HireVue Video Interview: Can You Use Notes Without Losing Points

Introduction Many candidates wonder if notes are allowed during a HireVue video interview. The answer varies by employer, but you should prepare as if notes aren’t allowed. Knowing how to handle notes, and what to expect, can prevent avoidable mistakes and help you present your best self on camera. For broader guidance on interview prep, see our tips and practice resources.

How it works (if applicable)

• Most HireVue interviews are set up for live responses to recorded prompts. You’ll see questions on screen, have a set time to prepare (if a prep window exists), then a timer will start your answer.
• Some interviews include a brief in-app "notes" area or a separate document you can reference during preparation. However, many employers prohibit reading from notes during your recorded answer to keep responses natural.
• If notes are allowed, they are typically restricted to a provided prompt sheet or a very short personal crib sheet, not a full script. If notes are disallowed, you’ll be asked to answer without reading from any document.

What is being assessed

• Communication clarity: Do you articulate ideas clearly and concisely?
• Structure: Do you use a logical framework (situation, task, action, result) or a clear answer arc?
• Relevance: Do you stay on topic and address the question directly?
• Authenticity and presence: Do you come across as engaged, confident, and professional?
• Behavioral indicators: For questions about teamwork, leadership, or conflict, are your examples specific and outcome-focused?
• Technical readiness: Is your audio and video setup stable? Is your background professional?

Common mistakes

• Reading from a script or notes for long blocks of text.
• Overusing filler words while searching for the next point.
• Losing track of the prompt due to looking away at notes or the screen.
• Answering too broadly; not tying the example to measurable outcomes.
• Poor pacing: rushing at the end or running out of time.

Practical tips / strategies

• Know the policy before you start
  • Check your employer’s instructions or the interview invite for notes policy.
  • If unclear, assume no notes. Prepare accordingly.
• Prepare a lightweight, non-scripted outline
  • Create 3-4 concise bullet points per common question set (e.g., leadership, collaboration, problem solving).
  • Use a simple structure: Context → Challenge → Action → Result (quantify when possible).
  • Keep outline on a single, small card or a single slide if allowed; do not read from it during the answer.
• Practice with timing and presence
  • Record practice answers to check pacing and eye contact with the camera.
  • Aim for 60–90 seconds per answer, depending on prompt length; most HireVue prompts are around 1–2 minutes total including setup.
• Manage your setup to reduce the need for notes
  • Prepare a clean, neutral background and good lighting.
  • Use a stable device at eye level; test microphone and camera beforehand.
  • Have a glass of water nearby; avoid noisy environments.
• Use a quick-reference mental checklist for each answer
  • One line to frame the situation.
  • One line to describe the challenge or goal.
  • Two to three bullet points for actions and outcomes.
  • One closing result or impact sentence.
• If you really need to glance
  • Minimize glances: keep eyes on the camera as much as possible.
  • If you must look away, do so during a natural pause (not in the middle of a sentence).
• Handling tough questions
  • For unknowns, describe a relevant approach you would take and a past example that demonstrates adaptability.
  • Tie every response to business impact: time saved, revenue influence, efficiency gains.

What to expect during the interview

• Short preparation window before each prompt (if provided).
• Guardrails on length: responses are typically time-bound; long pauses can be interpreted as uncertainty.
• Possible follow-up prompts asking for more detail on a single example.
• A safe, professional environment with an automated assessment rather than a live interviewer, depending on the role and company.

What to expect if notes are allowed

• You may be given a prompt sheet or a notebook with key points.
• You should reference the notes to ensure you cover required elements, but avoid reading verbatim.
• Use notes as a prompt to stay on topic, then speak naturally from your understanding of the example.

What to expect if notes are not allowed

• You must rely on your practiced framework and memory.
• Focus on concise, structured delivery with specific outcomes.
• Use your outline to stay organized, but speak extemporaneously with confidence.

Concise conclusion Prepare as if notes aren’t allowed, even if you suspect a notes policy might exist. Build a compact, structured answer library with measurable outcomes, practice under realistic timing, and master camera presence. If notes are permitted, use them sparingly and only as a prompt to stay on topic, never as a script. With the right preparation, you’ll deliver clear, credible responses that align with what hiring teams are assessing in HireVue interviews.

External Links

• HireVue platform and solutions: https://www.hirevue.com/platform/online-video-interviewing-software
• HireVue candidates FAQ: https://www.hirevue.com/candidates/faq
• HireVue tips for candidates: https://www.hirevue.com/candidates/interview-tips
• HireVue blog: https://www.hirevue.com/blog

Internal Links

• candidatefalcon home: /
• candidatefalcon blog home: /blog/
• best device for HireVue game-based assessment:
• how to approach HireVue shapedance on your first try: