How should I act in an asynchronous video interview?

Speak as if the person were right in front of you, not like you're reading the news. Look at the camera, not the screen, and make natural pauses - people don't talk in one long stream. Pick a neat background and lighting that doesn't put you in harsh shadows, and if you mess up a sentence don't redo the whole thing, just redo that part. Dress like you would for a regular interview, nothing weird that's gonna distract.

Most companies that use these asynchronous interviews watch the video just once, so the first and second minute are crucial - don't wait to "warm up" toward the end. Jump right in, smile (yes, even if no one's there), and start with something natural: your name, a brief mention of why you're interested in the position. Then slow down a bit, take a breath, and keep going normally. The temptation is to rush through everything, but that sounds desperate; short pauses between sentences make it seem like you're actually thinking, not just reciting.

On the background front, here's something most people overlook: lighting. Don't sit with your back to the window (you'll become a shadow), but position yourself to the side of a natural light source, or turn on a desk lamp in front of you, slightly off to the side. Skip the mirror behind you - it's a constant distraction while you're talking. As for what to wear, dress like you're going to an in-person interview; and yes, even your shoes matter, psychologically speaking - it makes you feel "ready" even if nobody's going to see them.

One last practical thing: do a trial run. Record yourself at least once, watch it back, listen to how you sound. You'll immediately notice if you're talking too fast, or making weird faces, or if your tone drops toward the end of your answer (it happens all the time, and it makes you seem unsure). Two minutes of self-awareness now saves you from bombing later.