If you recruit for a living, you know that generic video interviews are a fast track to bored candidates and wasted time. But most tools make it tough to stand out or adapt—unless you know your way around customizing templates. This guide is for recruiters who want to get more out of Odro—without turning into a full-time IT admin.
Below, you’ll find a practical breakdown of how to actually customize video interview templates in Odro, what works, what doesn’t, and where you can skip the bells and whistles. No fluff, just the steps and tips you need.
Why bother customizing video interview templates?
Let’s get real: default templates are designed to be as bland as possible so they “fit everyone.” That’s code for “they fit no one perfectly.” Customizing your templates in Odro means:
- Candidates get a smoother, less confusing experience.
- You can actually showcase your client’s brand (or your own).
- You weed out unqualified applicants before you waste half a day scheduling calls.
- You can collect the info that matters, not just what the software designer thought you wanted.
But don’t expect magic. Customizing templates won’t fix a broken process or make bad questions good. What it can do is save you time and help you look more professional.
Step 1: Get to know Odro’s template system
Before you start clicking around, it’s worth understanding what Odro actually lets you change—and where you’ll hit a wall.
What you can customize: - The intro message / video candidates see - The set of questions (text or video prompts) - Time limits and answer formats (video, audio, text) - Branding (logos, color schemes, sometimes background images) - Instructions and guidance text
What you can’t do: - Change the basic flow (Odro’s structure is pretty locked down) - Add complex branching logic (it’s not a survey tool) - Integrate with every ATS out there (integration is decent, but not magical)
Pro tip: Spend 10 minutes poking around the “Templates” or “Interview Builder” section before you start. You’ll save yourself a lot of back-and-forth later.
Step 2: Map out what you actually need
Before you start building, pull back and ask: What’s the point of this interview template?
- Is it for initial screening, or a deeper technical round?
- Does every role need the same questions?
- Do your clients expect to see their brand front and center?
Don’t skip this. The biggest mistake is copying old templates without thinking. Start simple—list out: - Which roles need their own template? - What info do you need to collect (vs. nice-to-have)? - Are there questions candidates always trip on or ignore?
Jot this down in a doc—even just bullet points. You’ll move faster when you get into Odro.
Step 3: Build or edit your template in Odro
Once you know what you want, it’s time to get your hands dirty.
- Log in and find the templates section
- Usually under “Interview Templates” or “Video Interviews.”
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Pick “Create new template” or select an old one to edit.
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Set up the intro
- Write a short, friendly welcome message. Don’t use the default (“Welcome to your interview!”). Candidates are more likely to engage with a personal touch.
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If allowed, record or upload a quick video intro. Seeing a real recruiter (you or the hiring manager) puts people at ease.
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Add and arrange your questions
- Start with 3-6 questions. Any more, and you’ll lose people.
- Mix up the formats: video responses for soft skills, text for specifics, multiple choice for basics.
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Set clear time limits—too much time makes answers drag; too little, and candidates panic.
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Brand it
- Upload a logo (yours or the client’s).
- Choose a color scheme. Don’t go wild—keep it readable.
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If Odro allows, tweak the background or button styles. Otherwise, don’t sweat it.
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Fine-tune the candidate instructions
- Spell out what’s expected (“You’ll record three short video answers, no retakes after submission”).
- Add tips for a good recording (quiet room, test your mic, etc.).
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Keep it simple. Candidates ignore giant walls of text.
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Preview and test
- Send the template to yourself or a colleague.
- Try it on desktop and mobile (Odro is generally mobile-friendly, but double-check).
- Make sure the flow is smooth and nothing is broken or confusing.
Step 4: Roll it out (and keep it updated)
Once you’re happy, start using the template for real candidates.
But don’t set it and forget it. Every couple of months: - Review completion rates—are people dropping out halfway? - Are your clients happy with the responses? - Any feedback from candidates? (They’ll usually tell you if something’s broken or unclear.)
If you start seeing weird patterns—tons of skipped questions, long rambling answers, or candidates looking totally lost—tweak the template. The best setups are the ones you adjust over time, not the ones you copy forever.
What actually works (and what doesn’t)
After working with Odro and other video interview platforms, here’s what tends to work well:
- Short, clear templates: Candidates hate long, repetitive interviews. So do hiring managers.
- Personalized intros: A 20-second video from you or the client is worth more than fancy graphics.
- Mixing question formats: Not every answer needs to be a video. Sometimes a quick text response is better.
- Clear instructions: If you’re vague, expect bad answers.
- Consistent branding: Helps your agency or client look more professional—even if the rest of the experience is basic.
What doesn’t work: - Overloading with too many questions—people just drop off. - Trying to use Odro like a full survey or assessment tool. It’s not built for that. - Ignoring feedback—if candidates complain, something needs changing. - Spending hours tweaking colors or fonts. It’s not what gets results.
What to ignore (seriously)
A few things that sound nice in theory, but won’t move the needle for most recruiters:
- “Candidate experience” features you don’t need: If you’re recruiting for warehouse staff, you don’t need a fully branded video sequence.
- Complex scoring systems: Focus on the basics—the right questions, clear answers—not on building a scoring matrix no one will use.
- Overly slick intro videos: Keep it simple. You’re not making a Super Bowl ad.
Quick troubleshooting
If you run into problems:
- Candidates can’t access the interview: Check the invite link and browser compatibility. Odro works best in Chrome or Safari.
- Videos won’t upload: Usually a firewall or slow connection. Ask candidates to try another network.
- Template changes not saving: Refresh, or check your permissions—some features are admin-only.
- ATS integration headaches: Sometimes the sync lags or breaks. Download responses manually if you’re in a pinch.
Odro’s support is fairly responsive for technical issues, but don’t expect them to walk you through template strategy.
Keep it simple, review, and improve
Customizing video interview templates in Odro isn’t rocket science—but it does take a bit of thought up front. Don’t over-complicate things. Start with the basics, make it clear for candidates, and check in every now and then to see if it’s still working.
The best recruiters keep their process simple and tweak as they go. You’ll save time, help your clients, and (maybe) make your candidates a little less nervous about video interviews.