How Can Organizations Improve Skills Selection Process With Video Call Interviews?

Six reasons to include video interviews in the selection process

One of the most time-consuming practices, interviewing, has been updated through video to alleviate much of the time spent scheduling and meeting a candidate face to face. Video interviews increase the efficiency of the screening process, thus decreasing the costs of the process. Recruiters can schedule time in their day to quickly process hundreds of one-way interviews, to save a great deal of time that can be spent building relationships with the employees.In this article, we will discuss how video call interviews can benefit your organization.

According to Software Advice, 60% of hiring managers and recruiters use video technology when to carry out remote job interviews. Depending on your company’s model—fully staffed with just a few remote workers; a skeleton crew at the office and the majority of staff working remotely; or no physical office at all—you may be looking at candidates outside your geographic area to fill these remote positions. Video interviews are an easy way to interview far-flung candidates, no matter where they are located.

PRO TIP: If you are interviewing a candidate in a different country or continent and want to evaluate their skills for the required job, invite them to perform a skills assessment through live video.

Video interviews can curb travel costs and, if you don’t have a conference room or other appropriate place to conduct interviews, facilities costs. Video interviewing results in a 30% reduction in travel costs. While most video conferencing providers don’t offer their services for free (other than for a limited free trial), you should be able to find one that fits your budget. If your budget is close to $0, Skype might be the option for you — it’s free and simple to use.

PRO TIP: Use a video interviewing software that integrates with your applicant tracking system (ATS). To decide on a software, always consider the end result that you want to accomplish (such as the number of participants in remote locations), and the features that you will need for conducting the video interview.

Although video conferencing providers and services may vary, most of them are fairly simple to use. However, you need to consider the customer support you need before deciding on a provider: some cater to more tech-savvy users than others. You may be up for the challenge of learning a more complicated software system, but,remember,some of your colleagues and candidates may not. Will they get support when they need it?

PRO TIP: A premium skills assessment vendor may also offer video interviewing as a feature. Read this guide: A Buyer’s Guide to Skills Testing to learn how to choose a skills assessment provider that suits your requirements. 

80-90% of talent say a positive or negative interview experience can change their mind about a role or company. With one-way video interviews, a scenario is presented to the candidate. They can record their response by either reading the scenario, answering the scenario, or responding in a different language.

PRO TIP: Don’t make the interview too long. 60% of candidates quit an application process because it takes too long to complete. 30 minutes is the optimal time.

Nearly half of recruiters say they typically conduct three interviews per candidate, and time is valuable. You can use video technology as a litmus test for certain candidates. Notice how willing (or hesitant) they are to do their interview via video conference. This might show you which candidates are more comfortable in your job positions. Video interviewing can help you quickly decide whom you should call for the face-to-face round of interviews, saving your valuable time.

PRO TIP: Ask them these questions to determine the motivational profile of a candidate.

In a survey of 506 companies, 47% saidvideo interviewing shortens the time it takes to make a hire. Making time for a 30-minute interview from home might be easier for candidates than planning a trek to your office. Live video interviews are six times faster than phone interviews.

PRO TIP: A structured interview, live or through a video conference, will flow better and speed up the hiring process. It can help you and the candidate feel more at ease. Read this whitepaper that explains the Anatomy of an Interview.

A 5-minute live video interview is equal to a 200 question written assessment. However, do not overestimate the power of video interviews. As you expand your technological capabilities, don’t lose the personal touch that will allow you to leave a lasting good impression on your candidates.

How do you use video interviews? Have you seen its benefits yet?

Eric Friedman is the Founder and CEO of eSkill Corporation. Connect Eric Friedman