We all know the song “Video Killed the Radio Star”. But did you know the bop by The Buggles was the first music video ever played on MTV in August 1981? The idea was there’d be no more radio and the music channels would completely take over. However, nearly 40 years later, we now know there’s room for both. But can the same be said of telephone interviews? Our partners, Odro, aren’t so sure!
Sure, phone interviews were once used as a way to speed up the hiring process. And we’re all for that! But with the rise of video interviewing software we believe that telephone interviews are a thing of the past. And here’s why….
Going back to the radio versus MTV anecdote for a minute; the reason music channels never took over is because radio still had its place and purpose. In cars when you have to watch the road, in the house when you’re dancing around with the hover or in offices when everyone is merrily working away. I mean, in hindsight, whoever came up with that theory really hadn’t thought things through.
But the difference here is that our video interviewing software does everything telephone can, and much more besides!
Never Miss a Candidate
First off, we’re all super busy. Which means it’s not always possible for recruiters, or their clients, to find half an hour to have a conversation with a candidate. Even more difficult if the candidate is still in a different role (awkwardly keeps phone on desk all day, then runs off to the bathroom to take a call). But fear not, if you use a video platform with “one-way Solos”, you’ll never miss a candidate again. With Solo interviews consultants can agree on a set number of key interview questions with their clients, then send these on via a link for candidates to answer at a time that suits. Not only does this give added flexibility to the candidate, it also means recruiters are able to screen a much higher volume of candidates faster than ever before. Better for the consultant, better for candidates and better for clients.
Video one, telephone nil.
Improved Screening
Next up, there’s the added advantage of being able to actually see candidates over video before deciding whether to progress them to the next stage or not. Unlike with phone interviews, video gives a much better indication of a candidate’s fit. You’ll be able to assess their mannerisms and gauge how confident they are, or if they’re struggling to make eye contact. You can see how they’re dressed and if they’re smiling or not. None of which can be done on Mr Bell’s trusty invention. Yes, in a phone interview candidates will answer your questions and it can help speed things up, but the added advantage video offers takes the screening process to a whole new level.
Video two, telephone nil.
More Control, Less Investment for Your Clients
With video interviews your clients have complete visibility throughout the process. And they’ll be able to see first-hand the work you’re putting in to find their dream hire. Once you’ve completed their first stage interviews on video, you can send them a link to an online shortlist. The shortlisted candidate videos (solos, two-way or both) will appear in a dashboard, with their CVs and any other documents they’ve requested attached.
Your clients can then watch the videos and read all accompanying documents at a time that suits them. They can also share these with all other stakeholders in their business without the need for any internal diary coordination. By the time your client is ready to meet your candidates – either in person or via one of your virtual interview rooms – they’re already way ahead of the game. For them, this means no more time wasted spending an hour with a candidate who they’ve discounted in the first five minutes but feel obliged to put through their paces. And for you, this means a vastly increased interview to hire ratio. Win win!
Video three, telephone nil.
Don’t Get Hung Up
So, when weighing up the pros and cons, it’s clear phone interviews have had their day. Video interviewing allows you to provide a much better service to your clients, plus it gives your candidates a better experience too. So, don’t listen to Blondie… leave them hanging on the telephone.
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