The Shift Back to In-Person Job Interviews

As offices reopen, many organizations are reintroducing in-person job interviews, a trend workplace experts say is tied to the growing emphasis on returning to the workplace. Companies are increasingly conducting interviews at the very locations where candidates may eventually work, signaling expectations about on-site roles early in the hiring process.

Jamie Kohn, Senior Research Director at Gartner’s HR practice, explains, “The shift back to in-person interviews aligns with the return-to-office strategies. It helps establish the expectation that employees will work on-site.”

This trend follows stricter return-to-office (RTO) policies from major employers, including Amazon, which will require employees to be in the office five days a week starting January.

Selecting the Best Talent in a Competitive Hiring Market

With many organizations reducing hiring due to budget constraints and layoffs, there’s a growing focus on quality over quantity. Companies want to ensure they are hiring candidates who align closely with their culture and expectations. Robin Erickson, Vice President of Human Capital at the Conference Board, notes, “Hiring fewer people means there’s a stronger desire to get it right. Cultural fit assessments are more effective in person.”

Additionally, concerns about generative AI’s role in the hiring process are pushing employers toward in-person interviews. Gartner’s survey found that nearly half of job seekers used generative AI tools to create resumes, cover letters, and even potential responses to interview questions. While candidates are unlikely to use AI during in-person interviews, the format makes it nearly impossible to rely on such tools.

The Balance Between In-Person and Virtual Interviews

Despite the resurgence of in-person interviews, a full return to the pre-pandemic norm seems unlikely. Virtual interviews, already popular before 2020, have remained a cost-effective and convenient option for both recruiters and candidates. In fact, Gartner’s research indicates that approximately 68% of interviews are still conducted virtually.

“We’ve made significant progress in fostering meaningful connections through virtual platforms,” says Kohn. Virtual interviews also simplify logistics, such as coordinating schedules and ensuring candidates don’t accidentally cross paths during multi-round interviews.

Typically, virtual interviews dominate the early stages of hiring, while in-person interviews are reserved for finalists or higher-level roles. For executive positions with significant salaries, face-to-face interactions are often non-negotiable to minimize hiring risks.

Ensuring Fairness in the Interview Process

The resurgence of in-person interviews has raised questions about equity. Candidates who attend in-person may appear more invested, which could create an advantage over those who interview virtually. Kohn emphasizes the importance of consistency: “To maintain fairness, all interviews for a role should either be conducted in person or virtually. Mixing formats can put virtual candidates at a disadvantage.”

Navigating the Future of Hiring with Burke Recruiting Inc

As hiring practices evolve, blending in-person and virtual interviews effectively will be key to staying competitive. At Burke Recruiting Inc, we specialize in connecting companies with top-tier talent while navigating these complex changes in the job market. Whether you’re refining your hiring strategy or seeking exceptional candidates, we’re here to help. Learn more at burkerecruiting.com.

Reference: https://www.worklife.news/talent/return-in-person-job-interviews/