Pros and Cons of Video Interviewing Contract Candidates

(Originally posted 12/27/2011, updated 6/16/2016)

Businesses are always looking for opportunities to become more efficient. Many recruiters are making the hiring process easier by video interviewing contract candidates.

Technology is changing the way we do almost everything, and it seems that job interviews are no exception. With the rise of Skype and a wide variety of other internet video tools, video interviewing is supplementing, and in some cases replacing, the traditional in-person job interview process.

Video interviewing can make the hiring process easier for you and your clients, but it’s really up to you. Consider the following pros and cons before deciding:

There are a variety of options for video interviewing, ranging from Skype’s free service to fee-based services that offer advanced features, such as allowing a large number of people on the video call. Typically, video interviewing options can be broken down into two types:

1. Live – These are the kind that are performed on Skype. It is similar to a conventional interview. But, the interviewer and candidate interact with each other on the video instead of in person.
2. Recorded – Interview questions are sent to the candidate, and they record their answers online via their webcams for the employer to review later. There is no interviewer present. These are often used in place of phone interviews to pre-screen multiple candidates.