Video interviews have become a cornerstone of modern hiring practices.

With the rise of remote work and global teams, choosing the right type of video interview—whether asynchronous or synchronous—can significantly impact the efficiency and effectiveness of your recruitment process.

This article delves into the nuances of both methods, helping employers make informed decisions based on their specific hiring needs.

What Are Asynchronous Video Interviews?

Asynchronous video interviews are a flexible recruitment tool where candidates record their responses to preset questions at their convenience.

This method does not require the interviewer and candidate to be online at the same time, creating flexibility and easily scaling for large volumes of applicants.

Benefits of Asynchronous Video Interviews

The primary advantage of asynchronous interviews is convenience. Candidates can participate from anywhere in the world, at any time that suits them, which broadens the talent pool.

They can allow for more thoughtful responses as candidates can take their time to answer questions, potentially reducing the stress and anxiety associated with traditional interviews.

Employers can review these recordings at their convenience, making it easier to handle large volumes of applicants.

Best Practices for Conducting Asynchronous Interviews

To conduct effective asynchronous interviews, it's crucial to provide clear, concise instructions and well-thought-out questions that can draw meaningful responses from candidates.

Employers should ensure a structured review process to assess these responses fairly.

Asynchronous interviews are most useful at the screening stage - they can provide a valuable extra touch point in deciding who will continue further in the process.

Limited the number of responses is also important. Most asynchronous interviews should take 10-15 minutes.

What Are Synchronous Video Interviews?

Synchronous video interviews occur in real-time, with both the interviewer and the candidate present at the same time, though not necessarily in the same place.

Unlike asynchronous interviews this allowing for a dynamic interaction and immediate clarification of answers or follow-up questions.

Advantages of Synchronous Video Interviews

These interviews are particularly effective for roles where communication skills and personality fit are crucial.

The real-time interaction helps assess a candidate’s ability to think on their feet and engage in a conversation, providing a clearer picture of their suitability for the role.

Best Practices for Synchronous Interviews

Preparation is key to conducting successful synchronous interviews.

Both interviewers and candidates should ensure a stable internet connection and a quiet, professional environment.

It’s also important to establish a clear structure for the interview to maintain focus and make efficient use of the allocated time.

When to Use Asynchronous vs Synchronous Interviews

The decision to use asynchronous or synchronous video interviews often depends on the nature of the job, the stage of the recruitment process, and the volume of candidates.

Asynchronous interviews are ideal for initial screening stages or when dealing with a high volume of applications.

In contrast, synchronous interviews are better suited for later stages of hiring, particularly when interpersonal skills are crucial.

Building a Seamless Interview Process

Choosing the right type of video interview can significantly influence the success of your recruitment efforts.

Wednesday video interviews were created to simplify the process of offering asynchronous interviews for companies of all sizes.

With Wednesday you can find your ideal candidates faster - freeing up time to focus on our top candidates at the bottom of the funnel.