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Permalink Reply by Kristine Smith on February 12, 2013 at 8:49am

I have been using webchat and web interviews on and off since 1996. It seems that it works best with small interview groups of 1-3 people to get good a/v. Beware of audio feedback when using microphones on laptops and pc's. If using telepresence equipment connected to an alternate video source, i.e. skype, there may be interruptions in the picture. The expense of telepresence may scare some corporations off, given the cost. However, it does pay off if you currently have candidates travel to your location by flight for initial interviews. When it comes to process, it is important to have guidelines on usage and coordination of equipment, meeting schedules, etc. Hope this helps.

 

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Permalink Reply by pam claughton on February 12, 2013 at 8:58am

Arnie, you work for a video interviewing company right? 

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Permalink Reply by Amie Barnett on February 12, 2013 at 9:02am

Thanks Kristine i completly agree especially with what you said about candidates who have to travel. Yes Pam I have recently started so  just getting some feedback and views on what people and recruiters think of these type of products do you have any opinions on them at all? Thank you :-)

Kristine Smith said:

I have been using webchat and web interviews on and off since 1996. It seems that it works best with small interview groups of 1-3 people to get good a/v. Beware of audio feedback when using microphones on laptops and pc's. If using telepresence equipment connected to an alternate video source, i.e. skype, there may be interruptions in the picture. The expense of telepresence may scare some corporations off, given the cost. However, it does pay off if you currently have candidates travel to your location by flight for initial interviews. When it comes to process, it is important to have guidelines on usage and coordination of equipment, meeting schedules, etc. Hope this helps.

 

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Permalink Reply by Amie Barnett on February 12, 2013 at 9:03am

Sorry pam still getting used to this with how to reply ect

pam claughton said:

Arnie, you work for a video interviewing company right? 

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Permalink Reply by Ryan Leary on February 12, 2013 at 2:48pm

I think video has a significant role in the future of engagement. That is different than recruitment though. It's useful today as an HR function but I can attest to the fact that a few of our client are using video and have highly impacted their process.

It's not 100% yet in my opinion but it's not a tool that should be overlooked.

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Permalink Reply by Valentino Martinez on February 13, 2013 at 2:55am

However an employer chooses to conduct their candidate interviews for employment consideration -- care must be taken to be consistent and fair in conducting those interviews.  If videotaping becomes the “must have tool” for interviewing -- it must be applied in a uniform manner across the board –otherwise it can be challenged.  And it will also become part of the official record of how hiring decisions are made.  Therefore it will have to be administered in a consistent and fair manner – and be retained for the file as the “record” of the event.   BTWE--while a “bad video interview” can be used for training purposes – it can also become exhibit “A” in a legal deposition. 

My use of video interviewing has been the exception - not the rule.  It can come in handy when the onsite interview is problematic due to conflicting schedules or limited availability of interviewers and/or job candidates.

Nevertheless, ideally, I prefer and recommend the face-to-face in-person interview.  Frankly, I have seen and personally experienced too many technical equipment failures and faux pas, on the side of the employer/interviewer, with “video” interviews. Technology improvements and better trained interviewers may improve video interviews to the point that they will be the way to go...but for now I'm not optimistic.

 

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Permalink Reply by Amie Barnett on February 13, 2013 at 8:25am

Thanks Valentino video interviewing is not to replace face to face interviewing more so to get the right candidates to short list for the second stage. Like everything it has the pros and cons as you mentioned.

Pros: Saving employers time & Money, Finding best suited candidates from anywhere in the world, filling the position faster and allowing the employers to watch the saved interviews when its convinient for them are just a few.

Cons: Some people may not have access to computer with a webcam and bad internet connection.

Thanks Ryan thats really good to know. did you get my message??

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Permalink Reply by Spark Hire on February 13, 2013 at 6:33pm

Obviously, since Spark Hire is a video interviewing platform we think video interviews are the trend of the future! And we’re not alone. A recent survey by Office Team showed six out of ten companies are utilizing video interviews in their hiring process. A big reason companies and recruiters are embracing video interviews is because they make it easier to connect more personally with the talent you need.

A great passive candidate might be reticent to come into your office for a chat, but they’ll be more likely to accept a video interview invitation they can schedule around their own packed calendar. A far-away candidate looking to relocate might not want to buckle up for takeoff, but they’ll surely be willing to turn on their webcam.

Similarly one-way video interviews, where employers pose written questions candidates answer on film, are a good alternative to the traditional phone interview. You're still able to talk to the candidate and see their responses to questions, but with the added bonus of seeing their communication skills in action. Plus if you realize they’re all wrong for the job you can close the window without being stuck on the phone with that candidate for a half hour or more. Video interviews seem like the trend of the future because they’re making it easier for employers to connect with candidates and they’re huge when it comes to saving time.

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Permalink Reply by Amie Barnett on February 14, 2013 at 6:45am

Hi Spark Hire I also work for a video interviewing platform in the UK so completley agree with all the pros you have mentioned and its great that now 6 out of 10 companies are agreeing. Are you on LinkedIn would be great to connect.

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Permalink Reply by Seth Lidren on February 14, 2013 at 12:44pm

For my company, it's a must have.  Being in the definition of extreme rural (400 miles away from the nearest city/road system and can only get here by boat or plane), we do not have a choice when a lot of our professional positions require the relocation of the candidate.  It is fantastic to use, though, and gives the opportunity to not only be face-to-face, but to see how the candidate deals with the adversity of technological malfunctions.  I recall my video interview with the organization and we ended having the cameras on and talking on my cell phone.  Really does demonstrate reactions under pressure.

However, it cannot replace the true face-to-face.  We will always fly the candidate here for a day or two site visit in which we do the in-person meetings.  It is amazing how different people can be when they are not in front of their own computer and outside of their comfort zone.

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Permalink Reply by Amie Barnett on February 15, 2013 at 5:32am

Thanks Seth. It is great to see how different people react under different circumstances and with the correct software you can throw in random questions to really see how someone thinks on their feet.

Are you in the USA as well?

Do you hire many people a year?

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Permalink Reply by Seth Lidren on February 15, 2013 at 5:03pm

In Alaska.  We do ~700 hires per year (combination between local and out of area)

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