We hate to mention the dreaded word again, but Covid, as we know, has launched us into a remote way of working. Sure, remote working has always been a ‘thing’, however, businesses have been forced to implement a variety of remote working practices to ensure they are still able to operate effectively in these strange times.
The pandemic has normalised working from home and for many, this will mean a permanent shift, or certainly a hybrid way of working. Many businesses are still growing, employees are moving onto new opportunities and so the demand for recruitment is still there. It just means that the interview process looks slightly different and we’re now entering a new online world of interviewing.

Are businesses still recruiting?
The answer to this is simple. Yes. Of course, many businesses have been negatively affected by Covid-19, but many organisations are flourishing and so the demand is still there. Here at Omega, we have over 100 live job vacancies and so we are living proof that opportunities are still available. Moreover, the market will continue to recover and once the dust settles and those processes and projects which are currently on hold, are likely to be resumed and the market flooded with even more opportunities.

Online interviewing
We have just come through lockdown 2.0 and many organisations will be slowly venturing back into the physical workplace. Others may be more cautious and the rest, as mentioned previously, will have re-assessed their entire recruitment and working practices to a virtual standpoint. With the latter two scenarios in mind, online interviewing is on the rise.

Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Skype are probably the most obvious platforms to conduct interviews. The interviewer and interviewee can ‘sit’ face-to-face and screens can be shared for presentation purposes. These types of conversations are real-time conversations. However, there are also platforms available which replace these conversations with recorded video interviews that can be taken any time, anywhere. This offers a scalable process for recruiters, recruiting managers and candidates. Recruiters and hiring teams can consistently evaluate recorded video interviews, seeing more candidates in less time, eliminating endless interviews and making great hires faster.

The advantages of video interviewing

1. Lower costs– These interviews can be done in the person’s home or local vicinity and therefore there’s no outlay for travel, lodging or food. Both parties can go back to their scheduled activities directly after the interview and therefore productivity levels are not affected.

2. The best candidate– Recorded video interviewing gives the recruiter the opportunity to go back to the recording. If many interviews are being held, it’s sometimes easy for the recruiter to forget what was said and so this gives the recruiter the opportunity to refer back and the best candidate to be found.

3. A larger pool of candidates – If the recruiter is open to remote working, this widens the pool of candidates available for the role.

4. Assessment of communication skills – Many roles require strong communication skills and these can be assessed via video as effectively as face-to-face interviews . The company can capture the essence of every candidate – the way they talk, dress, and present their ideas. They can then decide on whether they would be a right fit for the company or not.

5. Less pressure– A video interaction in your own environment can make the candidate more relaxed than they would be visiting a place of work. This is actually a good thing as can reveal more qualities than when under pressure.

The disadvantages of video interviewing

1. Internet connection – This is definitely the top disadvantage and I’m sure each and every one of you has experienced this. If the candidate is unable to connect, a recruiter may disregard immediately.

2. Poor Connection – Poor video quality, poor sound can diminish a candidate’s opportunity to shine.

3. Tech savviness – If you are technically inept, the thought of a video conference may fill you with fear! A candidate may have landed their dream job had it of been in person, but inability to connect via video could easily scupper their chances.

Top tips for mastering your next virtual interview

1. Test your technology – Both your internet connection, microphone and camera. Be prepared and join the meeting early if you can.

2. Set yourself up – Make sure your phone is on silent, the room is tidy, you’re in a light area and your notes and prompts are close.

3. Preparation – Prepare yourself in exactly the same way as you would a normal face-to-face interview. Treat it in exactly the same way.

4. Dress to impress – Make sure you have business attire on! It may sound simple, but people tend to relax in their own environments and so make sure you’re presentable.

5. Immediately follow-up – Send an email the day after thanking the recruiter for the opportunity to interview.

As you can see, there are so many benefits to online interviewing, the key for all parties is preparation. There’s no question that this way of interviewing will be adopted by more and more businesses as time progresses. If you’re looking for a new role or need assistance with your business’ recruitment, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 01453 827333 or email [email protected].