Video Interviewing – Effective Use of Video Interviews in the Hiring Process

The coronavirus pandemic has significantly pushed the global workforce into using new technologies; employers are now hiring candidates remotely, sourcing through social media channels, and conducting video-based interviews has significantly surged. This sudden surge happened due to the social distancing policies. According to a Gartner survey, in October 2020, 89% of organizations reported using video interviews for recruitment purposes.

The popularity of video interviews today makes it very important for recruiters to be aware of the benefits, and best practices specific to remote hiring practices. To make the most of video interviews and understand how a video interview should be conducted, read through the steps for a successful video interview.

Understanding the challenges of video interviews

Several challenges can arise when conducting video interviews. One common challenge is technical difficulties, such as poor internet connection or audio/visual issues with the video conferencing software. There could be technical limitations for candidates or for interviewers, especially when remote working has become a new norm. These issues can disrupt the flow of the interview and make it difficult for the interviewer and candidate to communicate effectively.

Hiring teams need to involve technical teams early on in the hiring process to ensure that there are alternate plans in place to handle different situations. This includes testing the technology beforehand, providing clear instructions to the candidate, and actively trying to reduce bias by focusing on the candidate’s skills and qualifications rather than any superficial characteristics.

Another challenge is the potential for bias, as the interviewer is not able to see the candidate in person and may be influenced by superficial characteristics. This is why it is important for hiring teams to undergo special training to identify and tackle unconscious bias in remote settings. 

Benefits of Video Interviewing

For the employer, video interviewing can save time and resources by allowing them to screen and interview candidates remotely. This can be especially helpful for companies that have multiple locations or for those that are looking to fill positions in different time zones. Video interviews also allow the employer to review and compare responses from multiple candidates more easily, as they can be recorded and shared with other members of the hiring team.

For the candidate, video interviewing can be more convenient and less stressful than traveling for an in-person interview. It also allows the candidate to participate in the interview from the comfort of their own home or a location of their choice. In addition, video interviews can help level the playing field for candidates who may not have the means or ability to travel for an in-person interview.

Asynchronous Video Interview

An asynchronous video interview is a type of video interview in which the interviewee records their responses to pre-determined questions at their own pace, rather than participating in a live video call with the interviewer. The interviewer can then watch the recorded responses at a later time.

Some advantages of asynchronous video interviews include-

• Improved flexibility: Asynchronous video interviews allow the interviewee to record their responses at a time that is suitable for them, rather than having to schedule a specific time for the live video call.
• Reduced pressure: Asynchronous video interviews can be less intimidating for the interviewee, as they can take their time to think about and record their responses, rather than feeling pressure to respond quickly in a live video call.
• Improved accuracy: Asynchronous video interviews can allow the interviewee to review and re-record their responses if necessary, which can help to improve the accuracy and quality of their responses.

However, asynchronous video interviews can also have some limitations. For example, they may not provide the opportunity for the interviewer to ask follow-up questions or engage in real-time conversation with the interviewee. Additionally, they may not be as effective at assessing certain skills, such as communication and problem-solving abilities, that are better evaluated in a live video call.

When to Conduct a Video Interview

Before knowing how to conduct a video interview, hiring teams need to be clear about common situations when a video interview can be conducted. They could be interviewing candidates from a different location, the candidate might not be able to travel for an in-person interview due to health or personal reasons, when the hiring process needs to be expedited and an in-person interview is not feasible, when the company is seeking to fill a position remotely and all communication will be conducted virtually, etc. 

Video interviews can be an efficient way to connect with candidates when the hiring process is time-sensitive. It can be more flexible than in-person interviews and can be scheduled at a time that is convenient for both parties.

How to Conduct a Video Interview

Now that we have highlighted the challenges and advantages of virtual interviewing, let’s look at the steps to conduct video interviews in real-time using the below methods.

• Set up the technology: Be sure that you have a stable internet connection. Also, test your video conferencing software and audio settings in advance.
• Prepare your questions: Identify the critical skills and experiences that you want to assess during the interview and create a list of relevant questions.
• Schedule the interview: Coordinate with the candidate to schedule a time and platform for the video interview that is convenient for both parties. In case, If the candidate cannot join due to unavoidable circumstances then allow them to reschedule the interview.
• Conduct the interview: Begin the virtual call at the scheduled time and introduce yourself to the candidate. Then, follow your organized list of questions and listen attentively to the candidate’s responses. Be sure to offer the candidate plenty of time to respond to the individual questions and ask follow-up questions if required.
• Close the interview: After answering their questions, thank the applicant and inform them about the following steps in the selection process.

It’s also important to create a professional and welcoming atmosphere during the video interview. This can involve setting up a clean and organized workspace, dressing appropriately, and maintaining good eye contact and body language.

Dos and Don’ts of Video Interviews

Virtual interviews allow candidates to demonstrate their skills and abilities more interactively and dynamically, which can be more effective than simply relying on a traditional resume but, there are a few do’s and don’ts of video interviews to be mindful of to successfully conduct the virtual interviews and hire the right person for the job. 

DOs:

• Practice active listening and show genuine interest in the candidate’s responses.
• Use the video conferencing software’s features, such as screen sharing and whiteboarding, to engage the candidate and assess their skills.
• Give the candidate clear instructions on how to access the video conferencing software and join the call.
• Provide the candidate with any necessary materials or information in advance
• Let the candidate know what to expect during the interview, including the length of the interview and the number of interviewers.

DON’Ts:

• Don’t forget to confirm the date, time, and details of the video interview with the candidate.
• Don’t neglect to inform the candidate of any technical requirements or instructions they need to follow to participate in the interview.
• Don’t disregard any concerns or technical difficulties the candidate may have.
• Don’t forget to provide the candidate with feedback after the interview, whether it be positive or constructive.
• Don’t neglect to follow up with the candidate promptly after the interview.

Video interviews can be very effective and convenient in the hiring process when employed appropriately. By allowing for greater flexibility as well as improving the candidate experience, video interviews can help organizations to hire the best talent for their teams. However, it’s important to remember that video interviews should be used in conjunction with other assessment methods and should be tailored to the specific requirements and culture of the organization.

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