New video interviewing software finds better candidates faster

Candidate interviewing techniques have certainly come a long way. And the evolutionary development of video interviewing is an exciting demonstration of exactly this. Now with so many benefits for both the candidate and the recruiting company, will this practise become a widespread norm?

Traditionally video interviewing has been conducted live via platforms such as Skype. These were subject to drop outs, fuzzy connections and poor sound quality. Now, it seems, video interviewing software has finally caught up with the vision. For the candidate, a standard web browser and webcam is all that is needed, while employers require the reviewing platform. This may be taken as an individual module or integrated with existing applicant tracking systems.

So how does it work? Simple really. The recruiter standardises a series of questions tailored to the position on offer and uploads these for the candidate to respond to. Automated and identical the technology aids in removing discrimination, speaking equally to all candidates’ personalities and abilities. The candidate tunes in at a time convenient to them and records their responses to these questions. Much like a live interview a candidate views each question in the moment, thus responds in real time. The hiring manager can watch the recorded interview at a time suitable to them, from any location, and record their comments against each candidate. If your recruitment team is dispersed this function is especially advantageous in accelerating the interviewing process. Furthermore, a smart selection of questions and criteria for evaluating these responses, particularly for a large pool of candidates, can result in a more streamlined examination of candidates and showcase the top contenders.

This style of video interviewing additionally eliminates the hassle of scheduling interviews, freeing up valuable time for both the candidate and the HR team. It also allows every candidate an interview, whether they are located within the same postcode or on the other side of the world. While the talent pool is therefore widened, in-person interviews are still reserved for the top candidates. With traditional hiring methods proving costly and inefficient, methods for improvement are eagerly sought. So don’t dismiss the unchartered, it will pay to evaluate the true value of this newer video technology to your hiring process. The technology offers further advantages too; an automated scheduling system and automated reference checking software. Yet while technology has come of age, it should only be viewed as a facilitator. You cannot beat the personal, interactive interview.

With the job market continuing to grow and competition for positions intensifying, the video interview is an ideal tool for streamlining the early stages of interviewing. And as you are able see and hear a candidate you have a greater sense of their engagement with the role and the company. Significantly more so than a resume or phone interview allows. Be aware of your data streaming capabilities though, this could affect the success of your ability to assess large numbers of applicants across multiple positions simultaneously.

Reimaging the hiring process allows a fairer recruitment system where candidates can be hired from anywhere in the world, with minimal bias. Fitting around the professional and personal commitments and pressures of both the candidate and the recruiter, interviews are recorded and analysed in a comfortable and casual environment without distraction. As candidates and interviewers do not need to be in the same room at the same time, recruitment costs are reduced and processes hastened. So with benefits far outweighing the negatives, why would you not investigate an opportunity to save time, money and resources and deliver results that profit the team and the company short and long term?

A few statistics for you to consider…

  • Using video interviewing, companies are 2.7 times more likely to reduce their cost per hire
  • The average time to hire using video interviewing is 9 days, versus 45 day for traditional interviewing methods
  • Average cost per hire with video interviewing ranges from $1500 to $5000
  • Recruiters can view ten interviews in the time it takes to undertake one phone screen, resulting in 4.5 hours of time savings

(Multiple sources from reputable websites and studies.)

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SJ Personnel offer recruitment and HR services to businesses and candidates throughout Geelong, Surf Coast, The Bellarine and western Victoria region

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