Are Virtual Interviews Better Than In-person Interviews?
The modern hiring landscape has dramatically shifted, with 82% of hiring managers saying that they adopted virtual interviews mostly because of the pandemic, and 93% plan to use virtual interviews in the future. According to Jobvite, 61% of recruiters predict that the hiring process will involve a combination of virtual and in-person going forward, while 22% said they plan to conduct all-virtual hiring. So, the big question is: Which is better: Virtual interviews or in-person interviews?
Currently, the interview landscape continues to be divided between virtual and in-person interviews. Both have their pros and cons and work well in finding top talent, but the preference for virtual interviews is on the rise. A survey conducted by Glassdoor shows that 70% of job seekers prefer virtual interviews, valuing the efficiency and convenience they offer. In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of online and in-person interviews to help demystify the hiring process.
What is a Virtual Interview?
A virtual interview is a job interview conducted via video conferencing platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Skype. These interviews can occur in real-time or as recorded sessions, allowing candidates to respond to questions at their convenience.
Virtual interviews can be conducted from the comfort of your own home or anywhere with an Internet connection. This not only saves time but can significantly ease the pre-interview jitters associated with traditional settings. As a result, it transforms the interview space into a familiar environment.
What is an in-person Interview?
An in-person interview involves a direct face-to-face interaction between candidates and interviewers. It is held at the employer's office or a designated location.
In-person interviews allow candidates to showcase their personality, professionalism, and interpersonal skills beyond what a virtual setting can offer. Employers, too, can better gauge the candidate's non-verbal cues, presence, and overall cultural fit within the organization.
Are Virtual Interviews Better Than In-Person Interviews: Exploring the Pros and Cons
With the rise of remote work and advancement in technology, virtual interviews have become a popular alternative to face-to-face interviews. But are they truly better? Let’s find out by weighing the pros and cons of both.
Virtual Interviews Advantages
Virtual interviews offer numerous advantages, including the following:
Cost-effectiveness: Virtual interviews eliminate expenses associated with travel and hosting physical interviews, such as venue rentals or catering. This makes the whole process more budget-friendly for both employees and candidates.
Convenience and flexibility: No commuting or travel expenses. One of the key benefits of online interviews is convenience. It eliminates the need for candidates to travel to the office, which can be a major advantage for those who live far away or have busy schedules. Virtual interviews provide more scheduling options, accommodating candidates from different time zones and reducing scheduling conflicts.
Time efficiency: Virtual interviews save time by eliminating the need for candidates to travel to different locations. Additionally, it allows for flexible scheduling of video interviews and online assessments, which can speed up the hiring process.
Easy to include team members in the interview: Virtual settings make it easier to include multiple team members from different locations in the interview process. This inclusion can provide a broader perspective on the candidate's fit within the team and company culture.
Reduces time to hire: The efficiency of virtual interviews often leads to quicker decision-making, reducing the overall time to hire. This rapid turnaround is critical in competitive job markets where top candidates are often snapped up quickly.
Broader talent pool: Virtual interviews open up opportunities to connect with candidates from anywhere in the world, expanding the talent pool. Employers can find skilled individuals regardless of geographic limitations, fostering a diverse and dynamic workforce.
Disadvantages:
Connectivity issues: While technology is an asset, it can be a double-edged sword. Poor internet connections and software glitches can disrupt the flow of conversations, affecting the overall experience and assessment.
Background noise or distractions: A virtual interview from home has its share of distractions. Background noises or interruptions from family members or pets can create an unprofessional atmosphere during virtual interviews. All of this can draw the recruiter's attention away and potentially affect the interview outcomes.
Need the right video conferencing platform: If you are not using the right video conferencing platform, it’s impossible to have an efficient and consistent round of interviews. If you don’t have the right platform, candidates have to download the app first, which causes delays.
Lack of rapport: Virtual interviews may not provide the same opportunity to build rapport with the interviewer. This can make it harder for candidates to establish a personal connection and increase their chances of success.
In-person Interviews Advantages
Overcome language barriers: Non-verbal cues like gestures and facial expressions are used by candidates for whom English is a second language.
Personal connection: Face-to-face interviews offer a more personal touch and a chance to create a stronger connection with the candidate. Being in the same physical space can help put the candidate at ease and allow for more natural communication.
Non-verbal behavior: In-person interviews provide an opportunity for the interviewer to assess non-verbal behavior, such as body language and facial expressions, which can be difficult to gauge in a virtual meeting. Body language and eye contact can reveal confidence and interest.
Environment assessment: In-person interviews enable candidates to assess the workplace culture and environment firsthand. This firsthand experience can guide their decision-making regarding their fit within the company.
Assessment of interpersonal skills: Meeting face-to-face allows interviewers to assess the candidate’s interpersonal skills better. The nuance of verbal exchanges and immediate feedback provides a clear view of a candidate's soft skills.
Disadvantages:
Time and travel commitment: Traveling for an interview can be time-consuming and stressful. Candidates may face long commutes which disrupt their daily routines and add unnecessary pressure to the process.
Interviewer bias: In-person interactions can sometimes lead to unconscious biases based on looks, physical appearance, or personal connections. Such biases can affect the objectivity of the interview process, leading to unfair evaluations.
Increased pressure: Some candidates may experience heightened stress during in-person interviews due to the immediate scrutiny. This pressure can impact their performance and, ultimately, their chances of landing the role.
Potential for delays: Unforeseen circumstances such as traffic, scheduling conflicts, or travel delays can lead to time wasted. This unpredictability may frustrate candidates and impact their overall interview experience.
Factors to Consider
Let’s go through 5 key factors that will help you make the best choice between online and in-person interviews:
Nature of the role
There are varying requirements for different roles for both in-person and virtual interviews. Face-to-face interviews can assess soft skills more effectively in positions that demand interpersonal skills or creativity.
Industry standards
Certain industries may incline more heavily toward one interviewing style over the other. For example, tech firms are more accustomed to virtual interviews, while some industries, like healthcare, prefer in-person interactions to assess communication effectiveness.
Availability of software
Virtual interview tools should be accessible and reliable. Both the organization and the candidates can significantly impact the success of virtual formats by considering the technological capabilities.
Stage of the Hiring Process
The phase of the hiring process may dictate the format. Early-stage screenings might benefit from the virtual interviews, while final evaluations may require in-person meetings to establish a deeper connection.
Preferences of Candidate
Respecting the candidate's preferred interview method can enhance their experience. Taking their comfort into account not only promotes a positive atmosphere but also yields better recruitment results.
Conclusion
When it comes to conducting job interviews, many hiring managers are faced with the question of whether to opt for a virtual interview or an in-person interview. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and the decision ultimately depends on various factors, including the nature of the job, the location of the candidate, the industry, and the preference of the candidate. Remember, the right interview approach can significantly impact your hiring outcome and overall success.