Traditional vs Virtual Interviews
Posted on
Virtual interviewing is not a new form of interviewing. In fact, virtual interviewing (pre-recorded one-way video and audio interviewing) has been growing in popularity way before the pandemic – especially in volume hiring across multiple industries. During the pandemic, video platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams quickly rose to popularity with employers conducting initial stage interviews virtually much more frequently.
Virtual interviewing connects employers with job applicants regardless of their geographic location. Indeed’s Hiring Trends Report reveals that 82% of employers are now using video interviews. The same report says that 93% of them will continue to use them in the future. In this blog, we will differentiate between virtual interviewing and traditional interviewing.
Traditional Interviews: Why They Fall Short
Relying on the old traditional methods of interviewing may not be the best choice for recruiters today. Companies are adopting more accurate ways to discover top talent as technology advances. Let’s understand why conventional approaches may fail in this digital era:
Limited Candidate Reach
Conventional interviews, whether conducted over the phone or in person, limit candidate reach by favoring candidates who can meet on-site for interviews. This approach results in missing out on some highly qualified individuals located far away.
Time-consuming Scheduling
Scheduling interviews can be a lengthy process as it involves multiple communications in order to find mutually suitable meeting times.
Inefficient Initial Selection
Traditional interviewing for initial screening is time-consuming for both interviewers and candidates. On the other hand, modern approaches like one-way video interviews can be a better option for assessing applicants.
Interviewee Anxiety
During in-person interviews, some candidates might get nervous or anxious. It can also lead to a negative impact on their performance and hinder a fair judgment of their true potential.
Difficulty in Recording and Reviewing
Telephonic interviews may not allow interviewers to record candidates’ responses and review them later for evaluation. It is feasible in remote video interviews, enabling better hiring decisions.
Limited Time for Thinking
A candidate can get restricted by time in a real-time interview. It may also create some level of pressure in their mind to provide prompt responses, leading to inappropriate responses.
Bias
Unconscious biases such as race, gender, and age prejudices may influence an interviewer’s judgment. It can lead to unfair assessments that reduce diversity within candidate pools.
Traditional job interviews don’t always give the full picture of whether someone will be successful in a job or not. To find the right person who fits both the job and the company, companies must try new ways of evaluating candidates that let them be their authentic selves. This is where virtual interviewing, especially video interviews come into the picture.
Going Digital with Virtual Interviewing
Virtual interviews are a way of conducting interviews remotely without needing the candidates to come in person. Instead, recruiters utilize video recruiting software to connect with potential candidates. It enables them to efficiently assess a candidate’s skills and qualifications for the position.
This approach provides flexibility to both, candidates and talent acquisition specialists:
- Job seekers do not have to constantly travel from one company’s location to another. They are independent to speak with more employers regarding vacancies.
- Recruiters can seamlessly conduct multiple interviews, and evaluate more applicants. It leads to a more streamlined and quick process with reduced downtime between candidates.
Advantages of Video interviews
Reach Out to Remote Talent
According to Global Workplace Analytics, an average of $11,000 per year can be saved by a typical U.S. employer through half-time telecommuting. This data highlights the importance of giving remote/hybrid work options to employees. One-way video interviewing removes geographical barriers and organizations do not have to depend on local talent anymore. It widens the talent pool, enabling companies to get the best person for the job role, regardless of their location. One-way interviews can solve any issue related to time-zone differences as it enables interviewers and candidates to speak to each other without even joining the meeting together. This helps hiring managers review the recordings later at their convenience to assess applicants.
Enhances Candidate Assessment
Video interviews provide a deep-dive assessment of candidates, providing invaluable insights that go beyond traditional telephonic interviews or written applications. By watching candidates’ nonverbal cues, body language, communication skills, and cultural alignment during video interviews, recruiters can evaluate confidence, professionalism, adaptability, and cultural alignment. It provides a deeper understanding of candidates’ abilities and personalities, which allows for informed hiring choices.
Improved Employer Branding
Implementing video interviews showcases a company’s dedication to modern and innovative hiring practices. It also affects its employer brand positively. By offering candidate-centric interviews with tech-forward approaches, organizations can differentiate themselves, attract better candidates, and build positive reputations in the job market. Positive candidate reviews further bolster this impression, and effective communication during video interviews develops meaningful relationships with prospective hires.
Integration with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
Video interview platforms’ seamless integration with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) is one of the key advantages offered by video interview platforms. This streamlines hiring by connecting directly to an ATS, centralizing candidate data in one place for easy review by recruiters, collaborating between hiring teams, and making data-driven decisions within an ATS. It ultimately results in more efficient recruitment processes and practices. This integration streamlines candidate evaluation, communication improvements, and analytics leading to a smoother recruitment experience overall.
How Virtual Interviews Compare to Traditional Interviews
The table below compares virtual interviews and in-person interviews based on several factors.
| Criteria | Traditional Interviews ☎️ | Virtual Interviews 💻 |
| Scheduling | Requires coordination of time and location for both parties. | Easier scheduling as interviews can be conducted from any location. |
| Flexibility | Less flexibility as both parties need to be available at the assigned time and location. | More flexible as interviews can take place from different time zones and locations. |
| Time and Resources | Requires more time for coordination, travel arrangements, and on-site preparation. | Saves time and resources by eliminating the need for physical travel, allowing for more efficient interview scheduling and reduced expenses. |
| Cost | Involves expenses related to arranging interviews, including travel and accommodation. | Generally reduces costs associated with travel and accommodation, especially when interviewing candidates from different cities or countries. |
| Candidate Comfort | Causes nervousness in candidates due to in-person pressure. | Candidates may feel more at ease in familiar surroundings, possibly leading to better performance. |
| Candidate Pool | Limited to local or willing-to-travel candidates. | Opens up opportunities to interview candidates from different locations, potentially expanding the talent pool. |
| Decision-making Efficiency | Involves longer decision-making processes due to scheduling challenges and potential delays. | Allows for quicker decision-making as interviews can be conducted promptly, expediting the hiring process. |
How do Virtual Interviews Work?
Recruiters get in touch with candidates to find a suitable time for the interview. They provide candidates with clear instructions on how to access the software. Both interviewers and applicants test their equipment (device, camera, microphone, internet connection) to check for technical issues. Employers can also provide virtual interview tips to candidates so that they are well-prepared before recording.
Virtual interviews take place in multiple forms, including one-way video communication or live video communication. In one-way or pre-recorded interviews, candidates get pre-set questions and are asked to record their answers for later evaluation. Live video interviews refer to real-time interaction between the interviewer and job applicants. Interviewers assess qualifications and skills with situational, behavioral, and technical questions. Based on the interview results, it is decided whether to take the candidate to the next stage of the process or provide a job offer.
Future of Virtual Interviews
Did you know that 60% of job applicants abandon an application because of a complex and lengthy process? Video interviews accelerate the process and reduce the chances of losing valuable candidates. As technology continues to evolve, these interviews are improving further. One of the main benefits they offer is flexibility in interviewing candidates from anywhere using any device. It expands the potential applicant pool for recruiters. Video interviews save valuable time and money. They also evaluate the candidate’s communication skills and technology proficiency, which are essential qualities for remote work. 86% of employers think that these virtual interviews have improved their hiring process.
Video interviews facilitate seamless collaboration within the hiring team, resulting in more well-informed and effective decision-making. Nevertheless, it remains important to strike a balance between video interviews and in-person meetings. Companies must address any privacy concerns to ensure their successful integration into the hiring process.
Virtual interviews have completely transformed the way companies hire employees. They break geographical barriers, save time and money, and perform fair evaluations. The integration of AI is making virtual interviewing even more efficient. Embrace the modern interviewing approach today.
