SHL Smart Interview On Demand: how SHL's video interview works
SHL Smart Interview On Demand is SHL's one-way video interview: you see a question, prepare, then record your answer on camera, with no interviewer on the call. The employer chooses the questions, the preparation and answer times and how many attempts you get. The hiring team scores the recordings, and SHL also offers optional AI scoring. Preparation is the same as for HireVue: structured answers, a good setup and practice against a timer.
- SHL's recorded, one-way video interview.
- Questions from SHL's bank or the employer, in text, audio or video.
- Employer sets preparation time, answer time and attempts.
- Scored by the hiring team; optional AI scoring focused on job-relevant competencies (SHL).
- Prepare as you would for HireVue: the skills transfer.
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Quick summary
- Smart Interview On Demand is a recorded video interview with no live interviewer.
- Employers pick questions and set timings and attempts.
- Evaluators score answers against set parameters; AI scoring is optional.
- Answer behavioural questions with STAR.
- If there's a practice question, use it to test your camera and sound.
How it works
- Invitation: you get a link from the employer, often after online tests.
- Practice question (if offered): use it to check your camera, microphone and lighting.
- Each question: read or watch the question, use the preparation time, then record.
- Scoring: the hiring team reviews recordings and scores them on pre-defined parameters. If the employer uses AI scoring, SHL says it only looks at job-relevant competencies and knowledge.
How to prepare
- Prepare 6–8 STAR stories; see the STAR method.
- Know the employer's values and why you want the role.
- Set up properly: camera at eye level, light in front of you, quiet room.
- Practise to a timer so finishing within the answer time is automatic.
The most common questions across one-way platforms are covered in our most common HireVue questions guide.
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Source notes
How Smart Interview On Demand works (question sources, recorded answers, team scoring, optional AI focused on job-relevant competencies) comes from SHL's public Smart Interview Technology ebook (checked 2 October 2026). SHL and Smart Interview are trademarks of SHL; forge is independent and not affiliated with SHL.
Frequently asked questions
What is SHL Smart Interview On Demand?
It is SHL's one-way (recorded) video interview. You get questions from the employer, which can come from SHL's question bank or be written by the employer as text, audio or video, and you record your answers in short videos. The hiring team then scores them against set criteria.
Does SHL Smart Interview use AI scoring?
It can. SHL offers optional AI scoring, which it says looks only at competencies and functional knowledge relevant to the job. Many employers use human evaluators instead or as well.
How long do I get to answer in an SHL video interview?
The employer sets the preparation time, answer time and the number of attempts for each question, so they vary. Read the instructions on each question screen and use any practice question offered.
Can I retake an answer in SHL Smart Interview?
Only if the employer allows more than one attempt per question. Assume you get one attempt unless the screen tells you otherwise.
How is SHL Smart Interview different from HireVue?
They work in a similar way: recorded answers, set preparation and answer times, human or optional AI scoring. Preparation for one transfers to the other. The main differences are the interface and which employers use each.
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