What impact do pre-recorded interviews have on the candidate experience?

"Generally we receive very, very positive feedback from our candidates. For many of them this is a new and exciting experience, and we often hear that they enjoyed already getting to know us a little in advance, even if it is just via video. This way people already get a first impression of the hiring managers."

Jana Haack, Recruiter at MOIA Operations Germany GmbH
> Read the entire customer story here

3 myths about asynchronous interviews – and what's really true 

❌ "This is super impersonal." 
✅ Only if you make it impersonal! 

As with many other tools, the success of pre-recorded interviews depends on how they are used. The Cammio platform offers numerous options for creating a personal and appreciative experience.  

Technically, the interview can be seamlessly integrated into the existing process, the applicant management system and your own corporate branding. But the best and most human experiences arise when recruiters and hiring teams themselves set a good example.  

A short, spontaneous welcome video or video questions asked directly by potential colleagues often make a big difference. Settings such as the number of attempts to answer or the time available to answer also have a noticeable impact on candidates' stress levels – and can be fully customised by recruiters.  

In short: a large part of the candidate experience is in your own hands. And with it, the opportunity to make it personal, friendly and authentic. 

❌ "This is just another hurdle in the application process, which will cause me to lose candidates."
✅ For many, this makes the application process more accessible – not more difficult.  

A pre-recorded interview does not have to be a hurdle, but an invitation, especially for candidates who are very busy or tend to get nervous under traditional interview conditions. Instead of having to coordinate a fixed interview appointment, applicants can conduct the interview when it suits them – in the evening, at the weekend or during a study break. This lowers the barrier to entry and increases willingness to participate.  

Asynchronous interviews allow you to consider a broader range of candidates. While time and resources limit how many people you can invite to an on-site or live interview, it’s easy to extend a video interview to all qualified applicants. Reviewing the responses takes only a few minutes – and helps uncover talent that might otherwise be overlooked by reviewing them ‘on paper’ only. 

Of course, it cannot be ruled out that candidates do drop out at this stage. But compare that to traditional telephone interviews: how many do you actually reach? Of the applicants who start an asynchronous interview, 83% actually complete the process. 

❌ "This only works for certain roles."
✅ Pre-recorded interviews can be flexibly integrated into a wide variety of processes. 

Our customers use pre-recorded interviews in a wide variety of recruiting scenarios. Of course, every position and applicant target group comes with its own challenges – which makes it all the more important to design the process appropriately: What skills am I looking for? How many applications do I expect? And which tools will help me best? 

Pre-recorded interviews are particularly common in entry-level recruiting. Why? Because CVs often look quite similar at this level, so motivation, soft skills and cultural fit play a greater role in the decision.  

Asynchronous interviews are also particularly helpful in areas such as sales, customer contact or recruiting, wherever self-presentation is important. This is because the ability to express oneself clearly and confidently can be tested early on and in a very targeted manner. If someone does not take this step at all, this can already be a valuable indication of their suitability for the role.  

Nevertheless, we also see applications in more technical roles or advanced career stages, depending on what suits the position and target group. Pre-recorded interviews are not a one-size-fits-all solution, but a versatile building block in modern recruiting.  

Why pre-recorded (video) interviews are particularly well suited for young applicant target groups

1. Flexible, mobile and individual – just like their everyday lives 
   Young talent expects processes that adapt to their lives. Whether between lectures and part-time jobs or late at night on their mobile phones, a pre-recorded interview can be easily integrated into everyday life. The desire for self-determination does not begin at work, but already during the application process.  

2. Video communication is completely normal for them  
   Whether on Instagram, TikTok or Snapchat – young people communicate via video all day, every day. An interview in this format therefore does not seem strange, but familiar. It even offers advantages: less nervousness, a familiar environment and the opportunity to think about answers in peace. 

3. Room for authentic presentation  
   Since many young candidates have little interview experience, they benefit from the structure and fairness of asynchronous interviews. They get the chance to show their motivation, personality and soft skills – without any time pressure or spontaneous phone calls.