Thanks to advances in technology, more and more people are getting comfortable with using virtual tools, especially ones that are used for communication and conversation – like Skype, WhatsApp and Zoom. Of course, there are still reservations about whether or not this type of virtual communication is as personal as face-to-face. And, while the two are obviously different for a variety of reasons, there are actually some great benefits to using video-based conversations, especially in the interview process at your business.
One of the latest trends in business interviews is using video assessments. These assessments not only allow interviews to be conducted remotely, but they are a great way for companies to save time and money. Plus, these video assessments are proving to be a more fair, accurate, and reliable way to determine which candidates are right for the job.
If you want to try implementing video assessments for your next round of interviews, here are some tips to help you make a successful video.
- Make a Fair Script. One of the biggest advantages to using a video assessment in the interview process is that each candidate will be asked the exact same questions – and in the exact same way. Whereas an interviewer could change their tone and their mood over the course of several hours, a recorded video won’t change. But, because this video will be used with each candidate, it’s important to make a video script that’s fair to each candidate. Before recording the video, have several different people read through the script to make sure the questions are fair (and necessary) for all candidates to answer.
- Create an Objective Rating System. Once you’ve created the video assessment, spend time writing down the answers and responses you and your team are looking for. What do you want to hear? What are you hoping or needing to see? Having an idea of what you’re looking for before you start watching the responses will help you stay objective and make it less likely to select a candidate based off of biases.
- Use Video Assessments Strategically. Every business is different, which means that what you need to see from each candidate you interview will be different, too. While some companies want to hire based off of competency (how well does a candidate really understand soccer?), other companies are looking more for a work culture fit (does the candidate share interests with members of the team?) Knowing how you want to use a video assessment before you implement it will help make sure you create an assessment that will answer your questions.
When done with thought and consideration, video assessments are a great way to make interviews more personal – not less. And, because of the huge success they’re having at finding candidates who stay with companies longer, you can expect to see them being used more and more frequently in the business world.