The face of recruitment has drastically changed throughout the pandemic, with remote hiring becoming the only source of recruitment for over a year. In education, certain elements of the interview process, such as observing a candidate’s lesson execution, would need to remain face-to-face, but can the rest remain online? Video resumes, Skype, Teams or Zoom interviews, quick-fire questions over the phone – all of these digital options can save schools, colleges and universities time and money, whilst pre-selecting the top candidates to bring in. Not only is this a more efficient process, it’s also safer when considering Covid-19 and minimising physical contact.
Are virtual interviews the future of recruitment? If so, which is the better option: video or phone?
Advantages of Video Interviews
- Increased efficiency – removes obstacles like scheduling conflicts or delays and you can fit more interviews into a day, saving you time over the duration of recruiting.
- Easier for candidates – attending an interview whilst in a current role can be challenging. Video interviews can be held over a lunch break, early morning or late afternoon, meaning less time off work and no awkward conversations.
- Build an understanding – gaining an insight into the candidate before inviting them in is a Covid-safe and time-saving alternative to in-house interviews. It’ll also give you an opportunity to identify their technological abilities. In a world where digital learning is expanding, this could be a core skill you’re looking for.
- Get ahead of the game – with a faster response time and easier scheduling, online interviews can help you beat out the competition. Most candidates will be actively job hunting and if you can secure an interview first, you’ll have more chance of snapping up a strong candidate.
Phone interviews have similar advantages. They’re easier to conduct and allow you the opportunity to discuss a candidate’s application in more detail before narrowing down the talent pool. However, they can be impersonal and are never considered a substitute for face-to-face meetings.
Disadvantages of Video Interviews
- Unreliable – we’ve all experienced a poor internet connection; it can cause a breakdown in conversation with lag time and freezing. Potentially poor picture quality can make for a difficult experience too.
- Non-verbal communication – virtual interviews prevent an employer from assessing non-verbal communication, such as body language, which can be vital when working with a diverse range of people.
- Candidate stress – relying on a digital platform for an important interview can be a stressful experience for candidates, particularly if technology isn’t second nature to them.
The cons of a phone interview and video are the same. It’s no substitute to meeting someone in person. The whole situation can feel cold, making it difficult to connect and therefore make a considered decision when choosing the right person for the job.
Can video help with the recruitment process? Absolutely. You can save time and speak to more candidates before deciding on your shortlist, streamlining the interview process and successfully filling that vacancy.
Check out our top tips on conducting effective video interviews.
Video technology doesn’t have to be reserved for online interviews. Many companies use an employment recruitment video to promote their business and showcase themselves as a great place to work. These can be shared across a website and social media to gain more interest. What’s stopping the education industry following suit?
What makes a good recruiting video?
- Keep it fun and engaging – demonstrate why people love working here.
- Keep it short and to the point – people are more likely to watch the whole video and gain the information they need.
- Answer key questions – think about what a candidate will want to know.
- Be genuine – display your culture, ethos and values to attract the right candidate for you.
Looking to utilise live video recruitment? Eteach’s online interview functionality allows you to create, schedule and manage virtual interviews from the client portal*.
*Available for Premium users only.
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About the author
Tammy Lane
After completing a BA in Creative Writing and a Masters in Creative and Critical Writing at the University of Winchester, Tammy worked as a Learning Support Assistant, with a focus on helping students develop their literacy skills. She then taught as an English teacher at an all-boys comprehensive school in Berkshire. Tammy now works for Eteach as Marketing Manager, where she can combine her passion for education and writing.