More job interviews done via video

HR teams see shift to videoconferencing in past three years

Forty per cent of HR directors interviewed for a Robert Half division say they have increased their use of videoconferencing in the recruitment process over the past three years.

The survey, based on 600 executive interviews carried out by the secretarial and administrative recruitment arm of Robert Half, OfficeTeam UK, in December, concluded there has been a shift towards use of video technology by hirers.

Phil Sheridan, managing director of OfficeTeam UK, said in a PR statement that the technology had improved, and it was also becoming harder to find the right skills locally.

"Hiring managers are turning towards technology to assist them in the hiring process. Videoconferencing allows hiring managers to conduct a visual and verbal assessment," he added.

Fifty-six per cent of the 200 respondents who were HR directors, and were doing more video interviews, said it was because the quality of videoconferencing tools had improved.

Forty-one per cent said it was because of an increased number of domestic candidates from other towns or locations.

Thirty-two per cent of that group of respondents cited increased numbers of international candidates. Another 32 per cent noted video was good for interviewing shortlisted candidates, while 31 per cent noted the increasing prevalence of free or low-cost video tools such as Skype.

Some 21 per cent simply said it was "to avoid the commute", while one per cent cited other, unlisted reasons.

Sheridan said candidates must remember that video interviews are like being interviewed in person. "Hiring managers will still be assessing physical attributes such as non-verbal communication, professional attire and confidence," he said.

However, Sheridan also said that in his view videoconferencing will never replace in-person interviews completely, despite its convenience.

"Technology is continually advancing, so it seems only fitting that businesses take advantage of the convenience it offers. However, videoconferencing will not and should not replace traditional means of assessing and hiring a candidate, which can only be gleaned from an in-person meeting," he claimed.

The OfficeTeam UK poll also found that 89 per cent of senior executive respondents were finding it tough to recruit skilled professionals. SMBs were finding it the most difficult.