Video interviews have become an essential part of the hiring process. As companies embrace remote work and look to cast a wider net for top talent, video interview platforms provide an efficient way to screen and assess candidates without geographic limitations.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about selecting, implementing, and getting the most out of a video interview solution.
What are Video Interview Platforms and Why are They Valuable?
A video interview platform is software that enables recruiters and hiring managers to conduct interviews with candidates through video conferencing and pre-recorded videos.
Here are some of the major benefits video platforms provide:
-
Save time and money – No need to coordinate schedules or pay for candidates to travel onsite for early screening calls. Recruiters save 8 hours per candidate on average.
-
Reach more candidates – Have access to a global talent pool instead of just local applicants.
-
Remove geographic barriers – Assess candidates no matter where they are located.
-
Standardize interviews – Ask all candidates the same questions and compare responses more objectively with recorded answers.
-
Enhance candidate experience – Candidates can interview from the comfort of their own home. The process is more convenient for them.
-
Gather more insights – Video provides visual and verbal cues that a phone screen does not capture. Evaluate things like culture add just as much as skills fit.
It‘s clear why video interview software has become a vital part of the recruitment tech stack!
Key Features to Look For
Not all video software platforms are created equal. As you evaluate options, here are some must-have features:
Integration with existing tools – The best video interview tools plug right into your current tech stack including your ATS, calendar, and other HR systems. This simplifies implementation tremendously.
Analytics and reporting – Track key metrics like interviews completed, duration, questions asked, ratings per candidate, and more. The best tools provide dashboards and custom reporting options.
Security – Video tools house sensitive candidate data including personal information and recorded interviews. Robust encryption, access controls, and SOC 2 compliance should be standard.
Customization – Tailor the interview experience to match your employer branding from the interview portal to the questions asked. Some tools even provide candidate feedback surveys.
Mobility – In today‘s market, a mobile-friendly solution is a must. Candidates should be able to complete interviews from their phones or tablets with ease.
Scalability – As your hiring needs evolve, your video platform must scale up fluidly. Look for vendors with proven ability to handle enterprise deployment.
Leading Video Interview Platforms Compared
Now that you know what to look for in video software, let‘s evaluate some top options:
| Platform | Key Strengths | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Spark Hire | Intuitive interface, structured interviews | High volume hiring |
| HireVue | Advanced analytics and AI capabilities | Assessment and screening |
| VidCruiter | Global enterprises, integration ecosystem | Compliance-driven organizations |
| myInterview | Candidate friendly experience | Employer branding |
| Hireflix | Simple and affordable | Growing companies |
Spark Hire stands out for its easy-to-use platform that enables creating structured interviews with preset questions that every candidate answers to eliminate bias. The advanced analytics make it simple to compare candidates side-by-side.
HireVue pioneered the video space with its robust analytics including AI algorithms that analyze facial expressions, word choice, and more both during live and prerecorded interviews. The custom assessments help companies thoroughly screen candidates.
VidCruiter is trusted by large global enterprises like Porsche, UPS, and Northwestern Mutual. The software integrates smoothly with major HRIS systems and includes compliance features like consent forms and candidate invitations.
MyInterview offers a white-labeled, completely customizable platform where clients can tailor everything to align to their employer brand – a differentiator for those focused on candidate experience.
Hireflix balances simplicity and affordability while still packing a punch with one-way recorded interviews, automated scheduling, and API integration. It‘s a cost-effective option for small and mid-sized companies.
As you can see, there are stellar options for companies of every size and niche. Conduct demos, speak to customer service, and leverage free trials to select the best fit.
Conducting Effective Video Interviews
Once you‘ve chosen a video platform, it‘s time to start interviewing candidates! Here are some tips to get the most out of your virtual interviews:
Lighting – Position light sources in front and/or above you to evenly illuminate your face. Avoid having bright light behind you.
Background – Sit in front of a neutral wall to avoid distractions. Some tools provide virtual backgrounds.
Framing – Use your webcam at eye level and frame your face leaving some space above your head.
Attire – Dress professionally as you would for an in-office interview. Avoid bold patterns or distracting jewelry.
Audio – Use a headset for best sound quality and position your mic near your mouth not directly in front.
Eye contact – Look directly into the camera when speaking to mimic natural eye contact.
Materials – Have the candidate‘s resume and your questions easily accessible. Writing utensils and water may also be helpful.
With the logistics down, you can focus on conducting a structured interview using good open-ended questions and attentively assessing responses taking notes on what you observe.
Many tools provide collaboration features so you can review recordings and exchange feedback with other hiring decision-makers before moving candidates forwards or rejecting them.
Best Practices for Assessment
Along with asking sound interview questions, be sure to leverage the advantages of the video medium to evaluate candidates:
Watch for nonverbal cues – Facial expressions and body language say a lot. Does the candidate appear engaged, confident, and interested? Do their nonverbal behaviors align with their verbal responses?
Pay attention to clarity – Can you understand their communication? Do they structure thoughts coherently and provide concise yet compelling responses?
Note soft skills – Assess things like eye contact, professionalism in dress and background, smile, energy level, and more.
Compare tool analytics – Machine algorithms can analyze verbal pacing, sentiment, vocabulary complexity, and more. Review this data carefully to complement your subjective opinions.
Collaborate with other reviewers – Leverage coordination features to exchange perspectives across your hiring team for the most comprehensive evaluations possible.
Blending human assessment with software analytics puts video interviews miles ahead of traditional phone screens when it comes to thoroughly evaluating candidates both hard and soft skills.
The Future of Video Interviewing
Video interviewing adoption is rapidly accelerating. According to Harvard Business Review, 90% of organizations are open to using video interviews more post-pandemic.
Drivers of this growth include:
- Ongoing embrace of remote work and hiring
- Desire for greater diversity and inclusion
- Need for faster, more efficient hiring cycles
- Generational preference for virtual communication
As video usage increases, expect platforms to invest in their AI capabilities even further helping to remove bias, standardize assessment, and ensure fairness across candidates.
We‘ll also likely see expanded integration ecosystems with more HR platforms supporting one-click video interviews across the talent lifecycle from applicants to employees.
Key Takeaways
Here are the big lessons around getting started with video interview software:
- Video platforms save money while expanding candidate reach leading more organizations to adopt solutions
- Choose technology aligned to your hiring volume, budget, industry compliance needs, and existing tech stack
- Set candidates up for success by conducting standardized, structured interviews
- Assess responses systematically taking into account analytics data to mitigate bias
- Collaborate with other decision makers to collect diverse viewpoints on fits
- Expect video interviews to increasingly be staples in talent acquisition as remote hiring continues rising
Ready to streamline your hiring process leveraging the power of virtual interviews? Contact our recommended top video software vendors above to explore how implementing a platform can benefit your organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price range for video software?
Entry-level solutions typically run $100-$200 per month for a basic package while enterprise tools can cost upwards of $10k annually. Mid-market options offer strong functionality around $500-$1500 per year. Many vendors provide quotes based on expected usage.
What challenges may companies face adopting video interview software?
The main hurdles typically relate to integration complexity, internal stakeholder adoption across HR and hiring teams, and ensuring a smooth candidate experience. Lean on vendor support during onboarding and rollout. Most issues can be swiftly addressed with some end user training and tweaks.
Could automated video interviews ever fully replace real-time interviews?
It is unlikely automated interviews will entirely replace live interactions because they focus more on hard skills assessment. However early screening stages could employ more automation while final round interviews preserve human interactions assessing culture add. Striking the optimal blend will continue evolving.
How can I ensure candidates have a positive experience with video interviews?
Providing convenient self-scheduling, mobile accessibility, and a user-friendly portal are baseline requirements companies must meet. Additionally, being transparent on expectations, giving clear instructions, providing practice questions, and showing candidates the technology works during scheduling can get them properly prepared to shine.
