Introduction

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you needed to conduct an interview, but the availability of the candidate and your schedule just didn't align? Or perhaps you're an HR professional looking for a more efficient way to screen candidates for your organization. If so, then interview on demand may be the solution you've been searching for.

Interview on demand, also known as asynchronous interviewing, allows candidates to complete video or written interviews at their own convenience within a certain time frame. This allows for greater flexibility and convenience for both the interviewer and the candidate. But is interview on demand the right fit for your organization? In this blog post, we'll delve into the ins and outs of this innovative interviewing method.

How Interview on Demand Works

Interview on Demand typically involves the use of video conferencing software, such as Zoom or Skype, to conduct the interview. Job seekers are given a link to the virtual meeting room and are expected to log in at the agreed upon time for their interview.

The Benefits of Interview on Demand

There are several benefits to using interview on demand as a part of your hiring process. First and foremost, it saves time. Traditional in-person or even synchronous video interviews require both the candidate and interviewer to be available at the same time, which can be a logistical nightmare. With interview on demand, the candidate can complete the interview at their own pace, freeing up the interviewer's schedule to focus on other tasks.

Another advantage of interview on demand is that it allows for a larger pool of candidates. Since candidates can complete the interview at their own convenience, it becomes easier for those living in different time zones or with busy schedules to participate. This can lead to a more diverse pool of candidates and ultimately, a stronger team.

How to Implement Interview on Demand

So, how do you go about setting up an interview on demand process? There are a few key steps to follow:

• Determine the type of questions you want to ask. Will they be written or video-based? Will they be multiple choice or open-ended? Deciding on the format of the questions will help guide the rest of the process.

• Choose a platform to host the interviews. There are several options available, such as Spark Hire, HireVue, and Montage, to name a few. Each platform has its own set of features and pricing, so be sure to do your research and choose the one that best fits your needs.

• Set up the interview process. Once you've chosen your platform, you'll need to create the actual interview. This will typically involve uploading your questions and setting a time frame for candidates to complete the interview.

• Promote the interview. Make sure to let potential candidates know about the opportunity to participate in an interview on demand. You can do this through job postings, social media, or email campaigns.

The Pros and Cons of Interview on Demand

Like any method, interview on demand has its pros and cons. On the pro side, as mentioned earlier, it saves time and allows for a larger pool of candidates. It also allows for more thorough evaluation of candidates, as the interviewer can pause and rewatch their responses as needed.

On the con side, some may argue that interview on demand lacks the personal connection of a traditional in-person interview. It can also be difficult to gauge a candidate's body language and nonverbal communication through a video or written format.

Best Practices for Interview on Demand

To make the most of your interview on demand process, it's important to follow some best practices. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Be clear about the time frame for completing the interview. Candidates should know exactly how long they have to complete the interview and when it will be reviewed.

• Provide detailed instructions. Make sure candidates know exactly what to expect and how to access the interview.

• Use a consistent set of questions for all candidates. This will help ensure fairness and consistency in the evaluation process.

• Consider using multiple rounds of interviews. While a single interview on demand can be effective, adding additional rounds allows for a more thorough evaluation of candidates.

• Provide timely feedback. It's important to let candidates know the status of their application in a timely manner, whether they've been selected for further consideration or not.

Interview on Demand and Legal Considerations

There are a few legal considerations to keep in mind when implementing interview on demand. It's important to ensure that the process is fair and non-discriminatory, and to adhere to all relevant laws and regulations. This includes making sure that the questions asked do not disclose any protected characteristics, such as race, religion, or age.

Interview on Demand and Diversity

One of the benefits of interview on demand is the potential for a more diverse pool of candidates. By allowing candidates to complete the interview at their own convenience, it becomes easier for those with busy schedules or those living in different time zones to participate. However, it's important to ensure that the process is fair and non-discriminatory, and to take proactive steps to encourage diversity. This might include targeted outreach to underrepresented groups or implementing diversity training for those involved in the hiring process.

The Future of Interview on Demand

As technology continues to advance, it's likely that we'll see even more innovative ways of conducting interviews. While interview on demand has already revolutionized the hiring process, it's possible that we'll see the use of virtual reality or other immersive technologies to further enhance the interview experience.

Drawbacks of Interview on Demand

While Interview on Demand has many benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider. One potential issue is the lack of face-to-face interaction. It can be difficult to build rapport and establish a connection with an interviewer through a computer screen, and this can make it more difficult to sell yourself and your skills.

Another potential drawback is the need for reliable internet and technology. If your internet connection is slow or unstable, or if you have technical issues with your computer or video conferencing software, it can be difficult to conduct a successful Interview on Demand.

Tips for Successfully Navigating Interview on Demand

If you're preparing for an Interview on Demand, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success:

1. Test your equipment and internet connection beforehand to make sure everything is working properly.

2. Find a quiet, well-lit space with a neutral background for your interview.

3. Dress appropriately, as if you were attending an in-person interview.

4. Use body language and eye contact to show your enthusiasm and engagement during the interview.

5. Be prepared to discuss any potential technical issues that may arise during the interview.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Interview on Demand

One area where artificial intelligence (AI) is starting to make a big impact is in the world of job interviews. Some companies are using AI-powered chatbots to screen candidates and identify the most qualified candidates for further consideration. This can help save time and resources for both job seekers and employers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, interview on demand is a convenient and efficient way to conduct interviews, with the added benefit of potentially attracting a more diverse pool of candidates. While it may not be the right fit for every organization, it's worth considering as a potential part of your hiring process. As with any new process, it's important to carefully consider the pros and cons and to follow best practices to ensure a fair and successful outcome.

How Hume Can Help

Interview on demand can be a convenient and efficient way to conduct interviews, but it can still be time-consuming for hiring teams to review and evaluate the responses of multiple candidates. That's where Hume comes in. Hume is an interview intelligence platform that records, transcribes, and summarizes interviews to help hiring teams unlock their interview data and make better, faster hiring decisions.

With Hume, you can easily review and compare the responses of multiple candidates, ensuring that you're making informed hiring decisions. The platform's transcription and summary features can also save time by reducing the need to manually review and analyze each interview.

In addition to helping with the evaluation process, Hume can also be used to train interviewers to perform better. The platform provides in-depth analysis of each interview, including insights on the effectiveness of different questions and the overall performance of the interviewer. This can help teams continuously improve their interviewing skills and ensure that they're getting the most out of their interview on demand process.

Overall, Hume can be a valuable tool for organizations looking to enhance their interview on demand process and make better, faster hiring decisions.