As the world hurtles forward on the wings of technology, the fields of human resources and recruitment in business have not been left out. According to this human resource survey by Gartner, 86% of organizations incorporated virtual technology to interview candidates due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Therefore, in this post, I’ll discuss the following:
- What video interviews are
- The types of video interviews
- The importance of video interviews in the current business ecosystem
Here we go!
What are video interviews?
In simple words, a video interview is a virtual interview conducted using video interview software instead of in person or over the phone. So, instead of two people meeting up physically in a room, the interview is held online much like a simple video call.
There are 2 types of video interviews. They are:
1. Synchronous video interviews
Also referred to as two-way video interviews, live video interviews, or synchronous video interviews, these are regular interviews in real-time via a video feed. In this case, both the interviewer and the candidate log into the same video call and have the interview instantly.
2. Asynchronous video interviews
These are the direct opposite of two-way video interviews. They are referred to as pre-recorded video interviews or on-demand video interviews, and they involve the interviewer asking a series of questions. Each candidate, having the same time to respond, will proceed to record and submit their answers via the video interview platform.
The interviewer can then watch each of the candidates’ submissions in his spare time.
Granted, both types are beneficial in their own right. However, synchronous video interviews make for a natural experience as it seems like a conversation between two people getting to know each other.
On the flip side, asynchronous video interviews seem like a better bet to make a solid first impression. This is because the candidates can record and view their answers. If they are not satisfied, there is room for another shot before submission!
Having drawn these distinctions, it is appropriate to consider the importance of video interviews today.
The importance of video interviews in modern times
1. A streamlined hiring process
Tell me, as an employer, which would you prefer: sitting at your work desk and conducting multiple interviews within a short period of time via a video interviewing platform, or welcoming countless candidates to your office and conducting the interview while observing innumerable protocols?
It’s a no brainer that a video interview is a winning option.
Whenever the importance of video interviews is being considered, the fact that they smoothen and quicken the hiring process immediately comes to the fore.
Now, imagine a situation where in-person interviews are practically impossible or really risky, e.g as we have seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. Your best shot at keeping your hiring process going is video interview.
What’s more? Video interviews better engage candidates and give them the impression that they are being considered for the role. Additionally, they are cheaper because candidates can be hired quickly in case of immediate need.
2. A consistent interview process
The prior arrangement of questions and completion of the same interview by candidates ensures a consistent interview process. Everyone gets the same thinking and answer time.
This is essential as it ensures that relevant questions are duly attended to at all times. Also, the issues of forgetting to ask certain questions or questions being framed differently by varying interviewers do not arise since the interview process is standard.
Due to the consistency, the candidates are always evaluated adequately regardless of the interviewer’s experience competence.
3. Boost candidate experience
Did you know? A lot of people find interviews to be nerve-wracking.
Candidates can get jittery and even stutter uncontrollably when answering questions. If only there were a way for them to rehearse and review their answers so that they could submit the most impressive ones.
Video interviews to the rescue!
Another clear importance of video interviews, one-way video interviews particularly, is that they take the stress out of interviews and help with an objective assessment of candidates.
On another hand, video interviews help paint an impressive picture of your brand. Video interviews are a strong indicator of your concern for candidates. Also, elements of branding incorporated into such videos are a good way of creating a good impression.
And yes, candidates are increasingly mindful of brands that they work for. Go figure!
4. Eliminate geographical restrictions
Depending on the nature of your business, there could be a skill shortage and a limited local talent pool. Also, restricting yourself to local candidates won’t give your business enough wings to soar.
What gives?
Video interviews help you scale this hurdle as you can easily access and interview remote candidates globally without worrying about their time zones. Internet access is a prerequisite, though.
5. Increase the quality of hire
Another importance of video interviews is that they help with a more thorough evaluation of candidates.
Imagine hiring a candidate only to find out after the onboarding process that they are unsuitable. There are very few tragedies worse than that because getting rid of them after might be expensive in every sense. According to a study conducted by Harvard Business Review, bad hiring decisions are responsible for at least 80% of employee retention issues.
Video interviews help you identify possible red flags and deal breakers early on. Instead of picking candidates who only look good on paper to later find out that they do not live up to the billing, video interviews can help you make better judgments faster.
Also, you won’t spend your time entertaining low-value candidates. Once you find out that they are not what you need, you can easily skip to another candidate’s video. However, that is hardly possible in in-person interviews. Courtesy will compel you to endure the interview to the end no matter how torturous it might seem.
6. Align with the hiring team
Another importance of video interviews is that they provide the opportunity for the entire hiring team to sync with one another. Through the video interviewing platform, the one-way video interviews are accessible to the various members of the hiring team.
They make it possible for the brand’s recruiters and other team members to view the submitted videos, and deliberate among themselves before deciding on the fate of each candidate. Undoubtedly, this helps them make better-informed hiring decisions as they duly consider the thoughts of one another before hiring.
7. Reduce conscious and unconscious sentiments and prejudices
As humans, whether or not we are aware of it, the tiniest details have significant impressions on us. What that means is that we could be inclined to favor or be against a candidate during an interview due to a trivial factor, think the candidate’s perfume, accent, or step.
Quite frankly, a video interview does not entirely eliminate the possibility of bias in interviews. However, it reduces it significantly, and helps with objective assessment. It achieves this through:
- Pre-set introductions and questions that eliminate room for small talk – a powerful trigger of sentiments
- Multiple members of the hiring team going through the same videos makes it harder for the sentiments of a single person to affect the hiring process
8. Review and compare candidates’ answers
Another benefit of video interviews is that they avail the hiring team the opportunity to view the videos of the candidates over and over. This enables the assessment of how each candidate answered each question.
Such reviews and comparisons reveal the thought processes and strengths of each candidate. Also, other members of the hiring team can give their feedback. Thus, there will be a thorough assessment of the candidates’ answers.
In turn, this would help with improved hiring decisions.
Final Words
Having said that, there’s no denying the importance of video interviews in the contemporary world. It’s immaculate proof that videos are proving relevant not only in the world of marketing but in the recruitment sector.
Got any ideas on other benefits of video interviews? Do well to share in the comments.
