Video is becoming an important tool for recruiters and HR advisers today. If you aren’t using the right video tools in your recruitment process, you might be missing out on a time-saving and cost-effective solution.
One of the most efficient ways to use video in the hiring process is as a screening tool to pre-qualify candidates. It allows you to manage large candidate pools effectively and, ultimately, make more informed hiring decisions.
A key tool as the pandemic recedes
Video tools will come to the fore as the impact of COVID-19 recedes and recruitment activity increases. We saw significant attrition in 2020 as businesses cut resources in response to the crisis. Now that we are moving towards recovery, many industries are back to business as usual, and there is a need to bolster staff levels and bring in new talent. In fact, job vacancies have already returned to pre-pandemic levels and will likely continue to increase as more businesses look to the future.
It’s likely our candidate pools will also increase significantly. Many recruiters are already working with larger candidate numbers due to pandemic-related job losses, and I think we are also going to see an increase in those looking to change jobs. COVID-19 changed values, goals and focus for many, and this will likely translate to more people looking for a career change in 2021. Recruiters will be busier than ever before, so a tool that can pre-screen candidates without a consultant having to pick up the phone is a game-changer.
A significant time saver for recruiters and HR
If you consider the time spent locking phone interviews into diaries and then allocating time to have the discussion, we are talking at least a few hours per interview. Then you have to record or transcribe them and store them. You have to rely on memory for several factors, and accurately comparing, sharing and evaluating responses can be difficult.
With Turbo’s video interviewing platform, you can set up a list of questions and allocate a defined time limit for each response. A link is sent to potential candidates, which is accessible on any device (PC, tablet or phone). Candidates can simply click on the link and record and submit their responses.
Recruiters can then view the videos and the candidate responses in their own time. Videos can be shared with other recruiters within the business, and a decision can be made quickly and collaboratively on who to progress to the next round. Whether you are recruiting for ten roles or 100, it is a material time saving that translates into a cost saving for your business.
Candidate video interviews are recorded live with no chance to see the questions beforehand or go back and review or change responses. The tool gives you a chance to see how the candidate would perform at interview and their ability to think on their feet.
It will also give you a far better impression of a candidate’s personality and how they would fit into your (or your client’s) culture than over a phone call. You can get an indication of how they dress, how they speak, and how they present themselves. It helps you make more informed decisions about cultural fit and understand how seriously the candidate is taking the role before you progress them.
Breaking down geographic barriers
With today’s increase in remote and flexible working, more companies will be interested in casting the net wider to find the best talent. For recruiters and HR teams, this means you might be recruiting candidates well out of your usual area, so getting comfortable with video tools is a must.
One-way video interviews are also helpful if you are working for an organisation with offices in multiple locations. If you have offices in Sydney and Singapore, for example, you can share shortlisted candidate videos with management based in the other city to get a broader range of opinions to make the right hiring decision for the business.
An opportunity for the candidate to become an interview star
In an employer’s market, it can be challenging for candidates to differentiate themselves. There are only so many ways a candidate can make a resume stand out. Video interviews give them a chance to showcase their skills and personality.
While it might feel a little daunting at first, candidates have the opportunity to complete a practice run. Practice questions get them comfortable with the format and provide the opportunity to check the background, lighting and sound levels, so that they can put their best foot forward in the live video.
For candidates who do their research and prepare themselves, this provides them with a significant advantage to showcase their key attributes and a chance to stand out from the crowd.
If your existing recruitment process isn’t cutting it in 2021, get in touch with Turbo to find out how we can help you with everything from pre-screening videos to onboarding and employee engagement.