In general, there are two types of video interviews. They are known as live (or synchronous) and pre-recorded (asynchronous) video interviews.

Live video interviews are conducted in real time, with the interviewer and candidate communicating via video call. This allows for a much more interactive conversation between the two parties and provides both sides with an opportunity to read cues from each other’s body language. These live video interviews are often facilitated by a video interview platform and use Ai tools like interview intelligence software in the background for candidate scoring, interviewer feedback, and data analysis.

Pre-recorded video interviews are conducted at the convenience of the candidate via a remote platform. This type of video interview allows candidates to answer pre-defined questions in their own time and also provides them with an opportunity to create a personalized introduction as part of their pitch. Pre-recorded video interviews can be extremely useful for the interviewer, as they provide a consistent way to compare candidates and also allow them to analyze the answers at their convenience.

Each type of video interview is useful in its way, with each one providing unique benefits for applicant screening processes and interviews. Let's explore these two types in more detail, give you some pre-recorded video interview tips, and maybe even some sample video interview questions and answers for your interviews.

Of the two, I prefer live synchronous interviews. If you compare these to in-person interviews, they offer 90% of the benefits at 5% of the cost. Live video interviews offer the flexibility of the digital world, as well as the real-time interaction that is so important in making sure employers get to know their candidates better.

But that's not to say the pre-recorded videos aren't equally useful in the right circumstance. When it comes down to it, there are advantages and disadvantages to both types of video interviews. The type you choose should depend on your company’s needs and preferences, as well as those of the prospective candidate.

As you explore the category and decide which solution is right for you, keep in mind that video interviews are only as good as the tools that preparation that you put into them. Some people will create incredible results and others will fall short, so make sure you have an effective strategy in place to get the most out of your investment.

Your ATS system, interview intelligence software, talent assessment software, and other platforms will validate your assumptions and help you draw the best decisions from your interviews. Our team at Pillar can help you understand how to use these tools most effectively and make sure your video interview process is as efficient as possible.

Pre-Recorded Video Interview Examples

So let's dive into pre-recorded interview examples. Since first impressions matter, creating a well-crafted pre-recorded video introduction can be the key to success in any pre-recorded video interview- and as the hiring manager or recruiter preparing a candidate to make this video, it'll be up to you to help them navigate what to include in the instructions.

A pre-recorded video interview will most often include a couple of things: an introduction, where the candidate can present themselves, their experience, and why they're interested in the role; a series of questions tailored to the position or company; and a conclusion and thank you.

Make sure to provide your candidate with a pre-recorded video interview script that includes all the essential elements like body language best practices and how to answer each question effectively.

The script should include a short introduction, a rundown of the questions that the candidate will be asked, and some closing remarks. For the interview itself, provide clear guidelines on how to answer each question (for example: “Please use 2-3 minutes to answer this question”). In addition, plan for specific video editing instructions for the candidate.

When crafting a pre-recorded video interview script, it's important to remember that each candidate is unique and should be allowed to express themselves in their way. So, provide them with a template of sorts that they can flesh out with their own experiences, personality, and even some humor.

By giving your candidates an easy-to-understand pre-recorded video interview script and helpful tips on how best to deliver their answers, you can ensure that all candidates have a great opportunity to succeed in the interview process.

One way to be sure the candidate experience is positive through pre-recorded video interviews is to include a practice session prior to the actual interview. This will give the candidate an opportunity to see an effective execution of what you're asking them to provide so that they become comfortable with the format and familiarize themselves with how best to present their skills and experiences.

What is a Video Interview

It seems like one of the biggest questions online today is, "What is a video interview?" Now, for those of us in tech who've been using video interviews for a long time, this seems like a stupid question.

But as the industry adapts to things like a global workforce, hybrid work environments, and remote working solutions, video interviews are being adopted by a wider range of employers. In the simplest terms, a video interview is a type of job interview in which applicants are asked to answer pre-recorded or live questions via an online platform—often over video. Facilitated by the near-global access to Wifi, candidates with the right qualifications can now apply from anywhere, work at home, and turn your company into a truly global, round-the-clock productive team.

If you're new to using these types of interviews, here are some helpful video interview tips to get you started on the "right foot."

First of all, decide which type of video interview style best suits your needs. Do you need to conduct a live synchronous interview or are pre-recorded videos more appropriate? Live synchronous interviews allow employers and candidates to communicate in real time, while pre-recorded video interviews offer the flexibility of recording answers from anywhere at any time—including on the go!

Next, you'll need to create a list of video interview questions and answers. At Pillar, we have an entire library of more than 1000+ questions that you can add to your interviews, but even something as simple as a virtual interview questions and answers doc is enough to keep you organized and the interview on track.

Finally, you'll need a handful of tools. Our guide, How to Create the Best Recruiting Tech Stack can show you how all of these fit together to create a force multiplier, but you'll need a video interviews platform like Zoom or Teams, interview intelligence software, an applicant tracking system, as well as an assortment of assessment or testing solutions to help you find the most qualified candidates.

What Is A Recorded Video Interview

Another question we see online constantly is, "What is a recorded video interview?" Hopefully, we answered that question for you in the first section, but just to summarize, as far as video interview examples go, there are only two types:

1. Live
2. Pre-Recorded

Live interviews are just like in-person interviews but they're hosted on a video platform like Zoom. Pre-recorded interviews are videos made by candidates who've been given instructions by a hiring manager or recruiter and made a video in response to those instructions. Both are considered video interviews/ virtual interviews, and both are useful in different circumstances.

When it comes to pre-recorded video interviews, there are some tips and tricks to ensure your candidates have the best experience possible. First of all, make sure you provide your candidate with easy-to-understand instructions for their pre-recorded video interview introductions. This should include best practices, clear time limits on each question, as well as any specific video submission instructions.

Next, make sure you provide your candidate with a script for the pre-recorded video interview itself. This should include an introduction, a series of tailored questions, and some closing remarks. Remember to give the candidate some freedom to express themselves within this structure so that they can show their personality and enthusiasm for the role in their own way. Finally, make sure you offer a practice video session prior to the actual interview so that the candidate can become familiar with the format and how to answer each question effectively.

By following these pre-recorded interview tips, you'll ensure your candidates have a great experience during their pre-recorded video interviews and are given every opportunity to succeed in the interview process.

If you'd like to see how Pillar's interview intelligence software can help you make better hiring decisions that lower employee turnover while also decreasing costs to hire, schedule your demo today!