A QUICK OVERVIEW OF VIDEO INTERVIEWING

Are you looking for a video interviewing tool to use during social distancing?

Some companies are thriving during the pandemic, continuing to employ people in massive numbers. Is your organization one of the essential industries that haven’t stopped hiring due to the COVID-19 pandemic? Do you need to find a way to screen candidates from a safe distance?

Recruiters and hiring managers are looking for an alternative to traditional face-to-face interviews. Video interviewing allows for safe social distancing while giving you the ability to screen candidates with live interactions. Of course, you can conduct screenings and interviews by phone, but nothing compares to face-to-face contact.

Pandemic aside, video interviewing as a recruitment tool has become more popular over the last few years for various reasons. Human Resource departments are looking for innovative ways to modernize their hiring processes, cut down on in-person interviews, and improve the candidate experience. Video interviews are perfect for organizations with high-volume hiring as they can be used to screen a larger number of candidates in a shorter amount of time. You will find that digital interviews are an easy, efficient, and flexible way to improve your hiring processes and make your company more attractive to candidates. And, because COVID-19 social distancing practically requires remote interviewing, the popularity of these tools has risen exponentially this year. It is looking more and more like video interviewing is here to stay.

What you need to know about video interviewing.

There are two main types of video interviews. One-way and Live. Most organizations will use both models, and your ATS or video interview provider should offer both.

One-Way Video Interviewing 

One-way video interviewing, also called asynchronous video interviewing or video pitch, is a simple and convenient tool to screen your applicants further. This interview process allows candidates to answer a pre-defined set of questions via a recorded interview. There is no need for you to be there. Once you have a qualified candidate, you email them a link to a video portal, and they do the rest.

One-way video interviewing allows your organization to ask all candidates the same set of pre-determined questions. Companies can ensure a standardized interviewing process across all their locations and managers. This model creates a hiring process that is consistent, fair, and more objective. Candidates can self-schedule their video interviews to record their responses when it is convenient for them. There is no more back and forth to schedule interviews. You will receive a notification once their video is ready for viewing. Then you can review the pre-recorded videos on your own time, wherever you are.

One-way interviews allow the screening of large pools of applicants quickly, reducing time to hire. Now you can screen ten candidates in the time it takes to complete one phone screening. With video interviewing, you can dramatically reduce the number of no shows, and virtually end the ghosting behaviors that have become so prevalent in the last few years. Think of all the time you’ll get back on your calendar.

Live Video Interviewing

Live video interviewing, also referred to as synchronous or remote interviewing, is used after the initial selection process has narrowed the field of candidates. Although live videos require participation from both the hiring manager and the candidate, they are convenient for both parties. Video interviews are easier to schedule and reschedule than in-person interviews. They don’t require travel and allow candidates to interview from the comfort of their own homes.

Live video interviewing is a fantastic way to get to know your candidates better because you can have a real-time face-to-face interactions. And you can customize interview questions to the unique personalities and backgrounds of each candidate. Much like in-person interviewing, live videos allow normal conversational flow and let you view facial expressions and body language.

Once you have viewed pre-recorded interviews and conducted live interviews, you will have a more manageable number of candidates. Now you can schedule in-person interviews if necessary, to help you make a final decision.

A final word

Videos are a safe, convenient, and modern way to interview and connect with your candidates. They make it easier to find the best employees as quickly as possible without compromising the safety of your hiring team or your candidates. Remote interviews improve your candidate experience while saving time and money. In the time of COVID-19, they are a necessity. Learn more about preparing for a video interview at these links: Video Interviewing Tips for Hiring Managers or Six Video Interviewing Tips for Candidates.