If you have a HireVue interview or assessment coming up, it is normal to ask: can HireVue see my screen, record what I am doing, or track tabs?
The accurate answer is: it depends on what the employer enabled and what permissions you grant. Most candidates only grant camera and microphone access for video responses, but some workflows include screen sharing or webcam monitoring in non video sections.
1) What HireVue can access and what it cannot
HireVue runs in your browser for most candidates. What it can access depends on what you allow in the permission prompts and what the employer configured for that specific interview or assessment.
- Camera and microphone: used to record video responses and audio.
- Screen sharing: used only when you are asked to share your screen to demonstrate something, and you approve it.
- Webcam monitoring in non video parts: sometimes enabled during written, coding, or multiple choice sections, depending on employer settings.
Why this matters
Many candidates assume screen monitoring is always active. In reality, screen visibility usually requires you to actively share your screen, while integrity features often rely on your camera during non video sections.
2) Screen sharing: when it happens and what they can see
HireVue support documentation indicates that some on demand interviews require candidates to share their computer screen while performing tasks to demonstrate skills. In live interviews, screen sharing can also be used so you can share your screen with an interviewer.
Your browser typically lets you choose Entire Screen, a specific Window, or a single Tab. Visibility is limited to what you select.
Best practice
- Choose Window or Tab whenever the task allows.
- Close personal apps and disable notifications before you begin.
- If you have multiple monitors, be careful with the option you select, because Entire Screen can expose more than you intend.
3) Webcam monitoring during non video questions
Some HireVue assessments include webcam monitoring during non video parts such as written responses, coding challenges, or multiple choice questions. A common sign is a small self view window in the corner.
That can indicate the employer enabled webcam monitoring for certain sections. These features are meant to support test integrity during non video questions.
Important distinction
Webcam monitoring is not the same as screen sharing. Screen sharing shows what you choose to share. Webcam monitoring focuses on your camera feed.
4) Common myths about tabs and silent screen recording
This topic gets confusing because candidates mix up permissions, screen sharing, and camera based monitoring. Here are the myths worth clearing up.
Reality
In modern browsers, screen capture generally requires a user permission prompt where you select a screen, window, or tab. If you are not prompted to share a screen, your screen is usually not being captured.
Reality
If you share only a single tab or a single window, the viewer generally sees only that selection. If you choose Entire Screen, anything visible on that screen is visible, including notifications.
Reality
Recruiters can review recordings and may notice repeated off camera reading, but outcomes depend on the employer’s process. Focus on clear, structured answers and a clean setup.
5) Privacy and setup checklist
- Close personal apps: email, messaging, documents, cloud drives, and anything confidential.
- Turn on Do Not Disturb: block pop ups and notifications.
- Use a clean browser profile: minimal extensions and no personal bookmarks in view.
- Prefer window or tab sharing: avoid Entire Screen unless required.
- Do a dry run: test camera, mic, lighting, and internet stability before the real attempt.
- Prepare your environment: tidy background, stable camera angle, and good audio.
FAQ
Usually, no. Standard one way video interviews focus on camera and microphone recording. Screen visibility typically requires an explicit screen sharing step where you choose what to share.
You will typically see instructions that say you must share your screen, a screen share prompt, or a screen share button in a live interview. If you are never asked to share a screen, window, or tab, then screen capture is unlikely.
Only if you choose an option like Entire Screen that includes that monitor. If you select a single window or a tab, visibility is limited to what you selected.
It means the employer enabled camera based monitoring during certain non video parts of the assessment like written, coding, or multiple choice sections. It is separate from screen sharing.
Use a clean browser profile, close personal apps, disable notifications, and share only a single window or tab if screen sharing is required. Also read the employer instructions so you are not surprised by any monitoring features.
