In Person Interview vs Video: Which is Better?

Are you tired of dressing up in your Sunday best and travelling to job interviews only to be met with awkward silences and sweaty palms? Or maybe you’re sick of video interviews that leave you feeling disconnected and out of touch. Fear not, because in this blog post, we’ll be examining the age-old question of which is better: in-person interviews or video interviews! We’ll also explore the pros and cons of each option, giving you the inside scoop on everything from body language to technical difficulties. 

So whether you’re a job seeker or an employer, keep reading to find out which type of interview reigns supreme!

The Great Debate Between In Person Interview vs Virtual Interview

The in person interview has long been the go-to method for employers looking to find the perfect candidate. But with the rise of technology, video interviews are becoming more and more popular. 

In fact, according to a recent survey, 86% of job seekers have participated in a video interview because employers are giving preference to video interviews. But how did we get here? When did video interviews become the norm?

Believe it or not, video interviews have been around for quite some time. The first recorded use of video conferencing technology dates back to the 1920s, and it was used primarily by large corporations and the military. It wasn’t until the late 1990s that video conferencing technology became more widely available and affordable.

Fast forward to today, and the rise of video interviews can be attributed to a few factors. First, the technology has improved drastically, making it easier than ever to conduct a video interview from anywhere in the world. Additionally, video interviews save time and money for both the employer and the candidate. No more travelling to a physical location or taking time off work just for an interview.

But do virtual or in person interview really compete with each other? While some argue that the lack of face-to-face interaction in a video interview can be a disadvantage, others believe that the ability to conduct a video interview from anywhere can be a huge advantage. In the end, it all comes down to personal preference and the needs of the company.

Comparing the Pros and Cons of In Person Interviews

In person interviews have been a staple of the job search process for as long as anyone can remember. There’s just something about meeting someone face-to-face that can’t be replicated by a video call. But what makes in person interviews so great?

First and foremost, in person interviews allow you to really get a sense of who someone is beyond their resume. You can pick up on body language, facial expressions, and other nonverbal cues that can give you a better understanding of a candidate’s personality and character.

In person interviews also give you the opportunity to showcase your company culture. By bringing a candidate into your office, you can give them a taste of what it would be like to work there. They can meet other employees, see the workspace, and get a sense of the overall vibe.

Of course, in person interviews do come with their own set of challenges. They can be time-consuming and expensive, especially if you’re interviewing candidates who are out of town. Plus, scheduling can be a nightmare when you’re trying to coordinate with multiple people.

Overall, in person interviews are still an important part of the job search process. They allow you to really connect with a candidate and get a feel for whether or not they would be a good fit for your company. So next time you’re interviewing for a job or looking to hire someone, don’t discount the power of a good old-fashioned face-to-face meeting.

Pros	Cons
Allows for nonverbal communication and body language to be observed, giving a better sense of the candidate’s personality and character.	Can be time-consuming, especially if you’re interviewing multiple candidates.
Provides an opportunity to showcase your company culture and give the candidate a sense of what it would be like to work there.	Can be expensive, especially if you’re interviewing candidates who are out of town.
Can create a more personal connection between the interviewer and the candidate, which can be helpful in making a hiring decision.	Scheduling can be difficult and may require juggling multiple people’s calendars.
Allows for more in-depth questioning and follow-up questions, which can help to clarify a candidate’s experience and qualifications.	Can be intimidating for some candidates, which may make them nervous or less forthcoming during the interview.
Provides an opportunity to gauge a candidate’s professionalism, such as punctuality, attire, and overall demeanour.	May not be feasible during a pandemic or other public health crisis when social distancing is necessary.

These are just a few of the pros and cons of in-person interviews, and of course, there may be others depending on the specific circumstances of the interview. Ultimately, it’s up to you as the interviewer to decide which type of interview makes the most sense for your needs and the needs of your company.

Is It Better to Interview In person Or Online: Exploring the Pros and Cons

Video interviews have been on the rise in recent years, and for a good reason. They offer a convenient and cost-effective way to interview candidates, no matter where they are located. But what makes video interviews so great?

One of the biggest benefits of video interviews is that they can save you time and money. Instead of flying a candidate out for an in person interview, you can simply set up a video call and conduct the interview from the comfort of your own office. This can be especially helpful if you’re interviewing candidates who are located in different time zones or countries.

Another advantage of video interviews is that they allow you to record the interview and review it later. This can be helpful if you want to share the interview with other members of your team or if you need to refer back to it later on in the hiring process.

Of course, there are also some downsides to video interviews. It can be more difficult to pick up on nonverbal cues and body language, which can make it harder to get a sense of a candidate’s personality and character. Plus, technical issues can sometimes get in the way, such as poor internet connections or glitchy video conferencing software.

Overall, video interviews are a great tool to have in your hiring arsenal. They offer a convenient and cost-effective way to interview candidates, and with the right setup and preparation, you can still get a good sense of who the candidate is and whether they would be a good fit for your company.

Pros	Cons
Save time and money and say hello to a stress-free hiring process.	Technical issues such as poor internet connection or video conferencing software glitches can be disruptive.
Enables interviews to take place in a wide range of locations and at different times.	Nonverbal cues and body language can be harder to read, which may make it more difficult to get a sense of a candidate’s personality and character.
Allows for easy recording of interviews, which can be helpful for later review or sharing with other members of the hiring team.	Can be impersonal and may not provide the same level of connection as an in person interview.
Offers greater flexibility in scheduling, especially if the candidate is in a different time zone or has a busy schedule.	Can be less effective for assessing how a candidate will fit into your company culture.
Can be less intimidating for some candidates, which may make them more comfortable and forthcoming during the interview.	Technical issues can sometimes lead to frustration or confusion, which may be distracting for both the interviewer and candidate.

In 2023, both in person and virtual interviews are widely used for hiring purposes, but each has its own strengths and weaknesses.

In person interviews are still preferred by many employers for certain types of roles, such as those that require strong interpersonal skills, or for senior-level executive positions. These types of roles typically require a high level of interaction and communication, and it may be easier to assess a candidate’s soft skills in person.

On the other hand, video interviews are a popular choice for hiring remote workers or for companies with distributed teams. They can also be a great option for screening a large number of candidates early in the hiring process, as they save time and money by eliminating the need for travel.

In some cases, a combination of in person and virtual interviews may be the best option. For example, you may start with a video interview to screen a large number of candidates, and then bring the top candidates in for an in person interview to get a better sense of their personality and fit with the company culture.

Ultimately, the choice between in person and virtual interviews will depend on a variety of factors, including the needs of the company, the nature of the position, and the preferences of the candidates. Employers should consider the strengths and weaknesses of each option and determine which will be the most effective for their specific needs.

Conclusion: Finding the Best Approach for Your Hiring Needs

As the job market continues to evolve, so do the methods that employers use to interview and hire candidates. In person and virtual interviews both have their pros and cons, and the best approach will depend on a variety of factors, including the needs of the company, the position being filled, and the preferences of the candidate.

The mixed approach, which involves starting with a video interview and then bringing the top candidates in for an in person interview, can be a great option for many companies. This approach allows for an initial screening of a large number of candidates, while still providing an opportunity for a more personal connection with the most promising candidates.

Ultimately, the decision to go for an in person interview vs video interview will depend on a range of factors. By carefully considering these factors and using a mixed approach where appropriate, companies can find the best approach for their hiring needs and build a strong team that will drive their success.

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