Ready for your close up? The pros and cons of the automated video interview

Love ‘em or loathe ‘em, it seems that the video interview is here to stay – in fact, more companies than ever are choosing to save precious time with this style of candidate vetting. As nerve-racking as the video interview is, there’s a new kid on the block – the automated video interview. For the uninitiated, this is where a candidate essentially has an interview with a machine rather than a human being. Employers are now able to purchase software such as SONRU which they are then able to program with screening questions in order to shortlist candidates for a real life interview. We take a look at the good, the bad and the ugly of this new recruitment technology.

The Good

Time saving

There’s no doubt that this technology saves recruiters time – by allowing this software to conduct initial interviews, management and HR staff’s time is freed up for other more pressing pursuits.

Money saving

Time is money as they say and, a major benefit of this kind of software is that it not only saves employee time and billable hours but also saves the candidate travelling costs.

Almost like the real thing

HR managers are able to play back the video interview at their leisure and, despite not having met the candidate in person, can still get a good impression of presentation and personality traits.

Accurate shortlisting

As it works on set questions, the automated video interview is able to accurately shortlist the top candidates for any position.

The Bad

A one way street

Many candidates feel that the lack of two way conversation with an actual human being makes this kind of interview feel unnatural and stilted; meaning that their personality often fails to shine through.

Time limitation

Automated video interview software tends to give candidates a limited time to respond – which can be frustrating for a candidate who is passionate about a subject and wishes to fully demonstrate this passion and knowledge.

Relying on the tech

Like all kinds of technology, automated video software is subject to glitches, power outtages and more – which can sometimes mean that the entire process has to be started all over again; which can be frustrating and time-wasting for the candidate.

The Ugly

The human factor

Anything can happen during an interview – from accidental spitting to rogue bogeys. During a real life interview, these can be embarrassing but quickly rectified – with an automated video interview, they’re captured forever!

On the whole, automated video interviewing software is a great tool for companies who receive a huge response to job advertisements and wish to quickly whittle the number of candidates down. This shouldn’t ever, however, be used to replace a face to face interview when making a final recruitment decision.

Optima is all about the people – finding them, recruiting them and matching them.