Hiring today looks different. Resumes are scanned, interviews happen asynchronously, and decisions move at the speed of your business. On demand video interviews (also called one-way interviews or asynchronous interviews) are the key to making that possible, especially for small teams without time to waste.
At Truffle, we help businesses skip the back-and-forth of phone screens and get straight to better hires with automated, on demand interviews. Let’s break down what that means, how it works, and why it’s changing candidate screening for both employers and candidates.
What is an on demand video interview?
An on demand video interview is a type of virtual interview that candidates complete on their own time. Instead of scheduling a live call, you ask a set of pre-recorded questions, and candidates record their responses via video; usually from their phone or laptop.
This format is also known as a:
- One-way video interview
- Asynchronous video interview
- Recorded video interview
Truffle makes this seamless:
- You create a job post
- We generate structured screening questions using our AI
- Candidates record their answers
- You get transcribed responses, scored for skills and soft traits
- A ranked shortlist is ready for review, without ever watching a full video (unless you want to)
Why use on demand interviews in hiring?
Traditional phone screens are time-consuming. Scheduling is a nightmare. And skimming resumes doesn’t reveal how someone communicates or thinks on their feet.
On demand interviews solve for all of that:
- Faster screening: Invite 10 or 1,000 candidates instantly
- Deeper insight: See and hear candidates before the first live interview
- More consistency: Everyone answers the same questions, with less bias
- Better collaboration: Hiring managers can review responses asynchronously
- Happier candidates: No scheduling. No pressure. Just flexibility
Companies that use Truffle often cut 5–10 days from their time-to-hire and replace 100% of phone screens with smart, AI-powered video interviews.
How to prepare for an on demand video interview (for candidates)
If you're a candidate completing an asynchronous interview, don’t worry, it’s not as awkward as it sounds. Here’s how to set yourself up for success.
1. Test your tech
- Use a stable internet connection
- Make sure your webcam and microphone work
- Record from a quiet, well-lit location
2. Practice first
Truffle lets candidates answer a practice question before the real thing. Use this to get comfortable speaking to the camera.
3. Dress the part
Even though it’s not live, treat it like a real interview. Business casual is usually a safe bet.
4. Read the prompts carefully
Take your time. You may have the chance to re-record, but you don’t want to rely on it.
5. Be yourself
It’s okay to show personality. Employers are listening for clarity, enthusiasm, and authenticity, and not just polished answers.
Tips to succeed in an on demand interview (for employers)
Truffle helps you automate the process, but how you use it still matters. Here are tips for maximizing impact.
1. Ask the right questions
Skip the generic prompts. Ask questions that show how someone thinks, communicates, or solves problems relevant to the role.
Examples:
- "Walk me through how you'd handle a customer who’s upset with their order."
- "Tell us about a time you worked on a tight deadline."
2. Keep it short and human
Don’t overwhelm candidates with 10+ questions. 3–5 strong prompts are usually enough. Add a short welcome video or message from the hiring manager to set the tone.
3. Use structured scoring
Truffle scores every response using our Hiring Brain™, but you can add your own ratings too. Use a consistent rubric across candidates to reduce bias.
4. Share clips with your team
Don’t gatekeep interviews. Truffle makes it easy to loop in managers so you can align quickly and avoid mis-hires.
Where on demand interviews fit in your hiring process
Most Truffle users add on demand interviews right after the application. That means before live interviews, assessments, or test tasks.
You can also:
- Auto-invite applicants from job boards or your ATS
- Replace initial recruiter screens
- Create evergreen job links for high-volume roles
- Use them for seasonal or remote hiring where speed matters most
Think of this as your first filter, not just for resumes, but for communication, tone, and soft skills.
How Truffle scores and ranks responses
Unlike other tools that just record video, Truffle uses AI to transcribe and analyze every answer. Our system evaluates:
- Keywords and job-specific phrasing
- Alignment with the hard and soft skills the role requires
You get a sortable shortlist, searchable transcripts, and video clips you can watch (or skip) at any time.
Why candidates actually prefer it
Candidates don’t like ghosting. They hate jumping through hoops. But they do appreciate flexibility.
On demand video interviews let them:
- Complete interviews after hours or during breaks
- Avoid rescheduling or awkward calls at work
- Record when they feel most prepared
- Get a fair shot based on their actual voice, not just a resume
It’s faster for you. It’s fairer for them. Everyone wins.
On Demand Video Interview FAQ
Here are the most common questions we get about video interviews.
What’s the difference between one-way and on demand video interviews?
Nothing—they’re two names for the same thing. “One-way” just means the candidate records their answers without a live interviewer present.
Do candidates need special software?
No. Truffle interviews work in any browser, on mobile or desktop. No downloads required.
How long should an on demand interview be?
We recommend keeping it under 30 minutes total. That typically means 3–5 questions, with up to 2 minutes per answer.
Can candidates re-record answers?
Yes. Truffle gives candidates the option to re-record if they’re not happy with their first take—reducing nerves and improving quality.
Does this replace live interviews?
Not always. Think of it as a smart filter that replaces manual phone screens and helps you decide who to meet live.
The wrap on on-demand interviews
Hiring is high stakes—especially when you’re short on time. On demand video interviews give you a scalable way to screen with care, without getting buried in backlogs.
With Truffle, you can:
- Stop phone screening altogether
- Get real insight before the first call
- Move top candidates forward in hours, not weeks
- Make your hiring process feel modern, fair, and fast
Whether you're hiring five retail associates or your next customer success lead, Truffle helps you make better hires, without the headache.
