Video interviews help hiring teams screen candidates quickly and consistently. Templates make these interviews structured, fair, and scalable. This is especially useful in one-way or asynchronous interview formats.
This article includes 15 popular one-way job interview templates.
What is a video interview template?
A video interview template is a predefined set of questions and instructions used during a video interview. It ensures consistency and fairness when evaluating candidates.
There are two types:
- One-way (asynchronous): Candidates record answers on their own time.
- Live: Interviewer follows a structured script during a real-time call.
Templates typically include:
- 4–5 role-specific questions
- Clear instructions
- Evaluation criteria
Why use templates?
They save time, reduce bias, and standardize the experience.
Templates are especially useful in asynchronous interviews where flexibility is key.
Key elements of an effective template
1. Concise Questions
Keep questions under 30 words.
Examples:
- “Describe a time you overcame a challenge.”
- “How do you prioritize under pressure?”
2. Clear instructions
Tell candidates:
- How long to speak
- Whether re-recording is allowed
- Submission deadline
- Tech requirements
3. Evaluation criteria
Use a simple 1–4 scale:
- 1 = Doesn’t meet expectations
- 4 = Exceeds expectations
4. Friendly tone
Build rapport with lines like:
- “We’re excited to learn more about you.”
- “Thanks for considering a role with us.”
How to invite candidates
1. Craft the one-way interview email template
Subject: Your Video Interview for [Role] at [Company]
Body:
- Thank the candidate
- Explain the format
- Share the link
- Include the deadline
2. Share the link securely
Use email or a trusted one-way video interview platform like Truffle. Include troubleshooting tips.
3. List technical requirements
- Chrome/Firefox
- 2+ Mbps internet
- Webcam/mic
- Quiet, well-lit space
4. Set clear deadlines
Let candidates know:
- When responses are due
- When they’ll hear back
- What happens next
15 video interview templates
Without further ado, here are the 15 templates.
1. General behavioral
Use for: Most roles
Questions:
- “Describe a challenge you overcame”
- “Tell us about a team experience”
Assessing: Problem-solving, teamwork
2. Software developer
Use for: Tech screenings
Questions:
- “Describe a recent technical problem”
- “How do you ensure code quality?”
Assessing: Technical depth, clarity
3. Customer service
Use for: Customer-facing roles
Questions:
- “Describe handling an unhappy customer”
- “Define great customer service”
Assessing: Empathy, communication
4. Sales representative
Use for: Sales roles
Questions:
- “Describe your sales approach”
- “How do you handle rejection?”
Assessing: Persuasion, resilience
5. Marketing coordinator
Use for: Marketing positions
Questions:
- “Describe a successful campaign”
- “How do you measure success?”
Assessing: Creativity, analytical thinking
6. Creative portfolio
Use for: Designers/creatives
Questions:
- “Walk us through a favorite project”
- “How do you handle feedback?”
Assessing: Presentation, openness
7. Leadership roles
Use for: Managers, team leads
Questions:
• “Tell us about a time you led through uncertainty”
• “How do you support your team’s growth?”
Assessing: Decision-making, people development
8. Entry-level positions
Use for: Interns, new grads, junior roles
Questions:
• “What motivates you to do your best work?”
• “How do you approach learning something new?”
Assessing: Coachability, drive
9. Cultural fit
Use for: Any role, values-based screening
Questions:
• “What kind of team culture helps you thrive?”
• “How do you give and receive feedback?”
Assessing: Alignment, communication style
10. Project management
Use for: PMs, coordinators, cross-functional leads
Questions:
• “Describe a project you managed from start to finish”
• “How do you manage competing priorities?”
Assessing: Organization, leadership
11. Remote work readiness
Use for: Distributed teams, hybrid roles
Questions:
• “How do you stay focused when working remotely?”
• “What tools help you collaborate with others online?”
Assessing: Independence, remote communication
12. Seasonal or part-time roles
Use for: Retail, hospitality, support
Questions:
• “Why are you interested in this temporary position?”
• “How do you handle changes in a fast-paced environment?”
Assessing: Flexibility, reliability
13. Executive roles
Use for: Directors, VPs, C-suite
Questions:
• “What’s your approach to setting long-term strategy?”
• “How do you influence company-wide initiatives?”
Assessing: Vision, executive presence
14. Onboarding check-ins
Use for: New hires in their first 30–60 days
Questions:
• “What’s been most surprising about your first weeks?”
• “Where could we better support you?”
Assessing: Engagement, early friction points
15. Company intros
Use for: Pre-interview welcome or screening setup
Questions: (Not applicable — this is a welcome format)
Tip: Record a short intro video from the hiring manager or founder
Purpose: Set expectations, personalize the process
Personalizing your video interview templates
Here are three ways to personalize your video interviews.
1. Branding
Add your logo and brand colors to the platform.
2. Welcome videos
Add a short intro video from the hiring manager. You can use these asynchronous interview video templates for inspiration.
3. Culture-driven questions
Tie questions to values. Example:
“If innovation matters, ask: ‘Describe a time you introduced a new idea.’”
Ensuring fairness and compliance
Here are four simple ways to ensure fairness and compliance.
- Use the same scoring system
- Avoid discriminatory questions
- Offer accommodations
- Secure data with encryption and privacy policies
Modern platforms help automate this.
After reviewing responses
Once candidates have completed the interviews, take these next steps.
1. Shortlist
Use scoring to advance top candidates.
2. Communicate
Send rejections kindly. Thank everyone.
3. Improve
Track:
- Time-to-hire
- Quality of hire
- Candidate feedback
Summary: Why video interview templates matter
Automated video interviews save time, reduce bias, and improve consistency. They help teams evaluate candidates faster and more fairly, especially when hiring at scale or across time zones.
FAQs on video interview templates
What is a video interview template?
A video interview template is a predefined set of interview questions and instructions used during a video interview. It helps hiring teams evaluate candidates consistently and efficiently, especially in one-way (asynchronous) formats.
Why should I use a video interview template?
Templates save time, reduce interviewer bias, and create a consistent experience for every candidate. They make it easier to compare responses and scale the interview process.
How do I create a video interview template?
Start with 4–5 job-specific questions, include clear instructions for candidates, and define a simple evaluation scale. You can customize templates with branding and welcome videos to reflect your company’s tone.
Can video interview templates be used in live interviews?
Yes. While most templates are built for asynchronous interviews, they also work in live settings to help interviewers follow a structured script and stay on track.
Do video interview platforms integrate with ATS tools?
Most modern platforms integrate with applicant tracking systems (ATS) like Greenhouse, Lever, and Workable. This allows for automatic scheduling, data sync, and easier candidate management.
How do I ensure candidate privacy in video interviews?
Use secure platforms that offer data encryption and comply with GDPR or CCPA. Always get candidate consent before recording and clearly explain how the recordings will be used.
What if a candidate doesn’t have the right tech?
Offer alternative formats like phone interviews or extended deadlines. You can also suggest quiet public spaces like libraries if needed.
How many questions should a video interview template include?
Keep it short. Most effective templates include 4 to 5 focused questions, each under 30 words, to avoid fatigue and increase completion rates.
What scoring system should I use to evaluate responses?
Use a simple scale like 1 to 4, where 1 = doesn’t meet expectations and 4 = exceeds expectations. This keeps evaluation quick and consistent across reviewers.
Can I personalize my templates for different roles?
Yes. Tailor questions to the role’s key skills and responsibilities. Add culture-specific prompts and use branding elements to keep the experience aligned with your company voice.
