According to a LinkedIn study, 81% of HR professionals expect virtual recruiting to continue after the COVID-19 pandemic. The study also mentions that about 70% of HR professionals expect video interviews to become the new norm. Companies are faced with the challenge of keeping up with these new developments in the interview and hiring process. With tools like online interview software, companies can make the interview process easier and more enjoyable, eliminating the need for multiple in-person interviews.
Online interviews and the necessary technology
An online interview is conducted remotely and virtually, without the participants having to be in a specific location. Video telephony software is usually used for this. This approach is particularly helpful for companies whose employees mainly work remotely or from home. In times of the COVID-19 pandemic, video recruiting can also help to reduce face-to-face meetings and thus ensure greater safety.
What is online interview software and how does it work?
Online interview software allows companies to conduct interviews entirely online. Both live interviews and recorded interviews that are later evaluated by HR are possible. Most tools offer useful features such as screen recording, skills assessments and scoring, a question library, interview scheduling, and live video interviews.
Advantages of Video Recruiting
According to a study by Gartner, 85% of companies are using new technologies for recruiting and onboarding employees. Many companies have switched to video recruiting, particularly as a result of the pandemic. But even independent of the pandemic, it offers numerous advantages:
More flexibility
Online interviews can be scheduled more flexibly and adapted to when recruiters are available.
Lower travel costs
Video recruiting saves both applicants and HR managers time and money on travel. In addition, the interviews can be recorded and viewed multiple times by other people in the company.
time savings in recruiting
According to an article by Harver, 57% of candidates lose interest in a job due to lengthy hiring processes . With online interviews, companies can speed up the process and build a connection with candidates in less time.
Different Types of Online Interviews
Online interviews can take many different forms. Here we would like to introduce two common variants.
Video recruiting usually uses live online interviews or one-way online interviews.
7 Tips for Video Recruiting
Many companies have changed their hiring practices as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic sweden telegram data Online interviews are not a new concept, but some small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are not yet familiar with the process, so here are some tips for recruiters and employers.
1. Choose a suitable software tool for implementation
Choose an online interview software that meets your needs. Questions like the following can help you decide: Do you usually conduct interviews one-on-one or in groups? Do you prefer live interviews or do you want candidates to record their answers? These and other criteria should be taken into account when making your choice. For example, some tools offer filters to pre-select people who meet the job requirements.
2. Send a detailed invitation to the applicants
Send a detailed formal email invitation to the people you want to invite to a meeting. Include all relevant information, such as the date and time of the meeting, the name, role and job title of the person conducting the meeting, the software used to conduct the meeting, and any other steps required to attend or in advance. It's also a good idea to include a phone number or email address where someone can be reached immediately in case of technical problems.
3. Prepare a list of possible questions
To ensure that the interview is pleasant for everyone involved, HR managers should prepare a list of questions in advance, ideally in written form. It is a good idea to take notes during the interview. If the person being interviewed agrees, the interview can also be recorded. This way, the answers can be reviewed at a later date and compared with those of other applicants.
4. Set up a well-lit, professional space
The interview should be conducted from a well-lit, distraction-free location. Even outside of traditional office environments, a professional and quiet environment is beneficial, allowing for an attractive video background and good interactions.
5. Perform a test run
To minimize technical errors, HR managers should test the software in advance. This includes ensuring that the network connection is fast and robust enough and that the camera, microphone and speakers are working properly. The screen sharing function should also be tested.
6. Thank you and send information about the next steps
An important tip for after the online interview: Send a message or email promptly thanking the person for the interview. This shows that your company values the time of its potential employees. In this message, you can inform the person about the next steps, such as documents you still need from them or follow-up actions. If a decision has already been made, you can communicate this directly.
7. Share professional feedback
Providing thoughtful post-interview feedback benefits both your company and the candidate. Even if you're rejected, you have the opportunity to leave the most positive impression possible and show the person where they can improve (or even offer the option of reapplying at a later date). Provide relevant feedback and give reasons why the person got or didn't get the job.
Conclusion
In the IT sector in particular, many employees continue to work from home even after the Corona restrictions have been relaxed . Many companies offer flexible hybrid working models and will continue to do so in the future. Video recruiting can be a welcome addition here: In this way, job interviews can not only be carried out much more simply, but also more cost-effectively and time-saving for both sides, without having to accept an additional risk of infection in times of pandemic.
Want to learn more? Check out our online interview software directory to discov