Why Video Interviews are Crucial in the Hiring Process

Technology has made the hiring process much more streamlined and has provided an improved experience for both the interviewer and job seeker. Incorporating video interviewing into the job hiring process allows every candidate to be seen and heard at a deeper level, enabling hiring managers and their teams to see more of the individual behind each application.

A 2012 OfficeTeam survey revealed that 63% of HR managers said their company often uses video technology to conduct employment interviews, a notable jump from 2011 when just 14% of companies reported the same. 

But videoconferencing technology for job interviews escalated significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic when in-person meetings were not permitted. Now, most companies utilize this technology during the interviewing process. 

An April 2020 Garter survey found that 86% of organizations began conducting virtual interviews to hire candidates at the start of the pandemic and by October 2020, 89% of organizations were using video interviewing for recruitment.

When talking about the virtual hiring process, technology generally comes in two forms: synchronous, used for live interviews, and asynchronous, used for prerecorded interviewing. Most of the time, employers refer to the pre-recorded interview.

First, candidates view an introductory video that describes the employer and informs them about the position. Then, candidates are asked to respond to the interview questions using a webcam-equipped device or smartphone to record their responses.  

Although experts go back and forth about whether video interviewing is the best path to take during the hiring process, there are a multitude of benefits. 

Making the Hiring Process More Efficient 

Video interviewing allows for a more efficient hiring process. Employers can reduce time-to-hire, increase interviewing efficiency and positive candidate experiences, and expand branding and marketing opportunities. Most notably, video interviews cut costs associated with higher employee retention rates.

Additionally, technology provides consistency. Using virtual interviewing as a screening tool can decrease the employer's risk of a discrimination charge. Often, discrimination claims come down to one individual’s word against another. But with virtual technology, everything is electronically recorded and all candidates receive the same questions in the same manner. 

Therefore, there is no opportunity for the interviewer to be blamed for discrimination or candidate mistreatment. 

Executing video interviewing in the hiring process also allows managers to easily look at their top performers and determine what all candidates had in common.

For example, employers can understand the individual’s tone, their body language, and even where they chose to record their interview. From there, employers can look for commonalities that help them choose strong candidates in the future. 

Eliminating the Stressors of In-Person Interviews

Beyond the more obvious positives associated with implementing video interviews into the hiring process, many organizations should look into video interviewing because it eliminates stressors associated with in-person interviews for both the company and the candidate. 

For example, trying to bring 20 candidates in for face-to-face interviews can increase scheduling burdens. Hiring managers end up going back and forth via email for weeks finding a convenient time for everyone. 

One-way video interviews allow candidates to answer questions when it’s convenient for them. Once they’ve responded, teams can review the responses when it’s conducive to each of their schedules.

Additionally, many young professionals feel the stress of heading into an in-person job interview. Will they be able to find the office? What will the parking situation be like? Will they have to meet many members of the company? 

Aside from the interview itself, these factors only add to the pressures they’re feeling and can cause otherwise qualified individuals to underperform. 

In conclusion, video interviewing platforms integrate seamlessly into a company’s hiring process. This technology is a simple, time-saving, and cost-effective way to give applicants an excellent candidate experience.