Why Preliminary Round Interviews Should be Video-based
Video interviews for open job positions using a webcam, microphone and the internet have become an integral part of the talent acquisition process for many companies. They allow recruiters to complete interviews faster than using traditional methods.
Live video interviews are currently the most popular type of online recruitment interview and many companies use them for preliminary interviews, replacing in-person interviews. A preliminary interview is shorter than a formal interview and the conversation usually revolves around the job requirements. Candidates that don’t fit the requirements don’t go any further.
Cuts down in-person contact
Recruiting managers who need to screen many candidates for an open position can do so efficiently with an online video interview without having to worry about COVID-19 transmission. There is no reason for candidates to leave their homes and go into an office for a preliminary interview which is a general and basic interview to eliminate those who are completely unsuited to the position. This leaves a smaller pool of potentially suitable candidates.
Organizations must ensure that COVID-19 health and safety practices are in place for any in-office meetings. Greetly offers modern visitor management software that increases security, compliance and was the first company to offer no-touch visitor check-in.
Reduces the time to hire
When candidates come into the office for a job interview, it takes time to welcome them, offer them coffee, walk with them to a meeting room, give them a tour of the office, and walk them out. When there’s a long list of potential candidates, doing this can take up a fair amount of time. Video interviews that don’t even require leaving the desk take up less time and can considerably speed up the hiring process.
Pre-recorded interviews can take up even less time than live video interviews. One of the main benefits of pre-recorded interviews is that candidates can prepare their answers to questions and do several takes to get it right.
Hiring managers can assess them more effectively as nerves often get in the way in an in-person or live video interview. As the questions are pre-set, it means that every candidate is asked the same questions in the same way, which is fairer and more consistent.
Lowers hiring costs
Speeding up hiring time reduces costs. A slow hiring process means a position stays open for longer and if the role is critical to workflow and the success of others, it has an impact on productivity. Moving through the first stage of hiring quickly and weeding out unsuitable candidates helps to prevent a drawn-out hiring process.
Recruiters often know within the first couple of minutes whether a particular candidate is a good fit or not. As everything is electronically recorded, it provides proof of what was said or not said in an interview and more transparency for employers. Recruiters are quickly able to compare and contrast candidates and identify who should move on to the next round.
It saves applicants time and money
A live video interview means that an applicant does not have to travel to an office multiple times for different interview stages. They don’t have to worry about finding and potentially paying for parking. When applicants can complete preliminary interviews from the comfort of their own home, it saves them time and money.
Removes geographical barriers
Using video interviewing software connects employers with potential employees that are interested in relocating or who want to work remotely. This knocks down barriers and opens up a far larger talent pool. The business world is quickly moving towards a future where the location of a candidate is no longer a major consideration in filling a role.