Video job interviews- tips and tools for employers

With the current health and economic situation, organisations who are actively recruiting need to find new solutions to the traditional face-to-face interview and move towards a ‘new normal’ of using video conferencing tools to conduct job interviews. We’ve summarised how to prepare and conduct virtual job interviews, evaluated their effectiveness over telephone interviews and listed what interview tools are currently out there. 

How do I conduct a video interview?

As an employer, communicate in the invitation to the interviewee how much time you have available for the interview. With a clear time-frame and defined interview objectives, you can make every interview a positive experience for applicants.

You know that qualified and motivated employees are the decisive factor to long-term success. Therefore, as an interviewer, take sufficient time to study the applicants' documents in advance and not during the interview. If you do the latter, your interviewee may register this visually and assess it as a lack of appreciation.  

Be prepared to answer questions about the current climate, this may be a key question asked by interviewees to ascertain the robustness of your situation and avoid uncertainty. Make sure to consult with the key decision makers in your business or communications teams as to what the correct response should be before making promises.

Make sure to confirm the post interview process after the interview is finished, so the applicant isn’t left wondering what’s next. Where possible share interview notes with unsuccessful applicants so they know where they need to improve on for next time.

Why are video interviews more effective than telephone interviews?

Many employers are experienced in using video conferencing platforms, especially when recruiting people who live abroad or will be working in remote roles. Others may rely on telephone interviews when face-to-face meetings aren’t possible.  Video interviews, however, have some clear advantages over the more traditional method, including:

1- You can gather more information

By seeing facial expressions, hand gestures and other visual expressions, you can make a more well-rounded assessment of whether the applicant would be a good match for the role, team and company in the future.  

For applicants, a video interview means they can use the same visual cues to gain a better impression of the company, role and/or supervisor. At the same time, this visual information leads to greater engagement from the applicant compared to a telephone interview. 

2- Time and cost savings

Time is extremely limited, not only for busy decision makers in a company, but also for highly qualified applicants. These applicants may not be very flexible in terms of time, as they’re usually heavily involved in their area of expertise and have a wealth of experience behind them, so know they will be in demand. Thanks to the use of video tools, interviews can be accelerated. When targeting highly skilled individuals this can be a major advantage, as the whole process is more flexible, streamlined and quicker, which may be the differentiating factor between you and a competitor.

In addition, travel and accommodation costs can be saved by using such tools. 

3- Improved perception as an employer

Advances in technology means that reliable video conferencing has become accessible, affordable and easily serves the modern workplace. Many people regularly use FaceTime, WhatsApp video and Skype in their personal lives to stay in contact with family and friends. Now is a good time to embrace video conferencing in the workplace as this can increase your attractiveness as an employer. 

What tools are out there?

Below you’ll find some of the most popular video conferencing tools that you can use in your workplace or home working set up:

• Microsoft teams - Only suitable for a Microsoft environment but will link in with Office 365
• Blue Jeans - Has a 30-day free trial, then two pricing tiers
• GoToMeeting - One of the few that are mobile friendly and has three pricing plans
• Google Hangouts – There’s an advanced version of Google Hangouts Meet but it’s a paid service
• Cisco WebEx - Premium video conferencing features without the price tag. The free package includes 1GB of cloud storage, unlimited meetings of unlimited length and the ability to make MP4 recordings of them
• FaceTime - Limited to Apple devices
• Skype for Business - Microsoft's video conferencing app has a generous free tier
• WhatsApp - An instant messaging platform with the ability to video call
• Uberconference - Works for 10 people or less, 45 minute limit on each meeting which may be an issue for interviews

Introducing video job interviews is a great way to navigate the current climate and maintain a level of normality in your day to day work. We’re here to support our customers and candidates at this time, so if you’d like some more tips from consultants within your industry then please get in touch.