Video interviews are sort of a happy medium between an interview in person and one over the phone looking at the detailed information on paper. When recruiters review resumes, they can get a pretty good feel for what the person is all about, but nothing like getting a face to face interaction first hand.
The technology is available to set up this type of interview quickly. If your firm needs to meet someone from out of state, no need to fly them in just yet, start by setting up a video interview and go from there. Worth noting is, video interviews have been proven to reduce recruitment costs as much as 50%. The savings can be large and can certainly be spent elsewhere. By using this innovative option to interview, you can be more selective and only interview face to face the most suited candidates.
Many pros about video interviewing
Convenience: Of course this says it all. You can perform video interview, anywhere, any time of the day. Think about the endless possibilities: interviewing someone outside of the regular business hours because of their current schedule or a different time zone where they are located.
Objectivity: You can concentrate strictly on the conversation, because you don’t have to judge some other non-verbal aspects, such as handshakes, position sitting down or legs crossed.
Brainstorming: Video interviews can be recorded and reviewed by other members of the hiring panel. Only one person needs to monopolize their time conducting the interview per say, while many other individuals can review and comment on the interview and potential candidate.
A few cons about video interviewing
Lack of spontaneity: the process usually requires for the interviewee to be able to read the questions to be asked ahead. This worries certain recruiters and hiring managers have are that the candidate could very well write down a script and lack of originality and spontaneity during the actual interview. It’ then up to the person reviewing the video to look for body language signs determining how the candidate handles each question.
Incomplete: Phone interviews and face to face interviews offer very unique advantages video interviews do not. It is interesting and useful to be able to observe a candidate live, in a preselected setting. Also, if you are looking to hire a receptionist, interpreter or a staff member for another position that requires them to be communicating mainly over the phone, a phone interview could be the best option to choose.
The ultimate hiring decision should not entirely be based off a video interview, but keep this idea on your list; it could be a very useful one shortly. As mentioned before, this is another tool to add to your variety of options and each position to fill, work environment, might require a different type of interview.
David Klein is a leading Executive IT Recruiter & Headhunter with over 15 years industry experience. As Manager of Recruitment Strategy for KDS Staffing, Inc., he has achieved industry-leading success. David has successfully led, trained and introduced many in the art of Executive Recruitment and Headhunting. If you or your organization would like to discuss hiring needs, contact David at 646-650-2833 or david@kdsstaffing.com.
