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How to Record Your Cover Letter Video and Troubleshoot Issues

Jaci
  • Updated

Once you’ve uploaded your resume and meet the qualifications, you’ll be prompted to take record a video cover letter with our virtual assistant.

This article will walk you through how to record your cover letter, what to expect, and how to troubleshoot any issues.

 

How to Record your Cover Letter

After submitting your application, you may be prompted to record your video cover letter via the virtual assistant. To get started, click the button Start now.

Note: If you are unable to record your cover letter after being prompted to, you can access your application at any time by logging into your account at https://ai.joinhandshake.com and recording your cover letter at your convenience.

Recording your video cover letter must be completed in order to move forward with your onboarding checklist and become eligible for project invitations.
Record a cover letter.png

 

Before you begin:

1. Make sure your browser has access to your microphone and camera. If you’ve previously blocked access or aren’t sure how to check, click the sections below for step-by-step instructions on enabling or resetting permissions in different browsers.

Chrome

  1. Click the two line icon in the address bar (left side of the URL).
  2. Click Site settings from the dropdown.
    Chrome Settings.png
  3.  Locate the "Camera" and "Microphone" setting for the site and set both to Allow.

If you don’t have those options:

  • Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Site Settings
  • Scroll to Permissions and select Camera or Microphone
  • Find the site (e.g., ai.handshake) and click Reset permissions or manually change access to “Allow”

 4. Refresh the page.

Firefox

  1. Go to the site where you're taking the interview.
  2. Click the lock icon in the left side of the address bar.
  3. Click Connection secure, then select More information.
  4. In the pop-up window, go to the Permissions tab.
  5. Find Use the Camera and Use the Microphone, and make sure both are set to Allow (uncheck “Use Default” if needed and then select “Allow”).

Safari

  1. Click Safari at the top of the menu bar.
  2. Click Settings for This Website (The AI interview tab that you're vieiwng) in the dropdown.
  3. Next to Camera and Microphone, hover over the selected option and choose Allow from the dropdown.

If needed, go to Safari > Settings > Websites

  • Choose Camera and Microphone from the sidebar
  • Find the site and set to Allow

Microsoft Edge

  1. Click the lock icon in the address bar.
  2. Under Permissions, make sure Camera and Microphone are set to Allow.
  3. Or go to Settings > Cookies and Site Permissions
    • Click Camera or Microphone
    • Review and update site permissions as needed

2. Allow permission for video and audio recording when prompted. Having your camera on during the interview helps ensure the interview is fair and secure, preventing misuse and supporting a trusted environment for all candidates. It also helps maintain the integrity of the hiring process.

3. Choose a quiet space to minimize background noise, as it may affect the AI’s ability to understand your responses.

 

What to Expect when Recording your Cover Letter

This is a brief, automated session that simulates an initial screening conversation with a virtual assistant.

Here's what to know:

  • The session includes 3–4 questions (one may be about AI or Large Language Models).
    • The virtual assistant will ask you a series of questions about your research and questions related to the AI industry
  • No prep is needed—it’s more about how you communicate and think than technical depth.
  • Expect to spend about 10–15 minutes total.
  • Record your cover letter as if you’re talking to a real person.
  • Avoid long pauses. If you need a moment, simply say, “I need more time.”
  • Complete the entire conversation. You’ll have a chance to leave comments or feedback at the end.

 

Troubleshooting Tips

If you’re having trouble accessing or completing the interview, try the following:

  • Use Google Chrome (best performance). If issues persist, try Firefox.
  • Check your internet connection to ensure it’s stable.
  • Restart your device before retrying.
  • Disable your VPN.
  • Clear your browser's cache and cookies.

If problems persist during the conversation, you can report a bug by clicking the icon in the bottom-right corner of the page. This will alert our team so they can look into the issue.

After recording your cover letter, you'll have the option to rate your experience—your feedback goes directly to our team.

If you still experience issues and unable to complete the conversation, please contact us with the following:

  • A screenshot of the error or issue
  • Your browser and version
  • Whether you're using a VPN
  • Your current location (U.S.-based or not)
     

 

What's Next you Record your Cover Letter?

Continue the onboarding checklist by setting up your Deel account and verifying your identity. This ensures you're ready to get started if you're invited to join a project. Our recruiters will review your interview to better understand your background and will reach out if a project aligns with your expertise.

To learn more about the onboarding process, refer to MOVE Fellow Onboarding Checklist.