Pre Recorded Video Interview: Tips for Effective Hiring

A person trying to get a job shoots the answers to a set of questions using a computer, smartphone, or tablet. And this is the exact process a pre recorded video interview runs in hiring.

Why use pre recorded interview? Because it makes hiring easier! If a company needs some new people, an employer has to do some one-on-one meetings. Well, that is a lot of time! With recorded interviews employers can get different answers from many people in a short while due to sessions of non live interviews.

By this method, the company can select the best candidate. It has become standard practice for businesses across all sectors to use video interviews during their hiring process. According to study, nearly 80% of employers use them regularly. 

Illustration woman looking in computer monitor
Pixabay/This_is_Engineering

What is a Pre-Recorded Video Interview?

In a pre recorded video interview a job seeker uses a desktop or smartphone to record video answers to pre-set questions in an on demand interview organized by an employer. 

These videos can then be viewed by a recruiter or hiring manager when they have time. This approach enables companies to shortlist  top candidates in the early stages of hiring without having to talk to everyone at once.

It helps everyone. All  applicants are asked the same questions and given the exact same opportunity to answer them. There is no rush; candidates can record their answers with comfort and when they are ready. Employers can later see if this person is the right fit for the role.

How Pre-Recorded Interview Works?

Here is simple example:

Setting Questions: The employer initially writes or records down a few questions like “What is your favorite job?” or “Why do you want this position?”

Applicant Answers: This person applying for a job uses a specific website or app to make their answers exclusive. They will do this when they feel prepared.

Review Answers: Employers don’t have to be there in person when it comes to answering. So they watch all the videos later. 

Main Benefits of Pre Recorded Interview

Video recorded interviews enable companies to hire the best workers faster because they allow you to select without everyone having to talk all at once. It’s like a contest where players film their highest-scoring plays, and the coach decides which ones make it!

Why employers love them :

  • Watch interviews, no live meetings: Say, for instance, an employer came back from meeting 100 people in one single day! That takes forever! Employers do not have to go to everyone at the same time with pre-recorded interviews. They can sit back and binge-watch the videos, or so it feels watching cartoons one by one.
  • Structured Assessments: Everyone answers the same questions in a similar structure, and it is easier to benchmark them. That is, in essence, what the teacher gets when they give everyone a similar test.
  • Completeness to everyone: It might make people anxious to do live interviews, but with pre-recorded videos, people will at least have the time they can make their best effort.
  • Everyone gets even: The line goes where it is supposed to, and there are no added questions or preferences.
  • Allows you to identify the best workers: The employer can watch the videos any number of times to figure out who is better. They may go through the background carefully and pick the person who they think is best for the job. 

Common Issues with Pre Recorded Video Interview

Let us go over some of the more common problems people have when it comes to doing them.

  • Nervous 

You are asked to sing solo for one camera. I mean, every person can feel nervous, right? There will be nothing; no one is expecting the red carpet or a standing ovation by your side. The song begins, and then everyone else joins in, just as with pre-received interviews! People might be uncomfortable with the camera’s face and might refrain from answering good questions so well.

  • Dull and Lonely 

Usually, during an ordinary interview, candidates will be able to discuss and laugh with the employer as they are punching, as you did at a teacher or friend chat. However, in a pre-recorded interview, the individual is alone talking, and no one smiles at him or nods at what he is saying. It can be a little lifeless or disconcerting without each other’s way of running the dialogue.

  • Technology Issues

Suppose one of your toy cars is not moving forward. That would be annoying, right? If the camera is broken, the internet is slow, or the video fails to record it. This may drive the person back to step one, and repeating troubleshooting can be annoying.

How to Beat Them

  • Provide crisp instruction: You need to let folks know how they record and what to expect as they prepare.
  • Start with the easy questions: Simple questions are used to get people comfortable before moving over to the harder ones.
  • Give people technical ability for re-record answers: If the person made a mistake, don’t let them off the hook for their answer!
  • Ask short questions: Make sure questions are clear and concise and that everyone understands.
  • Guide the people in case they run into technical troubles: Sometimes, the internet is not available, or you have not been able to turn on camera at all. With clear guidance from employers before the interview, the participants in those hires will know exactly what is expected of them.
Illustration Young lady working with laptop
Pixabay/Pexels

Best Practices for Pre-Recorded Interview

If you want to use a recorded video interview correctly, these are some great tips to follow.

  • Ask specific questions: Keep things simple and in layman’s language. 
  • Give time: Let the people think before you answer! The question might be too fast, and they might think that it is rushed.
  • Set a time limit: Leverage Answers that are not too short or long-lasting. 1-2 minutes is just enough.
  • Answer checking even should not overlook: Do not look only at the look and not listen to what is being said by that person.

How to Choose the Best Pre-Recorded Video Interview Platform

Choosing the right video interview tool should be like selecting your best toy that is fun, simple, and safe. Here are the things that should matter to you:

  • Easy to Use

This platform should be simple, just a big red button that says “Start!” No technical.

  • ️Functional on All Devices

It should be mobile, tablet, and desktop-friendly so everybody can use it.

  • Safe & Private

The videos should be locked so the only person to watch them is your employer.

  • Smooth as Silk

A decent platform should record well and get the calls to look natural!

  • Lets People Try Again

If someone answers the question wrong, should they be eligible to try again?

  • Ensure employers Can Pick the Best Person

The answers should all be stored so everyone can compare and re-watch what people say.

Are Pre Recorded Interviews AI-graded?

Sometimes, AI  watches and scores video recorded interviews. Do they do it all? No way, not every time! Some companies don’t use AI at all. And finally – AI sorts answers, but humans actually make the decisions.

AI-graded Interviews:

         Pros

  • Fair, AI doesn’t judge visually or by feel.
  • Keeps employers busy to deal with the relevant candidates first!

         Cons

  • AI fails to see the faces of emotion.
  • Tech blunders. 
  • No personal touch.
Illustration of application letter
Pixabay/athree23

How Should Employers Evaluate Pre-Recorded Responses?

Managers need to watch and listen to the top employees. Here is what to do in a order a fair & smart way!

  • Answer the Questions

Does the person answer the question unless there are words in the wrong word? If they are saying other things, then maybe it’s better, too.

  • Evaluate How Clear They Speak

Do you hear them well? Too fast or too slow? Many voices need to be clearly spoken, for instance, regarding jobs.

  • Check If They Have Self Confidence

If they look confident and sure of their responses, it can mark that a applicant can do their job well!

  • Observe Skills

If the job requires a friendly demeanor, problem-solving, or ability to explain, does this person have some of these skills in the job?

Recorded interviews help save time and get great people, but they are most effective when they are easy, fair, and fun.

FAQ

Is Pre Recorded Interview Effective For Screening?

Yes! They’re a way for companies to determine whether or not someone might be a good hire in general before they even go into an interview.

Can Candidates Review Their Answers Before Submitting?

Yes, some programs will allow people to see and review their videos before they answer if they wish.

Does Pre-Recorded Interview Feel Impersonal?

When you first try them, they might feel a bit weird, not having a person to talk to, but they are great for the reasons above. Companies can use pre-recorded interviews effectively to source great workers and make it easy for everybody! Acquisition 

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