Research

The virtual interview landscape: Insights from our 2024 study

Aliye Menzies
Full-cycle recruiter

May 18, 2022

The way we work is always changing, and so is how we hire. 

Enter asynchronous interviews, a growing trend thanks to the rise of AI-generated cover letters, resumes, and bots that robo-apply to hundreds of jobs in just a few clicks.

So, what are people saying about this tried-and-true solution to a brand-new challenge?

We interviewed 200 jobseekers to dive into what candidates say and where there's room to make things even better. Without further ado, here are the results.

What is a virtual interview?

A virtual interview is a job interview conducted remotely via video conferencing tools, allowing employers and candidates to connect from different locations. It offers flexibility, convenience, and is commonly used for screening candidates or full interviews when in-person meetings aren't feasible.

Comfort & convenience

A whopping 84.85% of folks find asynchronous interviews super convenient. And when it comes to feeling at ease, about 85% say they're somewhere from very comfy to okay with the virtual interviews. It looks like this interview format clicks with our on-the-go lifestyle.

Clarity of instructions

When it comes to how clear the instructions are, most people seem to get it—about 75.76% are happy with how things are laid out. But, there's still a noticeable chunk of folks who are left scratching their heads.

It’s important to make sure everyone knows exactly what's going on, how long they've got, and what we expect from them, crystal clear, no room for confusion.

Minimal concerns about format

One key thing about any interview process is whether it lets candidates really show off what they can do. It looks like asynchronous interviews are hitting the mark here—nearly 80% of jobseekers feel pretty good about presenting their skills and experience in this format. 

76% of respondents felt that the time allotted to answer questions was just right, while nearly 18% reported that there wasn't enough time, and 6% found it to be too much.

Lack of clarity on reducing bias

Asynchronous interviews might help cut down on hiring biases, but not everyone's convinced. About 36% think it really helps, almost 25% aren't seeing it, and roughly 40% just can't decide. It really shows just how tricky bias in hiring can be, and why we need to keep digging and improving how we handle these things.

Suggested improvements

Feedback on improving asynchronous interviews was varied, but really eye-opening. Here's what people said:

  • Boost the tech: Lots of calls for crisper video and audio, which means stepping up the tech game is a must.
  • Ask clear and broad questions: People want interviews that are snappier and to the point, with questions that really matter—no beating around the bush with stuff that's too personal or purely hypothetical.
  • Crank up the personal touch: Even though the interviews are asynchronous, people are really looking for some personal connection afterwards. They want clear, direct feedback and a follow-up that makes the whole experience feel more human.

Conclusion

Asynchronous interviews aren't going anywhere—they're flexible, fresh, and a smart way to go beyond the resume in the age of AI recruitment.

But like anything new, there's always some tweaking to do. The feedback from this survey is a good starting point. This way, asynchronous interviews can be more than just convenient—they can help better match candidates with companies based on skills and values.

By keeping up the improvements, we can make these interviews work well for everyone, making hiring smoother, fairer, and just plain better.

Read our guide to the WHO interview method

Learn how the WHO interview method helps recruiters identify top talent with structured, behavior-based questions.

Read the full guide

Common interview technique FAQs

What are the key elements of interviewing known as the 5 C's?

The 5 C's of interviewing include Competency, Character, Communication Skills, Culture Fit, and Career Direction. Competency involves having the necessary technical skills for the task, often assessed through technical evaluations during the interview.

How can one conduct an interview effectively?

To conduct an effective interview, start by making the applicant comfortable, such as by establishing rapport with a shared topic before diving into more challenging questions. Utilize open-ended questions to encourage detailed responses, listen more than you speak, take notes diligently, and be mindful of legal boundaries in questioning.

What are five effective tips for performing well in an interview?

When giving an interview, it's advisable to arrive early, prepare a brief summary of your experience relevant to the position, listen attentively to each question, maintain a positive demeanor while avoiding negative remarks about previous employers, and be conscious of your body language and tone.

What steps should be followed to conduct a proper interview?

A good interview should begin with a friendly opening to make the candidate feel at ease, followed by proper introductions. Set clear expectations for the interview, treat it as a conversational exchange to gather essential information, and share your leadership philosophies. Finally, allow the candidate to ask their own questions.

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Aliye Menzies
Full-cycle recruiter
With extensive experience as a full-cycle recruiter at industry giants like Microsoft and Meta, Aliye brings a deep understanding of recruitment processes and applicant tracking systems. Her expertise lies in optimizing hiring workflows and collaborating closely with HR teams to deliver outstanding talent acquisition results.

Smarter, faster, and fairer hiring starts here.