What are On Demand Video Interviews and How do they Work?
Posted by IntroMagic Team on January 25th, 2022
Apprehensions concerning on-demand video interviews continue to place candidates in a tight spot. No direct interaction with the hiring professional creates a sense of discomfort. However, technological intervention in the interview process makes the process simpler and smarter.Â
In the current scenario, on-demand video interviews are relevant and designed to allow candidates to explain their answers more clearly.Â
Although on demand interviews are a big hit, it comes with both the pros and cons. While these pre-recorded, predetermined questioning patterns increase effectiveness and save time and money, it also creates a panic situation for the applicant given the restricted time span.Â
On one hand, these types of interviews help determine the candidate’s promptness; whereas inversely, it also drops the applicant in a panicky situation if he/she is not prepared in advance.
With your appearance playing a pivotal role, it’s important to understand the in and out of the whole process. On-demand video interviews are all about brainstorming right within a limited time scale. Read on for a comprehensive insight.Â
What is an On-demand Video Interview?
In simple terms, an on-demand video interview is a process where the candidate has to answer a set of questions, pre-recorded by the interviewer.Â
It is a one-way video interview where the candidate remains active and has to record his/her response promptly. The recorded interview is later reviewed by the hiring team.Â
An on-demand video interview is an intelligent recruitment tool that allows the hiring professionals to be efficient by saving resources, time and money.Â
Highly scalable in nature, these processes help the companies to overcome the hiring challenges and choose the right candidate from amongst the pool of talent. It is a futuristic recruitment approach enabling talent acquisition scalability.
In an on-demand interview, it is you talking to yourself, complete absence of the hiring party. Be prepared because these interviews are technologically advanced to record responses with no one to reply, share hints or ask follow-up questions.Â
Prompt response, clear understanding of the questions, not being self-conscious and a strong internet bandwidth are the key elements to bring under lens a successful interview.Â
One of the pre-screening steps in the recruitment process, on-demand interview questions require the candidate to present their personality and knowledge more than what they mention on the CV.Â
The recruiter pre-records a few questions, shares across the interview platform link wherein the candidate has to record his/her responses in a video format, without any presence of the interviewer.Â
Preparedness, personality, practice, good internet connectivity, quiet environment and being yourself during an interview are some of the key pointers to consider before sitting down for an on-demand interview. Test your browser and equipment beforehand and be comfortable.Â
How On-Demand Interviews Work?
With more and more recruiters switching to asynchronous interviews, on-demand video interviews have become popular than ever. Candidates record their responses and share them over. The recruiter has the charge of the whole process.
There is no need for the recruiter to live perform the interview;. Moreover, once the responses are received, the interviewer can review them as per their convenience. This flexibility over time not only saves scheduling time but also saves company costs.
On-demand video interviews enable the recruiter to skip and pause the recorded interview if they find the candidate less qualified for the role. This is an efficient model that allows interviewing multiple candidates at the same time.
The workology of on-demand interviews is based on three simple steps:
- Step 1: The recruiter provides the candidates a set of questions via interview record platform.
- Step 2: On receiving the link, the candidates record their responses using a web camera or smartphone.
- Step 3: The recorded responses are then with the recruiter who analyzes the answers in real-time with the use of automation technologies.
Post review, the hiring team decides who fits right in the role and qualifies for further rounds. The complete process saves hiring time and saves the company’s cost. This tool proves to be a major boon when bulk applications are received for the desired role.
On-demand interviews are more convenient when compared to traditional telephonic or live interviews. The flexibility level of this process enables the interviewer to pick the right candidate with right experience and qualification. The recruiter’s time and efforts are focused on hiring right.
Types of On-Demand Video Interview Tools
Remote working is nearly the new normal. Taking in account the increasing virtual dependency, the recruitment process has also advanced and became more technologically-enhanced.
From calling candidates to now reviewing them through video interviews, a lot has changed. Thanks to on-demand video interview tools, hiring qualified talent is more efficient, systematic and creative.
On-demand video interview tools are majorly categorized into three types:
- ATS
- CRM software
- video interviewing software
Let’s discuss them in detail.
1. Applicant Tracking System (ATS)
This software helps in the management of recruitment and hiring processes. From creating a job post to making a job offer, this solution puts together the entire process. A one-stop solution for tracking candidates, it enables the recruiters to view and keep track of candidates and refrain from switching tabs, time and again.
ATS in the recruitment process provides solutions like job posting online, tracking and managing candidates, scheduling interviews, screening bulk resumes, managing job boards and what not. All in all, ATS optimizes the administrative process for primary recruitment using machine learning algorithms and data analytics.
2. Candidate Relationship Management (CRM) Software
This software enables the recruiters to micro-manage the entire recruitment process. It helps in attracting and engaging candidates while building relations with them for job openings. It simplifies tracking potential job candidates and provides positive relationship-based experience to applicants.
This automated platform uses analytics and multichannel networking to attract and engage candidates. Alongside speeding up the recruitment process, the software is best to encourage candidate engagement and experience.
3. Video Interviewing Software
This automated software allows the recruiter to pre-screen the candidates by conducting on-demand video interviews. It is one of the best options to screen multiple applicants at the same time.Â
It comes with features like auto-schedule interviews, record and review answers and their submission. This kind of software does not require the recruiter to sit through the interview. It cuts down cost, time to hire and allows for customized questions (in some cases). Connecting with potential candidates who best fit the team is now a click away.Â
These softwares are highly intelligent automated solutions, simplifying engagement, attracting target candidates, managing interviews and hiring the best potential for the team effectively.Â
Features of an On-Demand Video Interview Software
When assessing human psychology with technological intervention, accuracy plays a pivotal role throughout. Strong data and communication features enables recruiters to trust on-demand video interview softwares.
These softwares are the right combination of automation and accuracy that streamlines recruitment screening with capable candidates and helps in identifying right talent for the company. Let’s understand the features of an on-demand video interview software.
1. Job posting management
Creating job descriptions is a gruelling task for the recruiters. With an on-demand video interview software, however, the recruiters can simply upload the job requirements and the software provides job description templates to choose from.
Alongside, this software also offers services like managing job boards, job sites, candidate application visibility and management, all on one platform with third party integration.
2. Resume shifting automation
Shortlisting candidates is no cakewalk. Recruiters spend hours to find the right candidate. Leveraging this interview system, they can easily scan out the best resumes from the talent pool. How? Machine learning algorithms and text analysis feature streamlines resumes with requirements and find suitable matches from the huge data.Â
3. Interview questionnaire development
On-demand video interview software enables recruiters to upload pre-existing questionnaires in CSV format. The software further allows them to add more questions, as desired for the position, in their preferred formats like text, audio or video.Â
Being saved on secured cloud servers, the recruiters have the advantage of sharing these questionnaires with team members for question development. The platform also equips the hiring head to guide the candidate through the interview process via custom instruction guides.Â
4. Customizable branding facility
Many companies plan on customising their questionnaires for branding purposes. Well, this feature is very much available in on-demand video interview software.
Users can upload logos, colour codes, presentations and videos, or choose from pre-existing style guides available in the software. The platform allows promotion via interviews and expands the company’s scalability.
5. Auto interview scheduling
Both recruiters and candidates often face timing issues while scheduling interviews. Since an on-demand video interview clears out recruiters’ presence once they share the interview link, the candidate has the advantage of scheduling the interview as per his/her convenience.Â
Alongside setting reminders, candidates can also reschedule the interview in case they fail to appear for the former. Hence, this software solution offers both recruiter assistance and customer experience simultaneously.Â
6. One way video interview
In an one-way interview pattern, candidates can choose to give their interview without recruiters interference. They record the responses using webcam or smartphones and submit it to the cloud server.
However, there is no recruiters’ presence but the software has a time limit wherein the software jumps to next question automatically on exceeding the time limit. Candidates can re-record their answers if they are unsatisfied with the previous response, until they click the submit button.
Once the interview is on server, recruiters can access the files and analyse the responses via automated software. This feature saves time and is an ideal choice for bulk interviews.
How to Choose On-Demand Video Interview Software?
For choosing the right candidate for your organisation you must choose the right on-demand video interview software first. With so many options and features available, it gets overwhelming to select the one. Â
Before investing in any software, gain a thorough understanding of the solution you find useful. Follow the below recommended steps to put your money in the most useful software that address the company’s requisites.Â
- Analyze the requirements: Invest in some thinking and contemplate what are the recruitment needs and challenges the team is facing. Sit with the hiring team, discuss the existing problems and what kind of software will be suited to overcome them, or interview software replacement can be opted for. Analyse the situation and decide on the software features that will come across all the problems and help in making the best decision.Â
- Planning budget and investment: When on recruitment drive, you cannot spend fortunes to hire the right. Think smart. Compare your recruitment operations with the features of an on-demand video interview software and how its inclusion in the hiring process can lower your expenditure. Graph the expenditure and fix a budget. Contact third party software providers and get product quotes from them, rather than availing free software online and regretting later when they charge huge fees for advanced features.Â
- Shortlist software providers: Finding the accurate software is important and joining hands with an authentic on-demand video interview software provider seals the deal right. It is always advised to run background checks on the providers you have shortlisted. Give thorough reading to client news and ratings, third party reviews, company portfolio, product report and use cases, product details and amount and compare it with other competitors’ products in the market. Confirm the investment only when fully satisfied.Â
- Review online demos: Many providers offer online product demos. Utilise them and analyse which on-demand video interview is the best option for your company. Not only will it save you from overcrowding sales executives but will also help you in making evidence-based decisions while investing in the software.Â
- Decide and implement: minutes before finalising the deal, pause and recheck the details about the company and its on-demand video interview software. Track its users and references and get an overview. Next, discuss the software details with the department and ensure its usability and integration with business operations. Lastly, check for the software configuration, installation and other services. When sure of everything, purchase and integrate into your business operations.Â
Benefits of an On-Demand Video Interview Software
Every company works on an invest-benefit model. As the recruiters are making a significant switch from traditional interview model to asynchronous video interviews, it is important to understand the benefits these interview softwares provide to make an informed decision.
Here are some of the benefits of on-demand video interview software:
- Interview bulk candidates at one given time
- An efficient interview model, saves cost and time
- No stress over candidate no-shows, easy elimination
- Quality analysis, replay and fast forward interviews at your own pace
- Advantage of asking multiple questions, limits follow up interviews and save resources
- Allows candidates to re-record the interview if unsatisfied with initial attempt
- Brand promotion during on-demand video interview
- Allows customization and sends reminders
- Seamless integration with existing ATS
- Augments recruiter and candidate experience
For Candidates: How to Prepare for On-Demand Video Interviews
Remote working and video interviews have found the balance globally. Since on-demand video interviews are the new standards for recuitment, candidates are required to be prepared in advance.
As an applicant, you receive an interview link from the recruiter with a set of questions. In response, you are required to record answers in video format using webcam or smartphones. Talking alone can be quite intimidating especially when the recruiter makes a decision within a few minutes.
The solution is to sit prepared. Practice and personalise your interview. Follow these tips to create a lasting impression on your recruiter.
- Smooth Tech Connect: ensure that there is an uninterrupted internet connection before sitting down for your in-demand video interview. Switch to mobile hotspot, if wi-fi raises speed issues.
If other devices are in use, request for low or no usage during the interview. Further, check for webcam and camera. Avoid larger rooms for recording; if not, consider using headphones to record your audio and avoid an echo.
- Ace the Space: First and foremost, sit with a clear head, no interruptions or distractions. Make the people around you know about your interview.if possible, record in a space with a closed door.
Relax and streamline your time. For backdrop, keep the space clean and choose a light colour background. Emphasise on the proper lighting, sunlight works well (from a window in front of you,not behind). Switch on any source of light, avoid any glare on your screen. Good video quality earns a few brownie points.
- Power Dressing: considering remote working and pandemic situations, you may not want to over dress but decent formal outfit speaks professionalism. Choose clothes that compliment your personality and give a polished look.
Avoid bright colours, busy patterns or flashy prints that cause distraction when the resuiter reviews your interview. Collared or polo shirts are always considered subtle office wear.
- Research, Practice, Repeat: know it all about the company you are giving the interview for. Do extensive research. A prospective employer will buy your interview if you intertwin their company information into your answers. Next practice and prepare yourself beforehand.
One should look confident while answering and remember to respond in a clear and concise manner. The more you practice, the more are the chances of you levelling up. Emphasising on hard skills is necessary, but tone down at moments and bring in effect your soft skills to ensure that you are a team player and will be the best fit for the role.
- Be Camera Confident: when recording your interview, look directly into the camera. It looks like you are talking to the recruiter directly. Refrain from looking at the screen or stick something beside the camera that catches your attention continually and makes you comfortable at the same time. Practice is the key.
- Be the Real You: recruiters and employers want to be able to connect with you. Interviews can make anyone nervous but gather yourself, breathe deep and strike a confident pose. Smile casually in between your responses and introduce them to you when video interviewing. After all, humans connect.
For Hiring Managers: How to Prepare for On-Demand Video Interviews
On-demand video interview, a concept as new as for candidates, some managers and recruiters share the same emotion. Conducting video interviews from remote locations by leveraging technology is the new normal.
While candidates are investing themselves in and out, it’s equally important for the recruiters to be prepared in advance and make their way with technological advancements. Here are a few tips for hiring managers to prepare themselves beforehand.
- Test Run is Must: As a recruiters, conducting a successful video interview is significant. If you are new to the software, test run in advance and familiarise yourself with the technology. Check your audio support, webcam, internet connection and be prepared for any potential difficulties.
- Take the Instructive Approach: Not all candidates are familiar with video conferencing technology. Interact with the candidate a few days prior and share across all the information required for accessing the video interview platform. From Installation to login id to password generation, give step-by-step instructions beforehand and avoid delays in the scheduled interview.
- Flexible Scheduling: It is advised that the recruiters spent some extra minutes for an on-demand video interview. Always take in account uncertainties concerning technical difficulties or longer interviews. To avoid overlapping of interviews, set up different rooms for different candidates and keep ample time gaps , when taking back-to-back interviews.
- Maintain Professional Surroundings: Appropriate background and good lighting is significant when recording questions for on-demand video interviews. Maintain a professional office setting or make sure the cleanliness is on point. Avoid bright hues or sitting in a chaotic space with less lights. Just like the candidate, the recruiter’s first impression matters.
- Plan, Prepare, Repeat: Never leave the task of preparing questions till the last. Have questions ready in front of you and ease into the interview. Keep a track of time simultaneously so that all the questions are answered. You can start with a verbatim for smooth communication and gradually delve deeper into skill-based questions.
These are some on-tip pointers for hiring managers to sail through an on-demand video interview.
Few other tips in the prep list include background noise control, balanced professional and personal approach, and follow up steps. These soft skills not only alleviate a candidate’s anxiety levels but also strengthen the company’s reputation among job seekers.
How to Get the Most Out of On-Demand Video Interviews
On-demand video interviews are a great tool for talent acquisition teams. Screening candidates via this tool is an efficient way that also creates data rich information for future processes. As a recruiter, use these video interviews to assess the quality of job posts by reviewing candidate streams.
Companies can also utilise these platforms for branding and promotion and give insight into the company’s culture. Share candidate streams internally for collaborative decision making.
Furthermore, utilise these tools to refine the hiring process through messaging and online job postings that play a key role in sourcing future candidates. Use an on-demand video interviewing tool wisely for attaining best results.
Conclusion
Remote working and hiring is a challenge in itself. With candidates being particular about their jobs and target companies, recruitment teams scan and analyse copious numbers of resumes each day to find the perfect fit for the role and company.
In such situations, leveraging technologically advanced on-demand video interview software enters as a help and streamlines data with requirements.
Besides, it reduces biasness, extends diversity and focuses on enhanced engagement between the recruiter and the candidate. On-demand video interview software is an all in one cognitive solution for better hiring results.
