The pros of virtual recruiting. Why are more and more companies hiring virtually?

As soon as the Internet entered general use in the 1990s, businesses have created a buzz that it will pave the way to more efficiency in business processes including hiring. Since then, recruiting has been made increasingly convenient through the development of communication technologies. During the Covid-19 pandemic, we have seen a 67% increase in the use of video interviews. Surveys of companies in the US further showed that 69% of them are planning to include video interviews as part of their hiring processes.

An overview of virtual recruitment

All around the world, companies have actively used tools such as Zoom, Google, and Skype in order to screen, interview, and hire candidates. With the aid of other technologies, companies are now able to connect with a diverse range of candidates without having to meet them in person. 

Virtual recruitment became a necessity during the pandemic, but more companies are now investing efforts to make their hiring process virtual. 

Why go virtual in hiring? 

• Same result at lower the cost. 

Traditional hiring entails cost from creating face to face events at campuses and job fairs. These add up to the cost per hire. But if companies can bring in new people at a lower cost, virtual hiring is a great alternative! 

• Time-saving and convenience all around. 

Because recruiters do not have to travel to hiring events, and candidates don’t have to allot hours for the whole process, companies are able to fit in several candidates in their hiring schedule in a day. 

For example, if a job posting garners hundreds of job applications, then it would be a nightmare scheduling qualified applicants to an in-person meeting even after screening them.

Recruiters also have the choice between group and one-to-one interviews with many candidates. It would have been more time-consuming if not for virtual technologies. 

• Diversity in recruitment.

Communities that would have found it challenging to connect with recruiters are given the opportunity to participate in the hiring process. Talented people who live in far regions are given access to these job opportunities.

• Better candidate hiring experience. 

You may still remember the jitters you had during a face-to-face interview. Candidates can get extremely nervous at this crucial moment, but when they are in the familiar and comforting environment of their homes, they are more at ease. They can focus more on giving their 100% during the interview. Their confidence can shine through!

Challenges to the virtual hiring process

• Technology-related limitations

Ease and convenience in using communication technologies also come with a cost, and there is a need to equip the human resource staff  with training in their use. This is to make sure that video interviews go smoothly. 

• Dealing with high volume applications. 

Increased accessibility to jobs bring with it large volumes of job applications. Staff should be skilled in communicating and specifying job requirements so that job posts will attract the most qualified candidates. 

• Less connected due to fewer opportunities to interact. 

Feedback from participants of virtual recruitment show that they find it harder to get to know and engage with the hiring company’s culture since they do not have the chance to see and meet the team, and view the workplace. 

Virtual recruiting has both its advantages and disadvantages, but companies can make use of virtual technologies to connect with the best talents and overcome challenges by adapting to new technologies, and training staff how to engage applicants and give them a good recruiting experience. 

Overcome barriers in your hiring process by working with the premier job board for healthcare and mental health professionals.