Scale Up Your Hiring Process | Explore Different Interview Platforms

When most people hear the word “interview,” a very specific image comes to our mind. Two people in business suits having a friendly conversation: “Tell me about yourself”, “What did you do in your previous job?”, “Why did you choose us?”, “How do you see yourself on a scale of 5 to 10? ” But recruiting today is a completely different ball game altogether. However, in the age of digitalization, most job interviews are transitioning from face-to-face interviews to online interviews. Different interview platforms help evaluate applicants from other regions and facilitate recruitment. Video interviews are a convenient format that saves recruiters time. The service’s features include the ability to post jobs on job sites with one click and record applicants in a single database. 

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Face-to-face interviews remain the most common, especially in the final stages of recruitment. Studies show that around 60-70% of companies use them, but that percentage may be lower for initial audits. Telephone interviews are often used when initial screening or in-person interviews are not practical. Research suggests that it is used by approximately 40-50% of companies. Video interviews are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience and large number of candidates. Research shows that 20-30% of businesses use them, and that number is growing. 

The process of interviewing and recruiting new employees is crucial for any organization as it can greatly impact a candidate’s decision to join a company. Therefore, recruiters should focus on improving their hiring practices by selecting the best interviewing platform, style, and assessment methods to attract top talent. Organizations have different interview platforms, but they typically use two types of interview styles: Online or in-person. To better understand the different interview platforms and how they work, let’s explore their features and determine which one is the best fit for you.

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Telephonic interview

A telephone interview is a type of interview used to select candidates in a recruitment process initially. For a successful phone interview, the hiring manager or HR department must properly prepare by knowing what to ask the applicant. Before conducting a telephone interview, it’s important to know the pros and cons of this method. 

Telephone interviews are beneficial for candidates as this is the most crucial selection process. The main goal is to verify if the candidate is honest on their resume. A telephone interview allows you to get to know the person remotely and form a first impression of them. If the impression is negative, there is no point in proceeding with further steps. This way, a recruiter or hiring manager can streamline the hiring process without spending a lot of time on face-to-face interviews.

Pros and cons of Telephone Interviews

Telephone interviews are becoming an increasingly popular method for selecting talent, as they offer several important advantages. 

• Firstly, they allow you to obtain basic information about a candidate right away, without having to meet them in person. 
• They save time by eliminating the need to conduct face-to-face interviews with every candidate. 
• Telephone interviews can help to reduce stress for the applicant, as they can be conducted in a comfortable environment. 
• They enable you to interview candidates from other cities without the need for travel.

However, there are some drawbacks to using telephone interviews as a selection method. 

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• You will not be able to visually assess the candidate’s emotions, body language, or gestures.
• You will need to rely solely on their voice. 
• There is a time limit for the interview, and it should not be too long.

Despite these limitations, telephone interviews can still be an effective tool for conducting a preliminary assessment of a candidate. By using this interview method, you can determine whether it is worth inviting the candidate for an in-person interview and further evaluation.

Online Interview or Live Video Interview

Let’s discuss a part of the different interview platforms; live online interviews where recruiters and applicants interact in real-time. Unlike video interviews, candidates are asked questions, and their responses are recorded on camera, which is then sent to the hiring manager. However, it can be challenging to form a first impression of a person through a screen. Therefore, it is essential to prepare carefully for remote interviews. We must consider many nuances, such as whether the candidate possesses the necessary technical knowledge to participate in the interview, whether the connection is stable, and whether the headset is working correctly. Additionally, it is crucial to have a plan in place to address any audio issues that may arise during the interview.

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Pros of Online Interview

• One of the main advantages of conducting online interviews is that they help HR professionals save both time and money. The online format allows you to communicate with multiple candidates in a short amount of time without having to worry about finding an empty room, spacing between applicants, or waiting for latecomers. Additionally, in the event of scheduling conflicts, candidates can simply join the meeting a little later, rather than waiting in the company office.
• If your position involves remote work or relocation, online interviews can help you interview candidates from other cities, allowing you to identify and attract skilled candidates from a wider area.
• Online interviews also provide a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere for candidates, which can help them better manage their fears and demonstrate their skills to you. 
• HR professionals can record interviews and view them at any time to show managers the interviews with selected applicants. 

Cons of Online Interview

• For many people, being on camera can cause anxiety and make it difficult to evaluate their soft skills accurately. On the other hand, some candidates may be experts in video conferencing, making it easier for them to present themselves well during an online interview. However, it can be challenging for recruiters to accurately assess a candidate’s nonverbal expressions and energy during an online interview. 
• Online interviews can be continuous, making it challenging for recruiters to switch from one candidate to another efficiently. To help resolve these issues, candidates can complete a summary sheet or review the video of their online interview to provide a more accurate evaluation. 
• Online interviews also make it challenging for recruiters to sell the company’s culture and ethos as applicants are unable to visit the office.
• Candidates who pass a face-to-face interview tend to be more loyal than those who pass based on the results of online communication. 
• Online interviews are highly dependent on the quality of the internet connection. 

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Whiteboard coding assessments

When hiring software developers, it is important to distinguish between candidates with basic knowledge of a programming language and those who are experts in it. Experienced programmers are more efficient at producing error-free code, and it is crucial to be able to evaluate an applicant’s programming skills accurately.

Recruiters have traditionally used whiteboard coding tests to assess an applicant’s coding skills. In these tests, candidates are required to solve programming tasks on a whiteboard in front of an interviewer. Employers usually administer whiteboard coding tests in person, but they can also conduct them virtually. During an in-person test, candidates must solve coding problems on a whiteboard while the hiring team observes them. Virtual tests may require applicants to write on a digital whiteboard using video conferencing software. However, these tests have some advantages and disadvantages that need to be considered.

Pros of Whiteboard Coding Assessments

• Evaluating technical candidates beyond their resumes is made easier.
• It becomes more efficient with an automated scoring system, allowing multiple candidates to be evaluated in minutes. 
• Easy integration into applicant tracking systems further streamlines the hiring process.

Cons of Whiteboard Coding Assessments

• As this is a new trend, candidates may not be aware of the functionality of such software, making it difficult to use. 
• Candidates with an unstable internet connection may struggle to complete the exam effectively. 
• It is important to note that such tests do not solely determine whether a candidate is suitable for the job. 
• Employers should also evaluate candidates’ communication, teamwork, and leadership skills. 
• Software testing can be expensive, which can be a disadvantage for some companies.

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In-person interview

In-person interviews offer the benefit of face-to-face interaction, the ability to read body language and nonverbal cues, and the opportunity to establish a rapport. So, in different interview platforms, it is called one of the effective intervening methods. However, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of video interviews.

Pros In-person interview 

• One of the main advantages of having a personal, face-to-face interview is the opportunity to interact with the interviewer in person. This allows you to build personal connections and showcase your communication skills, which are important in securing a job. 
• Another benefit of face-to-face interviews is that you can pick up nonverbal cues from the interviewer, such as their facial expressions and body language. This can help you gauge their reaction and respond accordingly. 
• During a personal interview, you can build a relationship with the interviewer, which will help you to control on nerves and increase your chances of success.

Cons In-person interview 

• However, there are some disadvantages to personal interviews, such as the time and expense required for travel and missing work. 
• There can be distractions during the interview, such as ambient noise or interruptions that might affect your performance. 
• Finally, some individuals may feel nervous or intimidated by formal face-to-face interviews, which can negatively impact their performance.

Also Read: Hiring Manager’s Guide to Interviews and Interview Intelligence

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing the best in different interview platforms, it is important to consider your specific requirements and the type of job you are hiring for. While phone interviews are great for initial screening, video interviews can provide a more personal touch and allow you to evaluate the candidate’s body language. For technical roles, a whiteboard coding review can be helpful, but it should not be the only deciding factor. In-person meetings are still valuable and provide an opportunity to establish a personal connection, but they can be time-consuming and costly. Ultimately, the different interview platforms depend on your specific needs and the particular role you are trying to fill. Select a solution that enables you to assess candidates and make informed hiring decisions effectively.

BarRaiser is the best video Interview platform, and our team helps business owners, executives, startups, and small businesses recruit. Our transparent and interview process, and guide for interviewers program ensures we recruit the best candidates for companies.