The recruitment process can be time-consuming and arduous for both job seekers and employers. With the typical application process lasting an average of 23.8 days in the United States and employers receiving enough resumes to start a small library, it’s no wonder interviews are considered one of the most daunting tasks.
Fortunately, there’s a solution that can make hiring quicker and easier than ever before: one-way video interviews.
One-way, or asynchronous, video interviews provide applicants with the opportunity to answer pre-determined questions by recording their responses using a phone or computer camera without an interviewer present.
While this type of technology has been around for decades, it’s been gaining popularity in recent years as it allows HR professionals to streamline their hiring processes and interview more applicants than ever before.
However, before embracing a solution you aren’t familiar with, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons to determine if it fits your business model. In this article, we’ll explore the intricacies of one-way video interviews to help you make an informed decision.
The Good and The Bad of Asynchronous Video Interviews
Advantages Of Using One-Way Video Interviews
Time-savings
Most recruiters will agree that scheduling and conducting phone screen interviews is extremely time-consuming. One-way video interviews are a more practical option for employers who want to save time at this stage of the hiring process. With pre-recorded interviews submitted by the applicants, recruiters and hiring managers can review and evaluate each at their own pace and shortlist candidates more quickly.
Cost-effective
This goes hand-in-hand with time savings because time is money. The saying might be old, but it’s still as true as the day it was coined. Implementing asynchronous interviewing provides a faster method of measuring an applicant’s potential without the need for travel or in-person interviews, reducing the time to hire and saving money overall. Plus, an online video interview platform lets employers connect with candidates worldwide without dipping into the recruitment budget.
Convenience
For job seekers, one-way video interviews allow them to complete their interview anytime, alleviating scheduling conflicts compounded by time zone and work schedules. For recruiters and hiring managers, pre-recorded interviews provide greater flexibility than phone screenings, letting them review applicant submissions at their convenience.
Wider Candidate Pool
One-way video interviews have the power to connect employers with candidates from different locations or even different countries, expanding their candidate pool and increasing diversity in the hiring process. This can lead to better, more inclusive hiring decisions that truly reflect the company’s goals.
Eliminates Bias
One-way interviews are an excellent tool for promoting fairness and objectivity in the hiring process. By using predetermined questions, employers can ensure that all candidates are evaluated on the same criteria. This eliminates unconscious bias and subjective judgments based on irrelevant factors like appearance or background.
Disadvantages Of Using One-Way Video Interviews
Lack the Personal Touch
Asynchronous interviews can feel impersonal to some people. The process could be interpreted as robotic or dehumanizing without the back-and-forth exchange between the applicant and employer. This can be a drawback for candidates who thrive on personal connections and face-to-face interactions.
Limited Opportunity to Showcase Soft Skills
While pre-recorded video interviews are great for assessing hard skills and qualifications, they may not provide ample opportunities for candidates to showcase their soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, which can be determined through questions and organic conversation. These skills are crucial in the workplace, and employers may miss out on valuable talent if they rely solely on this type of interview.
Technical Difficulties and Challenges for Candidates
Not everyone is tech-savvy or has access to high-speed internet and a webcam. One-way video interviews can be a challenge for job seekers who don’t have the required technology or are uncomfortable using it. This could make it more difficult for otherwise qualified candidates to put their best foot forward.
Inaccurate Assessments
One-way interviews may provide a partial picture of the candidate’s abilities and personality. Employers may miss out on important non-verbal cues and body language, which can be valuable indicators of the person’s suitability for the role. This can lead to inaccurate assessments and result in hiring decisions that don’t align with the company’s needs.
Mitigating The Cons of One-Way Video Interviews
Fortunately, there are steps companies can take to alleviate the disadvantages and ensure a fair and effective hiring process. Here are some strategies to consider:
Ensure applicants are aware of this step in the process
The requirement of submitting a one-way video interview as part of the application process should be noted in the job posting. This will empower the job seekers to decide if they don’t wish to do that.
Implement standardized questions and evaluation criteria
To avoid the risk of inconsistent or biased evaluations, companies should develop a set of standardized questions and evaluation criteria for that role. This ensures that every candidate is evaluated based on the same factors, making it easier to compare and make objective decisions.
Provide clear instructions and support for candidates
To ensure a positive experience for candidates, companies should provide clear instructions and support throughout the process. This could include detailed instructions on using the platform, troubleshooting guides, and even practice sessions before recording the actual interview.
Avoid making hiring decisions based solely on video interviews
Asynchronous video interviews should be just one part of a comprehensive hiring process. Incorporate this step as a pre-screening tool to identify top candidates allowing it to bridge the gap between the paper resume/application and the face-to-face interview.
Is this technology right for your business?
A one-way video interview solution can be the ideal component for increasing qualified candidate selection and reducing the overall time-to-hire. Still, it comes with elements that require consideration before implementation. Therefore, employers should evaluate their hiring needs and priorities to decide if asynchronous interviews are right for their business.
