’re moving forward.

However, if the thought of speaking to a camera or playing cognitive games as your next step in the interview process makes you a bit uneasy, you’re not alone.

Many have asked, “What’s the best way to prepare for these things?”.

While there’s not a single way to ace these types of tests, here are some tips to keep in mind as you prepare and give yourself the best shot at success.

Pre-Recorded Video Interviews

These interviews require you to respond to on-screen questions—without a live interviewer. Since you won’t get real-time feedback and the benefits of two-way conversation, you need to approach them strategically.

Here are a few things to consider:

1. Prepare Like It’s Live – Even though you’re recording your responses, treat this as a real interview. Dress professionally, ensure your background is clean and distraction-free, and use proper lighting.
2. Be Sure to Read the Instructions Carefully – Each platform has different rules. Some allow retakes; others don’t. Make sure you understand the format before you start.
3. Practice with a Timer – Some platforms give you the opportunity to simulate the experience before doing the real thing. You’ll want to take advantage of the time to practice – not only will you be able to activate a close-to-real-time scenario, you’ll be able to practice under a time constraint. Some platforms also allow you to review your response, offering a quick review to check out how you present yourself. You’ll likely have a limited time per answer (e.g., 60-90 seconds). Practice responding concisely while staying on point.
4. Rehearse looking at the Camera – Not the screen. This creates the illusion of eye contact with the hiring team reviewing your video.
5. Structure Your Answers – Use your preferred interview frameworks like STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or PAR (Problem, Action, Result), for example, to help you organize your responses clearly.
6. Practice with the idea of staying natural – Yes, you want to practice, but you don’t want to overdo it so much that what you say sounds overly staged or inauthentic. Over-memorizing can make you sound robotic. Instead, practice answering common questions in a conversational tone.
   

Psychometric Tests & Gamified Assessments: What to Expect

So maybe you got invited to take the next step in the process only to find out that a psychometric test or gamified assessment awaits you.

These tests evaluate cognitive abilities, problem-solving skills, and personality traits—often through interactive games. Like video interviews, there isn’t one way to prepare for this kind of evaluation.

Some people may even say there might not be a way to get ready as these tests measure your workstyle, thought process, aptitude, and other qualities that you’ve been developing over the years.

Regardless of where you stand on the matter, here are tips to keep in mind before you start on of these tests:

• Understand the Goal – Some tests measure speed, others assess accuracy, and some evaluate risk-taking. Know what’s being tested.
• Practice Similar Games – Trying brain-training apps like Lumosity and others might help you to get into the mindset and be comfortable with quick, on-the-spot decision-making tasks.
• Manage Your Time – If speed matters, don’t get stuck on one question. If accuracy is key, take your time to get it right.
• Stay Calm & Focused – These tests may be unfamiliar, but they’re designed to measure natural tendencies, so don’t overthink it.
• Follow Instructions Closely – Some tests assess attention to detail. Read the guidelines thoroughly before you begin.

Final Thought: Prepare, But Don’t Stress

Though these tests might feel a bit tricky and different from the traditional evaluations, approach them with the same confidence you would a live interview, and you’ll set yourself up for success.

Someone recently reached out to me on LinkedIn about a job.

They wanted more details about a role that was posted.

Though I hadn't shared it online nor was it something that I typically recruit for, the inquiry wasn't out of the ordinary.

After all, I am a Recruiter.

While I'm certainly not perfect, I've always tried to help folks in search of opportunities, by way of pointing them in a more suitable direction, or referring to others better equipped, even if it wasn't my job.

However... this particular "ask" was a bit different.

They didn't have questions about the description nor the responsibilities.

They wanted to know more about what the hiring manager was really looking for -- if I could shed light into what would make them stand out, offer any additional information that might help them position themselves as a more desirable candidate than others applying to the role.

This kind of request, in my opinion, belongs in the "You need to do your research" category of your job search.

While people can have differing opinions on what the 'right' thing to do would be, this request got me thinking:

• What are the ways in which job seekers build knowledge about the companies and roles that they are interested in?
• Are there better sources than others?
• Should you be adopting a particular approach to how you're building your intelligence in the job search?
  

When it comes to gaining specific insight to a particular role, company or industry, I believe in a multi-tiered approach to information gathering. Here are some suggestions to help strengthen your awareness and intelligence around your career pursuits and the companies that interest you:

• Go beyond the usual research sources for job seekers.

Googling their latest mentions on social media, along with setting up notifications and alerts around new jobs posted are common ways professionals keep tabs on their favorite companies.

However, these scratch the surface when it comes to the ways in which you can develop strong knowledge about the places you admire and the roles that interest you. Consider diversifying the ways you're researching companies. Yes, reading comments shared on popular websites like Glassdoor, Indeed, and Fishbowl can be very helpful to know what people have to say about their interview experiences. But have you also checked out videos and reels on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok from job seekers, influencers, and other professionals willing to share their first-hand accounts of their experiences? Similarly, gaining anonymized insight from apps like Blind, along with following the thought leaders and others at the company you're interested in on LinkedIn and Twitter can help broaden your insight and capture the spirit of things happening at the company.

• Incorporate sources beyond the Reviews as part of your research.

When I was in business school years ago, my professors mentioned that there can be a lot of helpful information in the required reports and industry papers put out by the company. Not only does such detail help with investor insight, but these documents also provide helpful context for job seekers. The footnotes within a company's annual report, for example, can give insight into key initiatives and markets important to an organization, along with hints on sentiment and outlook. White papers authored by an organization typically provide trends within industry, and that are of interest to the company, as well. By incorporating these sources into your preparation, you're able to gain a high-level understanding of the initiatives important to the business, getting a feel for the direction the company's headed in the future. As a result, you're in a more informed position to know if the company's initiatives and goals align with your values and interests.

• Build connections with the people who might provide insight before you ask for help.

Data gathering is important while you research. However, gaining the first-hand perspective of those who are where you'd like to be is equally as valuable.

While platforms like LinkedIn and other networking sites allow you to connect with others in your industry and with whom you've never met, be thoughtful in your approach to asking others for help or information. Don't assume that everyone you reach out to for assistance will respond to you, let alone will be willing to provide an answer to your random request.

If possible, take the time to develop the connection with other professionals before asking for their help. That way, you're able to establish rapport and trust, which can prove helpful down the road. If you have to approach someone you don't know well online for assistance, make sure you're thoughtful in your introduction and purpose, making it as easy as possible for the other person to respond to your request.

• Keep a Pulse on What's Current & Relevant Through Podcasts.

Podcasts are great ways to stay abreast of things happening at the moment. They also provide an opportunity to hear from people who are driving the conversations in your industry. For job seekers, this can be a fantastic way to not only keep tabs on companies you're interested in, gain insight into the happenings of specific departments and teams.

Deloitte, for example, has a number of regularly produced podcasts that share insight into the solutions they build in collaboration with clients from a variety of industries. Their Global Insights, User Friendly, and Capital H podcasts offer timely perspectives from business leaders, innovators, and others within the organization about technology, media, and human capital transformations within the organization.

You made it through the job search gauntlet - congrats! 😎

Even better, you find yourself in a multiple job offer situation or at least close to one.

Maybe you’re in late-stage interviews with strong signals that an offer is coming. Perhaps you have an offer in hand but are holding out for another one that excites you more. Or you may even be facing a multiple offer situation but aren’t sure which one to take (or if you even like any of them).

First of all, take a moment.

Getting to this stage is a thing, y'all. 💯

It's an accomplishment and yes, it may even offer you a slight sigh of relief that you’re starting to see that light at the end of the tunnel.

Even if you’re not sure of what offer to take or what to do next, recognize that you’ve done the work to get here.

But now, the question shifts: How can you navigate this without leaving opportunities on the table?

If You Have an Offer You Don’t Love—What Now?

Before you dismiss an offer outright, it’s a good move to take a step back and think about what you want.

This is your chance to shape the terms of what you’re looking for, but in order for anything to happen - remember, you have to ask.

After all, employers rarely start with their best and final offer.

In fact, many places start discussions about offers expecting the counteroffer conversation.

No matter how excited they seem when discussing your potential employment, perhaps even that they’ll take care of you, don't be fooled.

The only person responsible & best equipped for knowing what you need is you.

If there are things that would make the role more appealing -- salary, benefits, remote flexibility, growth opportunities—now is the time to explore these things in earnest through these conversations.

Be sure to reflect on all of the things that are important to you should you accept this offer -not just the money. For instance - how does this particular opportunity line up with your short and long-term goals?

Other key things to remember:

• When expressing what you seek, there’s no need to overexplain nor rush the conversation. Clearly state what you’re looking for, and then wait for their response. It’s helpful to be patient, taking each interaction one step at a time. You’ll be able to get the critical details out there in the open to discuss, without the mistake of rushing things due to excitement.

• Advocate for what you need. This is especially important when timelines are unclear or when you’re navigating multiple potential offers. For example, you might have one offer in hand but have no idea when (or if) another one is coming.

Many candidates accept jobs under pressure simply because they don’t want to seem ungrateful or because they’re afraid of losing out while waiting for something else. Others hesitate to mention competing offers, unsure of how it will be perceived.

The reality? If you need more time, ask for it. After all... this is a major decision - you’re going to be spending a significant portion of your life at this job, so it’s worth taking the time to evaluate properly. It might make sense to be proactive - propose a reasonable timeframe for an update, and follow through when you say you will.

• Protect your leverage. Negotiation is all about information - what you share, when you share it, and how you frame it. While it’s important to communicate your needs, it’s just as crucial to control the details you disclose. Too often, candidates unintentionally weaken their position by offering up their lowest acceptable salary too early or volunteering unnecessary details about their job search. Instead, focus on making a strong case for what you want, informed by data and other helpful information, and let the conversation unfold from there.

• Negotiation is a dance. Sure, it’s possible that you won’t get everything you want, but you won’t get anything if you don’t ask. While an absolute, “no holds barred” approach to negotiating might work in specific situations, get clear on what your best and next best case situations are before starting the negotiations. Keep these scenarios fresh in your mind - and make sure you keep the information to yourself for as long as you can while you negotiate.

An example

I knew someone who had an offer but was holding out for a second one that felt like a better fit. They didn’t negotiate or counter the first offer because they assumed the second would come through because the recruiters and hiring team shared glowing and promising feedback at every stage, including that interviews were more a formality and an offer was coming.

But it never did.

Because they hadn’t explored their options with the first company, they missed out on making it a stronger opportunity. The lesson? Even if an offer isn’t perfect, there’s room to explore possibilities.

The Bigger Picture: Know Your Values and Priorities

A lot of people hesitate to negotiate or take a “just grateful for the opportunity” approach. But if you don’t advocate for yourself, who will? This isn’t just about picking a job—it’s about making an educated decision based on your values, priorities, and long-term career goals.

So take it one step at a time.

Ask questions. Gather data. Negotiate with confidence.

And if you decide to turn something down? Do it knowing that you fully explored your options, honored your needs, and made the best choice for you.

We’ve talked over the last few weeks about ways where you can keep growing your career even though a change to the next job title isn’t necessarily in the mix.

While we mentioned broadening our idea of the ways and places where we can keep learning, along with the importance of building them into skills of excellence, the final area we’ll cover on this important topic involves certain people in your professional life.

Whether it’s your direct manager or someone who influences your performance and trajectory, how you engage with them can have a profound impact on your career path.

A common misconception I see is viewing this relationship as one-sided.

Many employees assume their role is simply to complete tasks, meet expectations, and wait for feedback to determine their next steps.

But let’s be real: this dynamic should ideally be a partnership—a two-way street of communication and collaboration.

Now, I know some people might not immediately agree, citing the power dynamics between supervisors and employees. But I encourage you to consider this: you absolutely have a say in charting your career path and ultimately, it’s not something that should be left solely to others for their opinion or evaluation.

As an employee, not only do you have the ability to set the tone and direction for your career, but it’s also your right—and your responsibility—to do so.

An Example

Recently, one of my clients received feedback that she needed to improve her visibility to be seen as a leader. This was tough to hear because she had already been excelling as an individual contributor and receiving great reviews from peers and stakeholders.

While the feedback stung, she decided to take action. She chose to put her disappointment aside and really focus on her ultimate goal—becoming a leader—and brainstormed small but meaningful changes to work toward it.

Here’s what she did:

1. Turned on her camera during meetings. This simple change helped her presence feel more immediate and engaged.
2. Volunteered to lead discussions. Rather than waiting for questions or prompts, she offered to take charge of specific sections of recurring meetings.
3. Asked for input. She approached her manager and asked, “What am I missing? What else can I do to improve my presence and readiness for leadership?”

While asking for her manager’s suggestion seemed to be an obligatory thing to do, my client was pleasantly surprised by what she had to say. Her manager opened up a new possibility she hadn’t considered from her own brainstorm.

One suggestion was to attend an upcoming industry conference and create a presentation to share with her broader project team afterward.

She liked this idea, as it would showcase her connecting the dots around insights that could be helpful and relevant to the organization while putting her in a new light with others she wanted to know about her ability to lead.

It wasn’t too big of an ask, sharing that it was something she felt she could do, but also a bit of a stretch - she knew she’d be nervous to present and would need to prepare as it would have a lot of people looking at her. Yet, she appreciated her manager’s suggestion since it had never crossed her mind to do this.

Why This Matters

This story highlights the power of shifting your mindset about the manager-employee relationship. By engaging proactively, sharing your ideas, and seeking feedback, you can create interesting opportunities that align with your career goals.

It’s not about waiting for someone to map out your future—it’s about reframing into something where you can partner with those who can help you get there.

What About You?

What steps have you taken to build a collaborative relationship with your manager or others who influence your career growth? What’s worked for you, and what challenges have you faced?

Part 2: How Can I Keep Building My Career When It's Not Necessarily About the Next Job Title?

Last Updated: 3/31/2025

Last week, we examined the question "H𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗜 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝘆 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗷𝗼𝗯 𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲? “

Just as we discussed in Part 1 of this series, it’s important to expand the ideas of what we mean by development or growth opportunities to something beyond a course or certification.

This growth may also focus on the ways of how we show we’re adding value.

Know your impact

It’s more than just doing what’s expected of you, and more about the impact you have on your profession, or even, the broader environment in which you work.

Many clients I work with struggle a bit when thinking about their impact.

Some speak in generalities about what they might be good at or hesitate a bit when pinpointing what unique or stellar thing they bring to a team or work setting.

They don’t necessarily think about how the group would be affected had they not been involved.

Does their presence make a noticeable difference, with others recognizing that their absence would have an effect on the way a project is going?

Or does the way they’re showing up on the job leave others ambivalent to their contributions?

Figuring out how you add value professionally helps amplify your reputation for success.

However, it also helps you build a specific quality of excellence or behavior associated with your professional contributions.

What am I good at, anyway?

A lot of times, professionals feel that adding value equates with knowing many technical or hard skills.

➡️ While hard skills may serve as a way to add value, it’s likely not the only one.

Understanding how your influence and presence impacts teams, processes, and organizations for the better can take many forms.

Still not sure? Here are a few ways you might have overlooked:

• You're a Planner: You’re known to always go the extra mile with preparation, anticipating multiple scenarios and building the plan to succeed regardless of what comes your way.
• You're an Innovator: Offering new ideas that offer an unexpected, fresh take comes easy to you, and are often embraced or explored by those around you as viable ways to solve a challenge.
• You're an Analyzer: You’re able to digest complex ideas and processes quickly, easily identifying what’s at stake or the bottom-line scenario for all those involved. You automatically go beyond getting the surface-level, sound-byte only understanding of these tricky issues and understand issues deeply and critically.
• You're a Communicator: You’re able to express complicated or difficult messages with ease, leaving those involved in the interaction feeling positive, respected, and involved.
• You're a Mediator: You’re a peaceful presence when tensions run high and are often called upon to be involved to smooth out the conversation in a conflict or challenge unrelated to you.

Whatever way you’re known to show up professionally, keep working on your skills and talents so that it continues to reach the highest levels possible.

Good is Great, but Excellence is Better

It might be tempting to be satisfied with knowing others see us as ‘pretty good’ at a certain skill.

However, when it comes to adding value, good is only the beginning.

Strive for excellence in your area of talent or expertise.

Sure, it demands depth, persistence, and deliberate practice – but it also sets you apart from others with the same solid skill. With excellence, you’ll be positioned as a reliable, go-to person in your field.

Pursuing excellence is a long game.

It’s not about perfection; it’s about consistent elevation.

Striving for this level of performance fuels your career momentum, builds your reputation, and adds value in changing landscapes and job markets. Ultimately, it will help you create opportunities that align with your highest potential and keep building your career.

The #1 Question I'm Asked About Career Coaching

Last Updated: 6/05/2024

I’ve been asked this question more than any other when people find out that I’m a Career Coach:

They point to the many websites, articles, blog posts, workshops, and webinars available out there on the trusty interwebs.

I’ve even had college-aged relatives remind me of the amount of support they get through their own universities, including that they talk to their peers about ideal salary expectations, or that there are student business groups that share resume templates that have worked or do mock interviews with one another.

And of course, many professionals mention that they’ve been able to land jobs on their own, enter salary discussions and negotiate counter offers successfully. They state that first-hand experience itself serves as a valuable template to advancing their careers.

How To Talk About Money in An Interview:
What To Do Before The Meeting

Last Updated: 4/24/2024

We're taking a deep dive into the topic of money, specifically in relation to your professional growth and career development. This comes as part of our open-door series for  The Move Up Mindset Career Community we’re doing in January and February. Normally, these sessions are exclusive to our premiere members, but we've opened up the doors a bit this month for everyone interested.

As a hiring expert with over two decades of experience in talent acquisition, recruitment, and sourcing, I've seen and learned a lot when it comes to discussion about money, which is always among the most popular topics asked by professionals and job seekers.

Here is a recap of the three things you need to do BEFORE you start talking about salaries, money in an interview setting:

1. Do Your Due Diligence

It's crucial to do your due diligence before these discussions. When I talk about research, I don't mean just scouring a couple of popular websites. The research should be multifaceted, encompassing different data points and perspectives. It also involves having open conversations about salary expectations with various people in your professional circle. Interestingly, I've observed a shift over the past decade or so, where people are more candid about their earnings and financial expectations, which I think is great.

However, while talking to friends and peers is good, it's also crucial to get informed perspectives from mentors, previous managers, or third-party recruiters who have an intimate understanding of salary ranges. It's also worth checking out online courses on money and interview preparation like the one in the Move Up Mindset career community.

2. The Need for Holistic Research

As you research, ensure you're using both anonymized and verified sources of information. Websites such as Glassdoor and Indeed which provide anonymized information are handy, but remember to corroborate this information with verified sources. Utilize websites that give verified data points from wage surveys across industries and public sources for federal and academic institutions.

3. Self-Reflection and Practice: The Two Hidden Keys

Another crucial aspect of preparation is self-reflection. Understand what you value in terms of compensation. Consider not just the monetary aspect, but also other attributes like time off, job satisfaction, learning opportunities, and more.

Lastly, practice the conversation. This is an overlooked part of the process, but it can make all the difference. Try a mock interview with someone who can give you informed feedback. This could be a mentor, an HR specialist, or even a coach.

The Art of Advocacy

Negotiations can be tricky and often people feel sheepish about asking for more. However, you should always advocate for yourself. Remember, no one else will look out for your interests like you will. It's better to get it right upfront rather than trying to course-correct later.

As we wrap up, remember, you don't have to do this alone. Leverage the resources available to you, both within The Move Up Mindset Career Community (click to learn more here & sign up for our premiere Membership) and beyond. And as always, feel free to ask questions, share your experiences, and let's navigate this journey together.

Written by Mary Despe

Nailing Your Job Interview: The Y3P Career Blueprint Approach

Last Updated: 1/24/2024

Hello again, we’re sharing some content that we’ve developed for The Move Up Mindset Career Blueprint course, out on Teachable, focusing on performance, specifically as it relates to interviews. 

Our philosophy is that career advancement is a journey. We call this the Y3P Career Blueprint—Y representing You or your personal brand, and P standing for Portfolio. In this course, we're looking at performance and later cover another crucial area: People. We know that there are many dimensions to performance as you navigate your career, but in this foundational course, we'll focus on preparing for interviews. 

If you've taken other classes with us, you'll know we're big into reflection and preparation. This course is no exception. Before launching into your interview preparation, it's essential to understand your current interview performance. It's always beneficial to evaluate how you fare in these types of situations. 

We'll be guiding you through aspects to consider as part of your routine, before, during, and after the interview. One tool that can be immensely helpful is conducting a SWOT analysis on yourself. If you're unfamiliar, a SWOT analysis is a framework that evaluates the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats related to an idea or opportunity we hope to bring to market. In this case, we're applying it to your candidacy for job opportunities. For many, the concept of comparing their background with others in the open market or candidate pool might seem uncomfortable. 

However, this comparative analysis can provide valuable insights into how your profile aligns with what a company might be looking for. This process might reveal areas of improvement or uncover attributes that you can highlight during the interview. In addition to SWOT analysis, it's crucial to continually review your accomplishments, receive and reflect on feedback, and keep your professional reputation at the forefront of your mind during your interview preparation. 

Some candidates have found it helpful to journal their interview experiences, noting reactions to their responses, body language, and the types of follow-up questions asked. This course aims to provide comprehensive support and guidance as you prepare for job interviews. We want to hear from you! What has worked well for you in interviews? What areas do you feel need improvement? Please feel free to share your experiences and thoughts either in the comments below or via direct message. Happy learning!

Written by Mary Despe

3. Be Mindful of the Questions You Ask

Avoid leading with questions about the company perks or benefits. Instead, focus your questions on the work, the team, potential projects, and expectations for the role. Questions about benefits are not off-limits, but they should not dominate your query list.

4. Be Conscious of How Your Questions May Be Perceived

Be careful to avoid questions that may suggest you're not fully committed to the role or the company. It's important not to seem overly eager for promotion or greater compensation before you've even started the role. It’s good to ask about progression opportunities, but don’t make this the focus of your questions.

5. Avoid Filler Questions

Finally, avoid asking questions just for the sake of it. A common mistake is asking if there's anything on your resume that would prevent you from getting the job. Not only does this provide little valuable information, it can also come across as a roundabout way of asking if you're about to be offered the job.

In conclusion, the key to successful interviewing is to demonstrate your professionalism, ask meaningful questions, and leave a positive impression that aligns with the role you're excited to take on.

As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts or any go-to questions you might have. Thanks so much for tuning in!

Written by Mary Despe

Portfolio: Documenting Your Expertise

The first 'P' of the Y3P model signifies 'Portfolio'. This component encompasses the tangible proof of your skills and experience - your resume, your LinkedIn profile, your personal website, and other representations of your expertise. Your portfolio is like a visual storybook, showcasing your professional journey and demonstrating the depth of your knowledge and abilities.

Performance: The Proof of Your Professionalism

The second 'P' stands for 'Performance'. This measure stretches beyond your job performance and includes your conduct in various scenarios like job interviews, contributing to teams, participating in community groups, or speaking at industry conferences. Your performance is a multi-faceted element, reflecting not only your primary technical skills but also your ‘soft skills’ like interpersonal communication and your ability to function within a team dynamic.

People: Building Your Professional Network

The final 'P' in the Y3P blueprint represents 'People', denoting the relationships and connections within your professional network. The company you keep can significantly influence your career trajectory, so we emphasize the importance of nurturing these relationships. This part of the blueprint covers networking strategies, both offline and online, and the importance of maintaining long-term relationships. We also discuss the idea of a 'personal board of advisors', a network of individuals who can provide diverse perspectives and guidance for your career progression.

The Y3P Career Blueprint is flexible and adaptable to all stages of your career. Whether you're a fresh graduate or a seasoned professional, these four components remain essential, though the challenges within each area may differ. Striving to achieve a balance in all these areas will surely set you on the path to success in your professional journey.

Written by Mary Despe