Time is one of the most valuable things within a business and over the past decade more and more employers in different sectors have been using video interviews as their initial approach to potential employees. It’s a technique that can save employers time, money and any scheduling issues with their working day. For an employer it’s an easy way to sift through candidates quickly and efficiently. Using first impressions and strategic questions can be a time saving activity. Scheduling for a video call is much easier than setting aside far more time for an interview, organising drinks, allowing for late arrivals, etc. A company can then decide to spend more valuable time with a face-to-face interview afterwards for the suitable applicants. It’s not just employers that benefit from this type of contact; potential candidates do too. This type of interview is easier to schedule into their day without having to take a day off from their current workplace. It can be incorporated into a lunch break or even after office hours, allowing a more personable and relaxed experience. It is also eliminating unnecessary travel costs to get to an interview. It makes sense that should a candidate be applying for a job within this industry, when there workload is naturally busy and with the added extras of evening AGMs, the candidate can struggle to find time to get to an interview. Are you then missing some potentially fantastic candidates? Main points to remember with video interviews:
- Impressions: Even though you may be at home and the person on the other end can only see your head and shoulders, make sure to dress the part. It will come across in your body language if you are not dressed correctly for the interview. Plus if you need to get up at any point then the game is up!
- Make sure your username, your details and profile photo for a video call are professional. Just like with social media accounts, a potential employer will be taking note of these.
- Make sure you are in a quiet environment. Free from children, spouses, pets, televisions in the background and your mobile is off/on silent etc. These can all be very distracting and unprofessional. Make sure you will not be interrupted so you can keep focused.
- Whilst most of the country now has fibre optic broadband, internet lag can still occur. Make sure you do not speak too fast or make too many movements and be prepared for time lag or slow connections.
- Practice an online video call with a friend or partner and go through potential questions you may be asked.
As a niche recruiter working in the field of block management, it’s surprising that we, TemplePM, have not seen these types of interviews utilised more. Block Managers can work over a large area, must attend AGMs in the evening and spend a lot of time travelling. Could the industry use the potential benefits of this technology or do property companies still prefer face-to-face contact? We are not saying you should employ a person without meeting them, but it could reduce the time, something we are all chasing. Steve Grimsley, Managing Director at TemplePM
