The shift towards remote work has also prompted many companies to do remote interviews. Its convenience and flexibility benefit both hiring managers and job applicants—there’s no need to get dressed and travel and be stuck in traffic.
However, virtual interviews may have a few drawbacks for certain types of job roles, especially when they involve hiring for senior management roles. As a hiring manager, it still felt different when you met face-to-face with the job candidate and observed their body language. But when talking about speeding up the hiring process for a large volume of applicants, initial screening processes through virtual interviews are a must to filter out candidates.
Regardless of your company’s current interview type, let’s talk about why people love remote interviews and some of their advantages and drawbacks.
Remote Interviews – Pros and Cons
There are always two sides to everything; whether you’re offering remote interviews or in-person ones, pros and cons will be present. And the choice your company is making should outweigh its drawbacks.
Pros
- Flexibility – interviews can be done in the comfort of your home
- Cost-savings – there’s no need for transportation and accommodation costs
- Accessibility – interviews are easy access to talents from far locations and those people with disabilities.
- Improved candidate experience – candidates can easily do the interviews on their comfortable couches.
Cons
- Technical issues – internet connection problems or a few technical issues related to interviewing tool software are common problems with remote interviews.
- Distractions – distractions from family and pets may distract the interviewee’s focus.
- Lack of connection – the connections between virtual interviews and in-person may be different.
Types of Jobs That Favors Virtual Interviews More Than In-Person
As mentioned earlier, certain job types may be better suited to virtual interviews than in-person ones. Here are some of these job types:
Remote positions
Any job that has already been advertised as fully remote or work-from-home is ideal for virtual interviews because the job itself lends itself to a virtual work environment.
Tech industry jobs
Virtual interviews are a natural fit for jobs in the tech industry, which often need knowledge and skills related to digital communication and collaboration.
Freelance positions
Virtual interviews work well for freelance jobs that often require self-motivation, good time management, and good communication skills.
Creative industry jobs
Jobs in the creative industry, such as graphic design or copywriting, may focus more on portfolio review and digital collaboration, which can be done effectively through virtual interviews.
Sales positions
Sales positions often require strong communication skills and the ability to connect with clients remotely, making virtual interviews a fitting method for evaluating a candidate’s abilities.
Marketing jobs
Marketing jobs, particularly digital marketing jobs, involve working with digital tools and platforms, making them suitable for virtual interviews.
Customer service positions
Many customer service jobs can be done from home, and a candidate’s communication skills and ability to deal with customer questions and complaints can be judged in a virtual interview.
Education jobs
With the rise of remote learning, jobs in the education industry like online tutoring, designing e-learning courses, and online teaching may be better suited to virtual interviews because they already require digital skills and remote communication.
Is your company hiring for these job roles? Then you’re on the right track by conducting virtual interviews with potential job candidates.
Top Reasons Why People Love Remote Interviews
Here are the top eight reasons why many job candidates fall in love with virtual interviews repeatedly—and it’s not just for obvious reasons.
Introvert-friendly
Introverted candidates who might feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable in a traditional in-person interview setting might feel more at ease in a virtual interview. Introverts might like a virtual interview because it gives them a sense of privacy and allows them to control their environment and limit social interactions during the process.
This can allow them to focus on their strengths and skills rather than feeling distracted or anxious during the interview. Also, introverted candidates may have a better chance of getting hired through virtual interviews because they are not judged on their ability to network or talk to people in a group setting.
Reduced pressure
Virtual interviews may be less stressful for candidates than in-person interviews, as they are not in a formal office setting, and candidates may be able to take breaks if needed. This can help candidates stay calm and focused during the interview process, which can improve their performance.
Increased anonymity
Virtual interviews may give candidates more privacy than in-person interviews because they are not in a place where other people could see them. This can help candidates feel more comfortable and confident during the interview, as they are not worried about being judged or recognized by others.
Ability to showcase personality
Virtual interviews may allow candidates to showcase their personalities more effectively than in-person interviews, as they can use virtual backgrounds, props, or other tools to create a memorable impression. This can help candidates stand out from other candidates and leave a lasting impression on the interviewer.
Flexibility of scheduling
One of the primary advantages of virtual interviews is the increased flexibility in scheduling. Unlike in-person interviews, which often require candidates to travel to a specific location and block out a significant amount of time, virtual interviews can be scheduled more easily and flexibly. This can be especially helpful for candidates with other commitments or schedule conflicts like work, school, or family.
With virtual interviews, candidates can often schedule interviews around their existing schedules, rather than rearranging their entire day to accommodate an in-person interview. This can help candidates figure out how to balance their other responsibilities with their job search, making the interview process less stressful and easier to handle.
Also, easily scheduling virtual interviews allows people to apply for jobs and take advantage of more opportunities.
Reduced biases
One possible benefit of remote interviews is that they might make it harder for people to be biased based on their looks, race, or gender, which can happen during in-person interviews. When interviews are done in person, unconscious biases can affect how the interviewer sees the candidate and whether or not they are a good fit for the job. For example, a candidate’s looks or behaviour may lead the interviewer to make decisions that have nothing to do with the candidate’s skills or experience.
Remote interviews can help level the playing field and lessen the effect of these kinds of biases. By only looking at the candidate’s skills, experience, and answers to interview questions, remote interviews may help make the interview process more fair and open to everyone.
This can be especially helpful for candidates from different backgrounds, who may face more problems and biases in traditional in-person interviews. By reducing the effect of biases, remote interviews can help make sure that candidates are judged based on their skills and qualifications, not on things they can’t change.
Final thoughts
Remote job interviews have become increasingly popular in recent years, as more companies embrace remote work and virtual communication. While in-person interviews have been the norm for a long time, remote interviews have a number of advantages that can make the interview process easier, more open, and more convenient for candidates.
From reduced bias and increased flexibility to improved time management and better accessibility, there are many reasons why people may prefer virtual interviews over traditional in-person interviews.
Finally, hiring managers can design an interview process that is both productive and efficient while also catering to the needs of their candidates by considering its pros and cons and deciding what works best for their business.