The Pros and Cons of Using Video Interviewing

Technology advances exponentially, it seems, and every day more traditionally human-based activities are being absorbed into the digital future. Job interviews are no exception. An executive survey conducted in 2015 by the Korn Ferry company, FutureStep, revealed that 71% used real-time video interviewing and 50% used video to shortlist the candidate pool- a testament to the growing popularity of this medium.

When contemplating the use of any new candidate selection technology or technique it’s always a good idea to assess some of the relative advantages and disadvantages of using these tools. A few examples are:

Pros

Convenient – Video interviewing can be conducted from anywhere, to anywhere. Limited only by the reach of the Internet which, for practical purposes, is no limit at all.
Economical –Videoconferencing capabilities are becoming easier to implement and more economical as the technology advances. Web-based conferencing and video chat applications, like Skype, have made video interviews an economically attractive alternative.
Time-Saving – The need for current employees to travel to an interview is eliminated, saving time and dollars. The candidate can also devote more of his or her time to preparing for the actual interview as opposed to dealing with the logistics of an in-person meeting.
Future-Forward – Using the latest tools demonstrates that your company embraces technology and is willing to employ it in all phases of the business. It also allows the candidate to exhibit his or her comfort with technology and an ability to adapt to new conditions.
Re-Usable – Video interviews can be archived and distributed to stakeholders for evaluation and selection. The videos can also be used to train HR personnel on the topic of handling and managing interviews.

Cons

Reliability – Anyone that has used online video tools knows they are subject to a variety of technical maladies such as buffering, drop-outs, lost connections and poor video quality. This can make for an awkward, non-productive interview and could potentially result in not getting the best assessment possible, increasing the chances of not identifying the ideal candidate.
Device Issues – If the interviewee isn’t properly equipped to handle video interviewing programs opportunities may be lost as a result. An under-powered laptop, a poor quality microphone and low-grade speakers can make for a disastrous and distracting experience that an in-person interview won’t.
Audio Delays – Through no fault of either party, network issues may cause delays in transmission, causing the interviewer and the candidate to talk over one another, an iffy communication proposition at best.
Poor Lighting – Depending on the quality of the equipment and the setting of the interview, candidates can be victims of poor lighting, making them appear green, ghostly or consumed with darkness. This visual impact can have an unfair sway on hiring managers.
Anxiety-Provoking – For candidates not used to video interviewing, this can be a double-edged sword. While providing an opportunity for interviewers to assess a candidate’s ability to deal with stressful situations, the risk is that an otherwise perfect candidate can be rejected for reasons that are ancillary to the real job requirements. If an IT developer, for example, is obviously uncomfortable during an interview, they could be eliminated as a candidate even though the skill they do not possess (in this case, ease in front of a camera) has absolutely nothing to do with the job requirements.

Job interviews and candidate assessments, like every other aspect of modern work life, will evolve and progress as technologies and techniques continue to improve. With any new advancement made available to hiring managers and HR specialists, a corresponding assessment of their place in the candidate selection process must take place. All techniques and technologies must adhere to the unique staffing goals, appropriateness and fit of the company; adapted because they make sense for your company, not merely because they exist.

AimHire is a Denver employment agency that pairs enthusiastic and knowledgeable candidates with quality employers. Contact AimHire today to learn more about how a staffing company can connect you with top talent and give you the tools you need to achieve your recruiting and hiring goals.