Regardless of whether Coronavirus plays a part or not, Video
Interviews are becoming increasingly popular among companies and their hiring
processes. In response to recent events with COVID-19, many large companies and
organizations have shifted their employees to operate from home. Thankfully, with
the rapid advancement of technology, we can work from home, just as we can in
the office. In terms of recruitment and hiring, it is easy to assume that this
pandemic will slow down hiring processes, or even freeze hiring for some
companies and industries. However, recruiters and hiring managers are utilizing
every piece of technology at their fingertips to continue “business as usual.”
In fact, this epidemic may have made hiring a more straightforward process for recruiters and hiring managers. Virtual interviewing can be used at various levels of screening to make the candidate selection and recruitment process more cost-effective in terms of time, monetary expenses, and other reasons.
Below are multiple reasons that hiring managers have implemented video interviews into their recruiting and hiring strategies:
1. Time-Cost Efficient: Video interviews allow candidates the opportunity to interview from their home, local library, etc., effectively, decreasing the time it would take to have to travel to another city or state for an interview. This also reduces the cost immensely, as companies don’t have to pay for the candidates’ transportation, lodging, and meals. Video interviews allow for convenience among all parties involved.
2. Removing Fiscal or Locational Bias: Due to the effects of Coronavirus, and companies implementing travel bans, hiring authorities have become more available, as they are not traveling or in meetings all day. Video interviewing also opens a large window of possibilities for recruiters by offering access to the best talent, regardless of geographies, or the inability to fly-in a possible applicant.
3. Ease And Comfort During The Interview: Candidates might even feel more comfortable in their own homes while in an interview, giving the interviewer the chance to really get to know the candidate. Further, the newer generations entering the workforce grew up in the “digital age”, and frankly, are used to being on the camera.
4. Hiring Managers Have More Time To Evaluate Interviews: Audio-visual recordings can be stored in a database to access at any time. Before, interviewers had only one chance to evaluate the candidate in the face to face interview. Now, interviewers can go back and review the interviews from candidates and determine which candidate is best for the job and company.
5. Refining
The Interview Process: Artificial Intelligence has improved these tactics by
incorporating ways to use these skills and behavioral assessments during video
interviews by using facial recognition software that detects certain facial
expressions and reactions to questions throughout the video. This strategy
allows the recruiter to remove the need to go through each initial interview in
person and zero in on the most fitting candidates before moving onto face-to-face
meetings.
Two common types of video interviews:
1. A pre-recorded session, which the candidate submits to the recruiter: In a pre-recorded video interview, the questions are pre-set, and the interviewer will review the answers at another time. Some questions will require typed answers, and some will require a video. The video responses are usually immediate and timed, some allowing up to 2-3 chances to record your answer. This may feel a bit unnatural, so try to imagine that you are in a live interview.
2. A
two-way dialogue that’s live and actioned via webcam: Avoid
the instinct to look directly at the interviewer on the screen, and try to look
into the webcam. When you do this, your eyes align with the interviewer’s eyes
on the other end. When you’re just listening, you can look back at the
interviewer on the screen.
Tips for video interviewing
1. Find a quiet, private, well-lit place, free from possible interruptions or distractions- avoid coffee shops and other communal spaces
2. Ensure your internet connection is stable
3. Check that your computer’s audio is working
4. Test your computer’s webcam
5. If you’re using a Skype or Google account for a live video interview, make sure your username is professional and appropriate.
6. Close any unnecessary web browser tabs and applications
7. Dress professionally and avoid bright colors
8. Have a pen, notepad, and copy of your resume on your desk
9. When listening, nod and smile to show you are engaged; sit up straight with good posture, and use hand gestures when appropriate
10. Place
your phone on silent mode
Sources:
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/video-interview-guide