When scheduling or hosting a live interview in interviewstream, you may encounter three different types of interview links. Each link type is designed for a specific role in the interview process and provides a tailored experience based on the user’s needs.
This article explains the differences so you can ensure the right participants have the right level of access.
Overview of Link Types
interviewstream provides three types of live interview links:
- External Links (Candidate Access)
- Internal Participant Links (Hiring Team Access)
- Observer Links (Hidden Internal Access)
Each link type controls what users can see and do during a live interview.
External Links (Candidate Access)
Best for: Candidates or external participants
External links are designed to provide candidates with a simple, focused interview experience.
What users can do:
- Join the live interview
- Use camera and microphone
- Participate in chat
- Upload documents (if enabled)
- Share screen (if enabled)
Limitations:
- Cannot see interviewer notes
- No access to ratings or evaluation features
- Cannot invite additional participants
Summary:
External links keep the experience streamlined and distraction-free for candidates while still supporting essential interview functionality.
Internal Participant Links (Hiring Team Access)
Best for: Recruiters, hiring managers, and interview panelists
Internal participant links provide full access to interview tools and collaboration features for your hiring team.
What users can do:
- All features available in External Links
- Invite additional participants during the interview
- Access preloaded interview questions
- Submit ratings and evaluations
- Collaborate with other internal team members
- Upload documents (if enabled)
- Share screen (if enabled)
Summary:
This is the most feature-rich link type, designed to support structured interviews, team collaboration, and consistent candidate evaluation.
Observer Links (Hidden Internal Access)
Best for: Silent reviewers, trainees, or stakeholders who need visibility without participation
Observer links allow internal users to join interviews without being visible to candidates or other participants.
What users can do:
- View the live interview without being seen
- Access preloaded questions and ratings
- Evaluate candidates in real time
Limitations:
- Cannot invite additional participants
Important:
Observers remain hidden during the interview, making this ideal for training, compliance reviews, or stakeholder observation.
Summary:
Observer links provide full evaluation capabilities while maintaining an invisible presence in the interview.
Choosing the Right Link Type
| Use Case | Recommended Link Type |
| Candidate interview access | External Link |
| Active interviewer or recruiter | Internal Participant Link |
| Silent reviewer or stakeholder | Observer Link |
Best Practices
- Always send External Links to candidates to ensure a clean and secure experience
- Use Internal Participant Links for your hiring team to enable collaboration and structured interviews
- Leverage Observer Links for training or oversight without impacting the candidate experience
If you’re unsure which link to use, consider what level of interaction and visibility the participant needs during the interview.