Candidate cannot start the interview
Common reasons a candidate gets stuck on the pre-flight or sees "Invalid Link" — and how to fix each.
Key takeaways
- "Invalid Link" usually means: link already used, link expired, or link revoked.
- Pre-flight stuck on browser/screen-share/mic: the candidate has the wrong setup. Point them at the candidate-side troubleshooting articles.
- If they cannot even reach the pre-flight, the invitation may have expired or the candidate is on an unsupported device.
- From your end: revoke + re-issue the invitation. From their end: switch to a supported browser/desktop.
Before you start
A candidate emails you saying "the link doesn't work" or "I can't start the interview." This article covers the diagnosis.
Symptom 1 — "Invalid Link"
Three causes:
- Already used. Each link is single-use. If they accidentally closed the tab mid-pre-flight, the link does not work again.
- Expired. Default 7 days from issue. Check the invitation expiry in the candidate's interview history.
- Revoked. You or a teammate clicked Revoke on the invitation.
Fix: send a fresh invitation. The new link is valid for the configured window from the moment you send it.
Symptom 2 — Stuck on browser check
Candidate is on Safari or Firefox. Point them at Fix: browser blocked or unsupported.
Symptom 3 — Stuck on screen-share
Candidate is on macOS and Chrome doesn't have screen-recording permission. Point them at Why we ask you to share your full screen and System requirements.
Symptom 4 — "Unsupported browser environment"
Candidate is on a corporate browser-isolation tool. Point them at Fix: corporate proxy / browser isolation.
Symptom 5 — Pre-flight loads but stuck on mic check
The candidate accidentally blocked microphone access, or Chrome has the wrong input device selected. Point them at Microphone access.
TIP
If the candidate is non-technical, the most effective help is often a 30-second phone call or screen-share. The candidate-side articles are written for self-service, but you can also walk through them together over a call.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the link show as Invalid?
Three possibilities: (1) the candidate already used it — interview links are single-use, (2) it expired — default window is 7 days, (3) you or a teammate revoked it.
Can I extend the expiry without re-issuing?
Not in-place. Revoke the old invite and issue a new one — the new link gets a fresh expiry window.