Hiring has changed. Fast-growing teams don’t have time to schedule live interviews for every applicant, nor should they. That’s why many companies now use one-way video interviews to screen candidates at scale.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to create a professional one-way video interview—step by step—using Truffle, an AI-powered video interview platform built for small teams who need high signal without the guesswork.
What is a one-way video interview?
A one-way video interview is a pre-recorded interview. Candidates respond to preset questions on their own time. You and your team can watch and evaluate the responses whenever it’s convenient.
Why it matters:
- Save hours by skipping scheduling
- See beyond the résumé with real answers, not keyword matches
- Compare fairly by asking every candidate the same questions
How to create a one-way video interview with Truffle
Creating a one-way video interview from scratch can be intimidating...unless you’re using Truffle. Here’s how it works:
1. Create and publish your job
From your Truffle dashboard, click Create Job.
- Give your job a clear title (e.g. “Customer Support Specialist – SaaS”)
- Tag the department, location, and employment type
- Paste in a detailed job description, including responsibilities, must-have skills, and a bit about your culture
Pro tip: The more detail you provide, the better Truffle’s AI can match and screen candidates.
2. Complete the intake
Truffle asks two smart questions to tailor the entire process:
- What does success look like in the first 6–12 months?
- What traits make someone thrive (or flop) on your team?
Your answers help the AI prioritize candidates who don’t just look good on paper—but actually fit your needs.
3. Add optional qualification questions
Want to pre-screen for specific dealbreakers? You can add:
- Yes/no questions
- Numeric answers
- Multiple choice options
These aren’t analyzed automatically, but they help you skim candidates fast. Most Truffle users skip an ATS entirely by using this feature.
4. Set up your screening questions
This is where the real signal starts.
Truffle automatically suggests five screening questions based on your job and intake. You can adjust or write your own, but make sure to include at least three from Truffle’s catalog to unlock advanced matching and analysis.
You’ll also configure:
- Response format: audio or video
- Time limits (e.g. 2 minutes per answer)
- Retake options (let candidates try again, or keep it one-shot)
Hit Activate and your one-way video interview is live. Truffle generates a shareable link you can use in job boards, emails, or DMs.
Key features that matter
When creating a one-way interview, these are the most important settings to get right:
Tips for a better candidate experience
Even async interviews should feel personal and thoughtful.
Lighting and sound
- Face a window or use a ring light
- Use a quiet space and test your mic
Consistent branding
- Record a short welcome video
- Use your company colors and logo in the interface
Clear instructions
- Tell candidates what to expect
- Offer a practice question
- Let them know how their responses will be used
What to ask: Great one-way interview questions
Start with 5–7 video interview questions. Here’s a mix of proven formats:
Introductory
- “Tell us about your background.”
- “Why are you excited about this role?”
Role-specific
- “Describe a time you hit a tough goal.”
- “Walk us through a recent project.”
Problem-solving
- “How would you handle a project falling behind?”
- “What would you do if a teammate disagreed with your approach?”
Culture fit
- “How do you like to receive feedback?”
- “What type of work environment helps you thrive?”
What gear do you need?
Truffle works great even with basic gear. What matters most is clarity, consistency, and tone.
Wrap-up: Make your first async interview count
One-way interviews are one of the fastest, fairest ways to screen candidates—especially when done right. With Truffle, you go from job idea to live interview in minutes, not days.
Frequently asked questions about one way video interviews
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about AI video interviews.
How long should a one way video interview be?
A complete one-way video interview typically includes 5-7 questions with 1-3 minutes allowed per response, making the total interview length between 5-20 minutes depending on the role complexity.
How do I make my one way video interview accessible to all candidates?
Use platforms with accessibility features like extended response times, subtitle options, and alternative formats for candidates with disabilities, while providing clear instructions and technical support.
What equipment do I need to create a professional one way video interview?
Basic equipment includes a computer with webcam, good lighting, clear microphone, stable internet connection, and a one-way video interview platform that supports your requirements.
How much does it cost to set up a one way video interview?
Costs range from free basic platforms to paid solutions ($50-500+ monthly) depending on features, number of interviews, and additional services like AI analysis or integration capabilities.
Can candidates re-record their answers in a one way video interview?
This depends on your settings - some interviews allow unlimited retakes to reduce candidate anxiety, while others limit attempts to one or two to get more spontaneous responses.
