Virtual interviews in aid of social responsibility during Covid-19 pandemic era

Figure 1: Virtual interview- Source (WORKABLE BETTER HIRING, 2021)

Covid-19 pandemic widespread globally within the past 2 years affecting the whole business environment. Organizations face many practical problems, resulting in dragging them into an unstable position.

According to health measurements of social distancing, In-person interviews on the hiring and recruiting process have become perilous and precarious. Companies must practice the best health precautions extensively in aid of this pandemic era.

‘Social distancing’ is a ‘Social responsibility

(World Health Organization, 2020) states,

Social distancing is to avoid people gathering, crowded areas, and staying at home with minimum contact with others. This avoids the massive transmissions and prevents new covid-19 cases. Virtual communication methods are encouraged and sustained to develop social distancing within families and communities.

Virtual interviews

Virtual interviews are the process of interviews held remotely using digital platforms (eg- Telephone, Video conferences). Candidates and interviewees can join this process from anywhere they prefer.

How to succeed in Virtual interview (Keiling, 2021)

  • Adopting quality technology- Quality technical tools (Microphone, camera, software to connect) and constant internet connection.
  • Dress properly- Formal outfit is preferred in interviews not only to ensure its professionalism but also to enhance the confidence of the candidate
  • Pre prepare- Practicing good communication and answering skills than reading written notes and answers.
  • Proper surrounding- A tranquil surrounding must be provided by candidates to minimize distractions
  • Body language- Professional body language includes smart talk, eye contact, and confident expressions.

Advantages

Unlike in-person interviews, virtual interviews reduce the interview preparation and conducting cost. This benefits both candidate and interviewee at the same time. It optimizes time wastage on traveling, preparing, and unwanted time in the lobby. Virtual interviews comply with the process and can be recorded and evaluated at the end. This eases interviewees to recall all the details without memorizing. Virtual interviews uplift the interviewer’s confidence. Unless in physical interviews, the Candidate faces less stress and discomfort. Also, this has widened up the pool of applicants which encourages organizations to select the best from far and wide range of candidates. (Osorio, 2021)

Disadvantages

Technical issues are in high availability in virtual interviews which may occur due to connection interruption, lack of technical knowledge, and low-quality devices. Bad light effect on eye contact, fear of the camera, transmission errors, unsuitability for all professional grades, and Delays. (Garner, 2012)

Conclusion

Sri Lanka as a developing country is also has implemented virtual interview platforms where the prevailing pandemic situation has encouraged social distancing. All though there are certain circumstances such as lack of knowledge, it is expected that virtual interviews will be conducted successfully in near future.

References

Garner, G. (2012) Pros and Cons of Video Interviewing. [Online]
Available from http://www.thegarnergrp.com/blog/bid/89366/Pros-and-Cons-of-Video-Interviewing
[Accessed 01 dec 2021].

Keiling, H. (2021) How to Succeed in a Virtual Interview. [Online]
Available from https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/virtual-interview#:~:text=A%20virtual%20interview%20is%20an,and%20other%20online%20communication%20platforms.&text=Virtual%20interviews%20are%20often%20conducted,face%2Dto%2Dface%20interviews.
[Accessed 30 nov 2021].

Osorio, L. (2021) Criteria Blog. [Online]
Available from https://blog.criteriacorp.com/5-major-benefits-of-conducting-virtual-interviews/
[Accessed 01 dec 2021].

WORKABLE BETTER HIRING (2021) The video interview: top tips for employers. [Online]
Available from https://resources.workable.com/tutorial/video-interview
[Accessed 01 dec 2021].

World Health Organization (2020) Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation Report – 72, s.l.: World Health Organization.

 

Comments

  1. Thushara WattegedaraDecember 1, 2021 at 6:47 AM

    This a very important topic as we are passing a very serious and most crucial topic nowadays. Interview through social media is the most important way of working. we have seen really a big change these days in the communication sector.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sanjaya BandaranayakeDecember 1, 2021 at 8:55 AM

    Timely topic. With the current pandemic situation organisations forced to carry out virtual interview process. Advantages like time and cost savings are there. But effectiveness of this process still a question.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lakshmi BandaraDecember 19, 2021 at 3:30 AM

      Yes. Both pros and cons are there in this process but it must be due to lack of knowledge. This will be more effective in near future after improving the knowledge. Thank you for your valuable comment.

      Delete
  3. Tharaka Pathirana December 1, 2021 at 4:31 PM

    This is a timely topic.People have knowledge and practices up to certain extend on technology due to Covid- 19 pandemic.The Interviews held through digital platforms, candidates get opportunities and interviewers can reduce their extra cost while recruiting newcomers.

    ReplyDelete
  4. HareenthDecember 18, 2021 at 10:39 PM

    This a trending topic nower days. This has many advantages as well as drawbacks. Humanity is left with no other option other than coping up with technology. In my point of view face to face interview is the best. You have tha ability to judge the person by his facial expressions.

    ReplyDelete
  5. E127918December 19, 2021 at 5:40 AM

    In virtual interviews, every candidate that is interviewed by video is usually given a set amount of time and a specific time slot for the interview. However, their time window will not be extended if there are any system delays or technical difficulties. Furthermore, if the login method is overly difficult, candidates may lose valuable time as a result. Multiple possibilities necessitate quick thought, and there is little space for error, making the entire process stressful.

    ReplyDelete

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