Last updated on July 11th, 2025
At Recruit Ninjas, we support companies with end-to-end remote recruitment services, offering real, human-led solutions in a world increasingly driven by automation. While we utilize technology to streamline tasks such as scheduling and sourcing, hiring decisions should still be grounded in human connection, not just software.
Recently, more companies have been inquiring about asynchronous video interviewing platforms. With searches for them rising +740% and hitting 7,400 monthly queries, it’s clear that these tools are no longer niche; they’ve gone mainstream.
But here’s the catch: these platforms may actually be driving away your top talent, even as they promise to save you time.
Let’s take a closer look.
Table of Contents
Why Async Video Interviewing Platforms Are Trending
What Candidates Actually Experience
Real Story: How One Client Lost Top Candidates
When Async Interviews Work and When They Don’t
What to Do Instead (The Hybrid Approach)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why Async Video Interviewing Platforms Are Trending
Async video interviews let candidates record answers to pre-set questions on their own time, so a recruiter doesn’t need to be on the other side. It’s part of a broader wave of video interviewing solutions being adopted to speed up hiring processes, especially in remote and global hiring models.
Tools like:
- HireVue
- Spark Hire
- Willo
- VidCruiter
…are often labeled as the best video interview platforms for scale and efficiency. Businesses searching for the best online interview platform or online interview system often land on these tools due to their flexibility and ease of use.
The appeal is clear:
- Interview candidates asynchronously, across time zones
- Save time for hiring managers
- Standardize question delivery
It’s no surprise that global interest in video recruitment platforms and virtual interview platforms has skyrocketed. But just because they’re popular doesn’t mean they’re always the right fit.
What Candidates Actually Experience
Imagine applying for a job you’re excited about. Instead of speaking to a recruiter or learning about the team, you’re asked to record yourself answering scripted prompts alone, with a camera, unsure who’s watching or when.
This is how many candidates experience the video interviewing platform process and it’s far from ideal.
Based on direct feedback we’ve received:
- Candidates feel like they’re talking to a machine.
- There’s no opportunity to clarify questions.
- They feel disconnected from the company culture.
- They worry that no one may ever watch their recording.
And they’re not alone. A 2024 Jobvite survey reported that more than half of job seekers (54%) would rather have a phone screen with a recruiter than use an online interview platform.
That’s a major red flag for companies relying on these tools for first impressions.
Real Story: How One Client Lost Top Candidates
We partnered with a logistics company that switched to an online interview system to speed up their screening process for mid-level roles. Out of 10 highly qualified candidates, 6 dropped out after being asked to use the async tool.
Their reasons?
- “I prefer talking to someone.”
- “I don’t like talking to a blank screen.”
- “This feels cold and impersonal.”
We replaced the async step with a 15-minute live recruiter screen using a virtual interview platform with human interaction. Result? Completion rates increased by 50%, and the company made three successful hires within two weeks.
This showed us something clear: people are more than pre-recorded answers they need real interaction.
When Async Interviews Work and When They Don’t
Like most hiring tools, async video interviews aren’t all bad. But they work best in very specific situations.
When it works:
- Entry-level roles
- Large-scale hiring campaigns
- Screening for technical or repetitive roles
- Global recruitment across time zones
When it doesn’t:
- Executive, creative, or people-facing positions
- Roles where personality and communication matter
- Competitive job markets where top talent has options
Using the best video interview platform won’t help if the experience drives candidates away. And even the best online interview platforms won’t replace a meaningful conversation.
Why Top Talent Opts Out
Async platforms remove the give-and-take of a real interview. They’re efficient, but they strip away:
- Spontaneous questions
- Cultural alignment
- Human tone and energy
- Candidate concerns and deal-breakers
And when top candidates have multiple offers, these missing elements can be enough to push them toward a company offering something more human.
That’s why Recruit Ninjas focuses on human-led services with just enough tech to keep things running smoothly. We use online interview platforms to support live screening, not replace it.
What to Do Instead (The Hybrid Approach)
We recommend a hybrid approach that balances tools with human presence.
Here’s how:
- Use a video interviewing solution with live call capabilities.
- Keep initial screens short 10–15 minutes with a recruiter.
- Give candidates the choice between async and live options (especially for senior roles).
- Follow up with personalized messages, not templates.
- Use structured questions, but allow for conversation.
By blending the best of both worlds, you get the efficiency of a video recruitment platform without losing the human connection candidates crave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is a video interview platform the same as a live interview tool?
Not always. Some platforms offer both async and live features. Make sure your tool includes real-time capabilities to keep the process human-centered.
2. Do candidates dislike all video interviewing solutions?
No. Many candidates are fine with live video interviews they just want interaction. It’s the lack of human contact in fully async setups that frustrates them.
3. How can I use async interviews without losing candidates?
Keep them optional, short, and always follow up with a live step. Let your recruiter reach out to add warmth and clarity to the process.
Key Takeaways
In wrapping up our look at the async video interview boom, it’s clear that what’s trending isn’t always what’s working. Here are three takeaways:
- Trending Tools Need Caution: Even the best online interview platform can hurt your hiring if used without a human strategy.
- Top Talent Wants People: Candidates are dropping off because they don’t feel seen or heard in async setups.
- Combine Tech with Humanity: Use the best virtual interview platforms to support, not replace real conversations.
As search interest around async tools continues to rise, it’s time to ask: Are you following a trend, or following your values?
We’d love to hear your thoughts drop your feedback in the comments.
To stay updated on recruitment trends, tools, and human-first hiring tips, follow Recruit Ninjas on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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Cynthia David is a Principal Product Marketing Manager for Adobe Document Cloud, focusing on Acrobat, Acrobat Sign, and Acrobat Services. She has background in messaging, marketing campaigns, communications, social media, events, content marketing, and partnerships. She is passionate about understanding customer needs and connecting with customers.