Six in 10 Companies Conduct Video Job Interviews

Job seekers may find the next opportunity without leaving home, through video interviews.

A new study by OfficeTeam found a majority of human resources (HR) managers—63 percent—said their company conducts job interviews via video. This is a massive increase from last year, when only 14 percent had said they went online to interview candidates.

Video interviewing is clearly on the rise. In the next three years, 13 percent of respondents say their organization will employ more video to meet with applicants. Eighty-five percent expects the number of video interviews to remain the same.

The survey was developed by staffing service OfficeTeam, which specializes in placing highly skilled administrative professionals. The research was by an independent research firm, and used telephone interviews with more than 500 HR professionals from U.S. companies with 20 or more employees.

The questions:

“How often, if at all, does your company conduct job interviews using video technology?”

Very often: 53%
Somewhat often: 10%
Not very often: 12%
Never: 25%

“Do you think your company will conduct more or fewer job interviews via video in the next three years?”

Significantly more: 1%
Somewhat more: 12%
No change: 85%
Somewhat fewer: 2%
Significantly fewer: 0%

“Many companies are embracing video interviews, which are often conducted online via webcam, as a way to quickly and cost effectively evaluate applicants,” said Robert Hosking, executive director of OfficeTeam. “Job seekers can use these virtual meetings to give their best foot forward, just as they would in person.”

There are specific concerns when meeting via video. Hosking said these considerations mus

t be addressed before the actual interview.

“You need to not only be prepared to say the right things but also make sure you and your surroundings appear professional on camera,” he said through a press release.

According to OfficeTeam, the tips for job seekers for video interviews:

Test the equipment. Familiarize yourself with the appropriate video settings in advance; always troubleshoot ahead of time. Also, if your computer is vulnerable to problems, consider having a backup available.
Choose the perfect location. Select an area with good lighting, free of distractions or anything that could be perceived as unprofessional. Things like windows in the background, which can produce dark shadows, or outside noises that may make it difficult to hear.
Perform a run through. Ask a friend to videoconference with you and have them provide feedback on how close you should be to the camera. Let them suggest adjustments in your surroundings.
Dress appropriately. Dress and groom the way you would for a face-to-face interview. Don’t think you’ll only be visible from the waist up. Reject wearing bold designs or colors that don’t display correctly on video.
Be confident. Look directly at the camera when answering questions. Make it so it gives the impression you’re talking directly to the interviewer. Also, don’t forget—smile and sit up straight.
Make sure you are heard. Make sure your responses are clear to the interviewer. Speak loudly and plainly into the microphone.
Don’t forget—it is an actual interview. Approach the meeting with all seriousness and preparation, just like you would in an in-person interview. This includes pertinent questions and following up with a thank-you note.