The 24 one-way video interview questions to ask candidates

The future of hiring isn’t just on the horizon—it’s already here.

For hiring teams and managers, the move from traditional face-to-face interviews to the efficiency of virtual interviews is making one of the most time-consuming parts of recruitment easier.

The endless tango of scheduling conflicts and the logistical headaches of coordinating calendars are now a thing of the past. Instead, employers can assess job seekers on their own terms, using one-way video interview questions and pre-recorded interviews to vet candidates without the constraints of time.

But like any leap in technology, the promise of efficiency comes with a caveat: you have to know how to use it well. The art of the one-way video or audio interview lies in crafting the right questions—questions that don’t just skim the surface of a candidate’s resume but dig deep into their experience, their potential, and their fit within your company’s culture.

Whether you’re conducting hopping on a phone interview, or setting up an asynchronous interview, it all comes down to the substance of your inquiries.

In this guide, we explore 24 essential one-way interview questions that will help you streamline the hiring process without sacrificing depth or insight. These questions are versatile, working just as effectively in virtual interviews as they do in more traditional in-person interviews.

By the end, you’ll have a roadmap for asking the kinds of questions that cut through the noise and get to the heart of what matters: who your candidates really are and how they might shape the future of your company.

Behavioral questions

Behavioral questions are the foundation of most interview processes, especially in one-way interviews where candidates can reflect on their past experiences before recording their responses.

With behavioral questions, you’re not just assessing skills—you’re evaluating how someone will perform in the real world, under real pressure.

1. Tell me about yourself.
   • Assessment tips: This is the ultimate opener in virtual interview questions. You want to hear a confident, succinct summary of their professional journey.
2. What achievement were you most proud of from your last role?
   • Assessment tips: A good response shows initiative and impact. For one way video interview answers, listen for stories that show the candidate going above and beyond their responsibilities.
3. Describe a time you faced a challenge at work and how you overcame it.
   • Assessment tips: This is one of those common video interview questions that reveals a lot. Look for problem-solving, resilience, and creativity. In pre-recorded interviews, candidates have more time to think through their responses, so expect detailed responses.
4. How do you handle tight deadlines?
   • Assessment tips: Time management and stress handling are crucial. You’re looking for someone who not only meets deadlines but thrives under pressure.
5. Tell me about a time you worked on a team project. What was your role?
   • Assessment tips: Collaboration is key in most roles, and this question helps you gauge how well the candidate integrates with team members. Whether in online interview questions or in-person settings, their role and contributions should shine through.
6. How do you deal with failure?
   • Assessment tips: Failure is inevitable. What matters is how candidates recover and learn from it. You want someone who shows accountability and growth.

Cultural fit questions

Cultural fit is crucial in hiring. These virtual interview questions and answers for employers will help you determine if a candidate aligns with your company’s ethos. Given that candidates have the chance to think through their answers, you'll gain a greater insight into their values and motivations.

7. What's the most interesting thing about you that’s not on your resume?
   • Assessment tips: This open-ended question allows candidates to show off their personality and uniqueness, beyond what their CV reveals. It’s particularly effective in pre-recorded video interviews as it allows the candidate time to reflect on what makes them stand out.
8. Describe your ideal work environment.
   • Assessment tips: This will help you understand if the candidate will thrive in your company’s setup. Whether your team operates in a structured office or a flexible remote setting, you need someone whose preferences align with your work environment.
9. How do you contribute to a positive team environment?
   • Assessment tips: Collaboration isn’t just about working with others—it’s about fostering good energy. This video interview question helps reveal candidates who are not just team players, but team builders.
10. What motivates you to do your best work?
    • Assessment tips: In hiring processes, motivation is a key factor for long-term success. This question will reveal what drives them—whether it’s the challenge of the work, the team, or the broader mission.
11. Describe a time when you disagreed with a coworker. How did you handle it?
    • Assessment tips: Conflict resolution is an essential skill in any team. Look for candidates who can demonstrate empathy and a solutions-focused mindset.
12. What do you do to maintain a work-life balance?
    • Assessment tips: This pre-recorded interview question gives you insight into how a candidate manages stress and avoids burnout, especially important in today’s fast-paced work environments.

Job-specific questions

Job-specific questions help you drill down into a candidate’s technical abilities and experience. In pre-recorded interviews, candidates have the advantage of providing more detailed answers, and you have the time to review them thoroughly.

13. What stood out to you about the job description?
    • Assessment tips: A thoughtful response here shows that the candidate has done their research. They should be able to connect their skills to the requirements of the role.
14. Describe what you do in your current role.
    • Assessment tips: You want clarity here. A candidate who can describe their responsibilities clearly shows they know their job well and are prepared for the next step.
15. How do you stay updated with industry trends and new skills?
    • Assessment tips: Continuous learning is crucial. Whether it’s through courses, certifications, or listening to podcasts with industry leaders, the candidate should demonstrate a commitment to growth.
16. Describe a time you improved a process or procedure at work.
    • Assessment tips: Look for candidates who take the initiative to innovate. This video interview question can reveal a lot about their problem-solving abilities.
17. What technical skills do you bring to this role?
    • Assessment tips: In pre-recorded interviews, the candidate should be able to articulate their technical skills in detail. You want someone who can not only list their skills but also explain how they’ve used them to solve problems.
18. How do you prioritize your tasks in a fast-paced environment?
    • Assessment tips: This question is essential for roles that demand multitasking and quick decision-making. Strong candidates will have systems or frameworks they use to stay organized.

Other common questions

To round out the interview, here are some common video interview questions that every employer should ask. These provide a comprehensive view of the candidate’s motivations and how they’ll fit into the company.

19. Why do you want to work for our company?
    • Assessment tips: You’re looking for alignment with your company’s mission and values. If they’ve done their homework, their answer will reflect a deep understanding of your goals.
20. What are your career goals for the next five years?
    • Assessment tips: Ambition is important, but so is alignment with your company’s growth trajectory. Their goals should fit within what your company can offer.
21. How do you prioritize your professional development?
    • Assessment tips: A great candidate will have a clear plan for their growth, whether through mentorship, training, or certifications.
22. What would you like to achieve in your first 90 days in this role?
    • Assessment tips: This question will reveal whether the candidate has a proactive mindset and a strong understanding of the role.
23. Tell me about a time you worked under pressure.
    • Assessment tips: Pressure is part of every job. You want someone who can stay calm and focused, even when the stakes are high.
24. How do you approach problem-solving?
    • Assessment tips: This is a universal question that reveals how a candidate tackles challenges. Look for someone who is methodical but creative in their approach.

Conclusion

One-way video interviews offer a unique opportunity to evaluate candidates thoroughly, without the constraints of live interaction. By using the right mix of questions, you can ensure that your hiring team makes informed decisions.

Whether you’re evaluating soft skills through open-ended questions or drilling down into technical expertise, the answers you receive from these 24 questions will provide invaluable insights.

From understanding a candidate’s personality and culture fit to assessing their professional growth, these questions cover all the bases.