Saudi Arabia's Hiring Shift: Revolutionize Interview Scheduling with Global HR Methods

Saudi Arabia's Hiring Shift: Revolutionize Interview Scheduling with Global HR Methods

By Engineer Sultan Al Hassani

Are you exhausted by the traditional interview scheduling dance? In today's dynamic Saudi Arabian market, embracing international HR best practices with advanced technologies can save you immense time and elevate your recruitment efforts. Let's dive into innovative approaches:

1. Automation is King: Calendly and Doodle

• The Power: These tools offer real-time availability syncing with your calendar, empowering candidates to self-select interview slots – no more back-and-forth emails.
• Saudi Context: Increasing smartphone and internet penetration makes these accessible to talent nationwide.
• Resource: Calendly: https://calendly.com/ Doodle: https://doodle.com/

2. Group Efficiency: Batch, Don't Bottleneck

• The Method: Combine interviews when multiple similar positions are available (e.g., sales representatives).
• Real Benefit: Rapidly assess soft skills, teamwork potential, and fit with company culture.
• Global Angle: Group interviews are common in East Asia, but gaining acceptance elsewhere as time-savers.

3. Video Calls: Face-to-Face, Even Remotely

• Zoom, Skype, etc.: Utilize these for initial rounds, breaking down geographical barriers.
• Saving Grace: Reduces costs and speeds initial candidate evaluation for both sides.
• Saudi Case: Ideal for interviewing remote/rural talent or international candidates.

4. AI Assistance: HireVue and Beyond

• Intelligent Screening: Pre-recorded or text-based interviews get analyzed by AI for keywords and fit with the role.
• Outcome: Whittles down applicant pool to only the strongest contenders, allowing for deeper in-person dives later.
• Resource: HireVue: https://www.hirevue.com/

5. Question Frameworks: Template Your Way to Success

• Role Specific: Pre-developed, targeted questions ensure focused evaluations, (e.g., tech team has unique knowledge tests).
• Global Standard: Consistency and bias reduction are common practices internationally.

6. Tech Collaboration: Teams, Slack, and Shared Schedules

• Calendar Syncing: Internal shared scheduling cuts down on "When are you free?" emails dramatically.
• Saudi Factor: Aligns with increasing digitization of internal company communications.

7. Outsourcing Option: Clara and Your Virtual Partner

• Delegation Wins: Services handle time zone issues, confirmation emails, and even rescheduling.
• Focus Shift: Frees in-house HR for core duties, especially during high-volume hiring periods.
• Resource: Clara: https://claralabs.com/

8. Document Centralization: Self-Service Portals

• Platform Power: Secure area for candidates to upload resumes, certificates, and references before the interview.
• Process Upgrade: Eliminates document chasing and makes for more informed discussions.

The Bigger Picture

Saudi Arabia is fast embracing evolving work-styles. Modernizing your interview scheduling proves your company is tech-forward, streamlines onboarding, and demonstrates care for both your and the candidate's time.

About the Author: Engineer Sultan Al Hassani is the head of the Human Resources department with over 20 years of experience and has a history of causing radical change in many industries. His expertise and skill set are broad, focusing on budget management, contract management, facilities management, procurement, and more. Contact him on LinkedIn at https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/engsultanalhassni/ and follow him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/SultanAlhassni.