How to Use Video During Interviewing and Onboarding

In most workplaces, education institutions, and even organizations such as nonprofits that bring in volunteers, the hiring process traditionally has relied on in-person interviews and on-site onboarding. 

However, with the rise of remote work, many organizations have turned to asynchronous video recording to streamline and improve their interview and onboarding processes. 

At Screencastify, we’ve seen how asynchronous video screen recording is a valuable tool for both the interview process and onboarding new employees. Here are some of the biggest reasons why.👇

Asynchronous video for added flexibility

First and foremost, asynchronous video allows for greater flexibility and convenience for both the interviewer and the interviewee. In today's world, it can be difficult to find a time that works for everyone to meet in person or even over a live video call. 

With asynchronous video, the interviewer can watch the interviewee's recording at a time that is convenient for them, and the interviewee can record their responses at a time that works for them. This allows for a smoother and more efficient interview process. 

Real world example: Have a sample campaign performance task as part of an interview for a new marketing specialist? Have your candidate submit it along with a video in which they walk through their thinking process for each piece. 

This is a strategy we’ve adopted at Screencastify. I joined the company a few months ago, and my interview process involved using asynchronous video. I had a great experience with this method, as it allowed me to showcase my skills and experience in a more dynamic and interactive way. I was able to use Screencastify to record my screen to demonstrate my work and explain complex concepts with visuals. This personalized and engaging format gave the interviewer a better sense of my capabilities and personality. 

More personalized on-demand communication

Asynchronous video also allows for a more personalized and engaging interview experience for everyone. Rather than just answering questions over the phone or in a formal in-person setting, the interviewee can use screen recording to demonstrate their skills and experience in a more dynamic and interactive way. For example, with Screencastify they can show examples of their work, explain a complex concept with visuals, and they can do this all from any location. This can give the interviewer a better sense of the interviewee's capabilities and personality. Additionally, this allows the interviewee time to use and get familiar with your product. 

Real world example: Your company is looking to hire a new designer. Each candidate can be asked to record a video using a screen recording tool like Screencastify, in which they introduce themselves and discuss their design experience and skills. The candidates can also use the video to demonstrate their design work by showing examples of their portfolio or by using visuals to explain a design concept.

Using Screencastify when screening

Asynchronous video such as Screencastify allows the interviewer and candidate to watch the video at their own convenience, rather than having to schedule a specific time for the interview. This can save time and make the process more efficient.

Real world example: The initial interview screener can request a video after the initial phone interview as part of the presentation of qualified candidates to the hiring manager.

Sharing video with stakeholders

Additionally, using asynchronous video allows the interviewer to review the candidate's work multiple times, allowing for a more thorough evaluation. It also allows for easy sharing of the video with other members of the hiring team, facilitating collaboration and decision-making.

Real world example: Your company is looking to hire a new sales representative. You’ve found some great candidates and are looking for them to describe real examples of their experience and data throughout their career. An asynchronous video can be used during this time for the interviewer to watch these videos at their convenience, and can pause and rewind as needed to get a better understanding of the candidates' abilities and personalities. 

Video for onboarding new team members

Onboarding is another area where asynchronous video can be extremely useful. Rather than conducting in-person onboarding sessions, organizations can use pre-recorded videos to provide new employees with the information and training they need.

After a new hire has accepted an offer, they can be provided with a series of recorded video tutorials and training materials that they can watch at their own pace. Here's why this is so important: 

1. To avoid overwhelming new employees with a barrage of information all at once, asynchronous video allows an organization to provide bite-sized chunks of information that can be consumed at the employee's own pace. This can make the onboarding process more efficient and effective.

2. Employees can access the training materials, all-hands meeting, department meetings, and other previously recorded meetings at any time, from any location. This is particularly useful for employees who are working remotely or who have busy schedules.

3. This option is a cost-effective way to deliver training materials, as it eliminates the need for in-person training sessions or meetings. This can save your company time and money. 

4. Allows for greater collaboration and feedback during the onboarding process. The new employee can record themselves asking questions or provide updates. 

Overall, using asynchronous video for interviewing and onboarding is a great idea because it can save time, improve the quality of the hiring process, and provide a more convenient and flexible experience for both the interviewer and the interviewee.

Start using asynchronous video in the workplace today with Screencastify!