On-Demand Interview - All You Want to Know

We have seen how digital technology can help alleviate the impact of COVID-19 on various spheres of life over the last two and a half years, particularly in the cases of business, education, and the economy. Similarly, it was clear that expanding digital services in the economy now can boost growth later on.

There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has forever altered the way we do business. Hiring is one process that has been completely turned upside down. As companies begin to hire, they will be flooded with resumes from those who have been laid off or furloughed, as well as the challenge of interviewing safely.

With many departments facing more challenges than ever before, time is of the essence. Here's why on-demand interviews have become an essential tool for virtual hiring and recruiting teams. The use of live and on-demand video interviews increased by 129% in 2020, according to Talent Board candidate experience research.

Let's read on to find out why there has been such an increase.

What exactly is an on-demand interview?

On-demand interviews are conducted asynchronously. Recruiting teams create interview questions using a virtual hiring platform and then invite candidates to complete them when it is convenient for them.

Candidates use their mobile, desktop, or tablet to access the virtual hiring platform to record their responses, which usually takes less than 30 minutes. On-demand interviews are immediately available for recruiter review after candidates complete them.

Why are on-demand interviews popular among recruiting teams?

One-to-many approach

On-demand interviews are a one-to-many approach that allows recruiters to engage with a large number of candidates at the same time and move qualified candidates to the next hiring stage more quickly.

Using a virtual hiring platform, recruiters can send a single email to dozens or thousands of candidates inviting them to participate in an on-demand interview, and all candidates will have a consistent experience.

Recruiters can also post positions on social media and invite candidates to self-register and complete an on-demand interview, allowing them to enter the hiring process immediately. On-demand interviews enable recruiters to strike a balance between process efficiency and providing candidates with a personalised, engaging hiring experience.

Deep Insight into the candidate

Another main factor is the deep level of candidate insight recruiters gains from on-demand interviews. In the time it takes a recruiter to review a resume or schedule a phone screen, they can gain deeper insight by watching an on-demand video interview.

Recruiters can also review other interview sessions if it becomes quickly clear that the applicant is not a good fit, speeding up the process.

What role do on-demand interviews play in the hiring process?

On-demand interviews are typically used for a screening near the start of the hiring process, but they can be used at any stage of the hiring process. To engage candidates faster, many organisations have replaced traditional phone interviews with on-demand interviews.

Recruiters can invite candidates to complete an on-demand interview and receive responses the same or the next day, reducing hiring time by days or even weeks and candidate wait times.

Are on-demand interviews something very flexible?

The hiring platform determines the flexibility of on-demand interviews. Many platforms allow recruiting teams to customise on-demand interviews at the job level with job-specific content and the option of delivering questions and responses via video, audio, or written delivery.

On-demand interviews: are they the same as one-way interviews?

One-way interviews are a common term for on-demand interviews. Recruiters can use on-demand interviews to provide candidates with more in-depth information about the job and the organization's culture through customised content. They may request that the hiring manager use the virtual hiring platform to record the interview questions from their mobile phone.

Welcome videos from company executives, as well as day-in-the-life videos of employees in similar roles or departments, can be included.

What kinds of questions will you be asked?

Because this is a shortened interview, hiring managers will want to learn as much as possible. This means they'll concentrate on behavioural questions.

What criteria are used to evaluate on-demand interviews?

Some virtual hiring platforms include rating options, allowing all reviewers to use the same evaluation system consistently. Options include simple thumbs up/thumbs down, star ratings, and weighted multiple choice. The virtual platform collects these ratings.

What are the benefits of using on-demand video interviews for recruitment?

Saves money and brings in more flexibility

On-demand video interviews can save the recruiter money and time while also being easier to schedule. It will also be more convenient and flexible for the candidate.

Appropriate for remote employee screening

If recruiters are willing to consider hiring a remote worker, video interviews are an excellent way for candidates to demonstrate their abilities.

What are the challenges associated with on-demand interviews?

Problems with Internet access

One of the major disadvantages of on-demand video interviews is their reliance on a stable and fast internet connection.

If the candidate's internet connection is slow, resulting in frequent disconnects and poor video or audio quality, the recruiter may simply move on to another candidate, even if the first candidate had superior skills, knowledge, and experience.

Technical issues, for example, would have no bearing on a person's ability to impress during a face-to-face interview.

Future Prospects for the On-Demand Interview Service Industry

The market for on-demand video interviewing software is expected to reach $536.85 million by 2028, up from $246.84 million in 2022. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.9 per cent between 2022 and 2028.

The advancements in 5G communication technology and commercialization efforts are assisting this market significantly to make this expected real or even go beyond the expected levels of growth.

Final Thoughts

Leaving aside the challenges of having a good internet connection, on-demand video interviews are becoming increasingly popular among companies looking to streamline the traditional interview process due to increased smartphone and internet usage, as well as advancements toward 5G.

This innovative method is used throughout the hiring process, from the initial screening phase to the final interview. This is a simple method for screening a large number of candidates.

Offering on-demand video interviews reveals something about your company's identity, values, and treatment of its employees. When using video interviewing software, 83 per cent of candidates view companies more favourably and describe them as "innovative."