---
title: "Run a Live Code Pair Session with Video Interview"
canonical: "https://help.skillpanel.com/space/TSG/2894364702/Run%20a%20Live%20Code%20Pair%20Session%20with%20Video%20Interview"
format: markdown
---
Conduct real-time technical interviews inside SkillCheck. Code together, talk face-to-face, and observe the candidate’s live workspace.

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### When to Use This

- You want to see how a candidate thinks and codes under real conditions.
- You need to replicate an on-site technical interview remotely.
- You’re validating collaboration, debugging, or communication skills.
- You’re hiring for roles where coding speed and reasoning matter.

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### Prerequisites

- Recruiter or interviewer access to **SkillCheck**.
- A scheduled time with the candidate.
- Candidate invited to the same test session.
- Stable internet, camera, and microphone enabled.

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### Quick Start

1. Schedule a meeting with the candidate → confirm both can join at the same time.
2. Send the **test invite** just before the meeting.
3. Candidate opens the test as usual.
4. You open the candidate’s profile in SkillCheck → click **Join Test Session**.
5. Once inside the session, click the **Green Phone** icon to start the video call.
6. Allow browser access to your **camera** and **microphone** (the candidate must do the same).

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### Detailed Steps

#### 1. Start the Session

- Open the candidate’s profile and click **Join Test Session**.
- *Why this matters:* you and the candidate must enter the same session window for pairing and call features to activate.
- **Note:** Only one interviewer can join per session.

![Code_pair_with_video_interview_-_how_it_works_1.gif](media://32995549-8935-4261-85d5-ad96ff933b2f)

#### 2. Launch the Video Call

- Click the **Green Telephone Button** to start the live call.
- Both sides must grant permission for camera and mic use.
- You’ll see the candidate’s exam feed in real time.

#### 3. Use the Chatbox

- Click the **Chat Icon** on the right side of the call panel.
- Exchange quick notes, share snippets, or clarify tasks without interrupting the video flow.

![code_pair_1.gif](media://ea90c7fa-11e7-4bdb-a8d2-a9f2468ecd61)


#### 4. Share Your Screen

- Click the **Screen Share Icon** (leftmost in the call panel).
- Choose **Share Screen** and select which window or tab to show.
- Screen sharing works both ways: you and the candidate can demonstrate code or clarify context.

![code_pair_2.gif](media://3d20b196-a1c9-4c32-aadb-faf080a91508)

#### 5. Collaborate in the Editor

- For **Programming tasks:** click **Claim Editor** to take control of the coding window.
  - Only one person can edit at a time.
  - The candidate clicks **Claim Editor** again to regain control.
- For **SQL tasks:** the **Claim Editor** button is in the top-right corner of the Query Editor.
- *Why this matters:* this toggled editing lets you see how the candidate responds to direct feedback without overwriting each other’s work.

![code_pair_3.gif](media://1112e6e6-6452-4713-8afa-ee77d1171994)


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### Use the Product to Go Faster / Clearer

| Step | Feature | Benefit | Evidence |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Join Session | Live Co-Coding Environment | Observe real reasoning, not rehearsed answers | Same codebase, same time |
| Start Call | Integrated Video | Cuts tool-switching (no Zoom/IDE juggling) | Built into assessment window |
| Claim Editor | Controlled Collaboration | Avoids code conflicts; preserves candidate ownership | Only one editor active at a time |
| Screen Share | Two-Way Demonstration | Lets interviewer walk through frameworks or logic | Browser-based, no installs |

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### Examples

**Example 1:**  
You invite a backend engineer to a Python task. During the session, you both code in the same editor while discussing architecture tradeoffs → you see how they debug live.

**Example 2:**  
A candidate struggles with SQL syntax. You claim the editor, show a working join, then hand control back → they adapt the query correctly under guidance.

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### FAQ

**Q:** Can more than one interviewer join the session?  
**A:** No. Only one user and one candidate per session.

**Q:** Do I need to install any plugins?  
**A:** No. Everything runs in the browser.

**Q:** What if the call doesn’t start?  
**A:** Check your browser’s camera and microphone permissions.

**Q:** Can I record the session?  
**A:** Recording isn’t available yet. Use notes or screen recording tools if policy allows.

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### Pitfalls & Tradeoffs

- Don’t invite multiple team members — only one interviewer is supported.
- If the candidate opens the test early, pairing won’t sync; start together.
- Network lag can cause temporary editor lock — wait a few seconds before reclaiming control.