SiliconRepublic has an interesting article this morning on Sonru, an Irish start-up working in the video interview space. Their idea is that the cost of interviewing people (getting people lined up to do the interviews, get meeting rooms, travel time for candidates, etc.) can be drastically reduced, particularly in the first round, by doing it by video.
This isn’ t a case of you doing a video conference. Instead when you apply for a job you may get sent an email from the employer or agency with a link to go and do an interview. You are provided with a list of questions and in some cases a time limit to answer the questions and a closing date for submitting your interview which you record with your webcam and then submit.
This is definitely an innovative approach and in the current market it will make employers’ lives easier but I don’t think it will be embraced so quickly by job seekers. Am I wrong? Having said that, right now though it’s an employer’s market so you don’t really have a whole lot of choice if you want the role. So, if you get a video interview request remember to check for the spinach between your teeth before you hit “send”!
It’s an interesting idea. As an employer, we interview people remotely all the time. The difference is we get to as them questions based on a response. I suppose it could be interesting but what about the quality of the video on the person submitting the video - could that be a disadvantage to the person being interviewed?
Very valid observations David, I think this will only be useful as a filter. I know of cases from last December where certain institutions received over 150 CVs for a three month contract role, and objectively speaking, all were qualified to do the role. The question is where do you draw the line? Do you mark someone down for not being in a suit in the video or not making “eye contact” with the camera? It’s definitely an imperfect science but I’m sure it’s a tool that will find a niche the same way some companies use pre-qualification questionnaires before calling for interview.
Hi Guys.
Thanks for taking an interest in our new interviewing tool.
Great points.
To respond:
Sonru is not intended to replace a face to face interview but acts as an excellent filter, taking advantage of online video technology.
From our experience interviewers are aware of potential difficulties in maintaining eye contact while using a webcam, even during a live Skype conversation for example and they usually take this into consideration. We facilitate practice interviews to help improve this.
Interviews with Sonru are very fair; all candidates answer the same questions, by the same closing date, wherever and whenever suits them, no travel, no scheduling, no time wasted. This gives equal opportunities to each candidate and also helps minimise litigation risks for the interviewers.
Sonru provides numerous opportunities to complete test recordings and a test interview before their actual interview. We are at hand to help should any difficulties arise.
Even with an average quality camera you can record good videos. I have seen cameras in Tesco for around €10 recently and we will soon have cameras for sale on Sonru. A good broadband connection is important.
In relation to how candidates are presented, we do advise that they prepare themselves as they would for a face to face interview, however this is completely up to each individual.
Another advantage of Sonru is that interviews can be shared securely with colleagues and viewed at a time convenient to them. Colleagues can leave notes for the interviewer too. This process is all managed simply through your Sonru account.
Hope this answers some of your questions.
If you would like to chat further I’m always up for a cup of tea or coffee!
Regards,
Ed
Sonru.com
Well done Ed!
The site looks great!
…if only I could afford a good designer like that…
Thanks Ivan.
Regards,
Ed