Among the many innovations that are revolutionizing the arena of recruitment and job seeking, on demand Interview or interview on demand is a relatively new concept that is gaining a lot of attention as of late. Many institutions regardless of their size are increasing their recruitment capacity and reach through this ingenious interviewing method. Since you are now hooked on with curiosity to know what this new interview type is, read on for, you will also adopt or be prepared for this new innovation.

What is an on demand interview – The Definition

An on demand interview is a new screening concept that allows job seekers to record and submit a video of themselves answering commonly asked interview questions or a list of specific interview questions prepared by the reviewer, which can then be reviewed by the employer at their convenience. This type of interview can be conducted remotely, meaning that both the job seeker and the employer can be located anywhere in the world. It is gaining traction and is being widely adopted by entities and institutions around the globe due to its benefits.

Why are recruiters actively adopting on demand video interviewing methods?

On demand interviews are a convenient and efficient way for companies to screen and hire candidates, and they can be a valuable tool for recruiters looking to identify top talent. Here are some reasons why recruiters are adopting this new interview method.

• It is time-saving

One of the main advantages of on demand interviews is the time-saving aspect. Traditional interviews can be time-consuming, with multiple rounds of interviews, travel, and preparation required. With an on demand interview, interviewers can review the recorded responses at their own pace and convenience, rather than having to dedicate a sizable amount of their productive time to an in-person interview.

• Promotes Consistency

On demand interviews also offer greater consistency in the interviewing process. With a traditional interview, the questions and the evaluation process may vary depending on the interviewer. With an on demand interview, all candidates are asked the same set of questions, hence, on demand interview questions do not need to change more frequently this reduces the time spent by the interviewers for preparation and allows for more consistent evaluations whilst eliminating bias.

• Gives the recruiter access to a wider pool of candidates

On demand interviews also allow interviewers to access a wider pool of candidates, regardless of their location. With traditional interviews, candidates must be physically present at the company’s office or a designated location which could be a hassle for candidates and sometimes result in candidates not showing up. With an on demand interview, candidates can complete the interview from any location with an internet connection, which allows interviewers to reach a wider pool of potential candidates.

• Cost-effective

On demand interviews can also be more cost-effective for companies. In-person interviews can be expensive, especially if the candidate is located far from the company’s office or if the employer needs to cover travel expenses. On demand interviews eliminate these costs, making it easier and more cost-effective for companies to screen and hire candidates.

In addition to the aforementioned reasons, interviewers are conducting on demand interviews on specific scenarios too. Below are examples of such instances where recruiters choose on demand video interviews over a traditional interview.

• When time is limited

If an interviewer is working on a tight deadline and needs to fill a position quickly, an on demand interview can be a good option. With an on demand interview, candidates can complete the interview at a time that is convenient for them, which can help speed up the hiring process.

• When the candidate is located remotely

If the candidate is located far from the company’s office or is unable to travel for an in-person interview, an on demand interview can be a good option. With an on demand interview, candidates can complete the interview from any location with a good internet connection, which allows the interviewer to reach a wider pool of potential candidates.

• When an organization needs to screen a large number of candidates

If there is a recruitment requirement for a large number of positions or if it is required to evaluate a large number of candidates, an on demand interview can be a more efficient option. With an on demand interview, recruiters can review the recorded responses at their own pace.

• When the entity or the recruiter wishes to eliminate bias

If a recruiter is specifically looking to eliminate bias in the hiring process, an on demand interview can be an ideal option. With an on demand interview, all candidates are asked the same set of questions and are evaluated using the same criteria, which helps to eliminate bias and it ensures that all candidates are given a fair chance.

The benefits of on demand interviews for candidates

On demand interviews have become a popular way for companies to screen and hire candidates in recent years, and they offer a number of benefits for job seekers as well. Here are a few key benefits of on demand interviews for candidates:

• Flexibility

One of the main advantages of on demand interviews is the flexibility they offer. With an on demand interview, candidates can schedule the interview at a time that is convenient for them, rather than being restricted to a specific time slot. This makes it easier for candidates to fit an interview into their busy schedules and allows them to prepare at their own pace.

• Comfort

As you might have already guessed, on demand interviews can also be more comfortable for candidates. Traditional interviews can be intimidating and stressful, especially for freshers who are not used to being in front of a panel of interviewers. With an on demand interview, candidates can complete the interview in a more relaxed and familiar environment, which can help to reduce anxiety and improve their overall performance.

• Control 

On demand interviews also give candidates more control over the interview process. With a traditional interview, candidates may feel rushed or pressured to give quick responses to difficult questions. With an on demand interview, candidates have the opportunity to take their time and think about their responses before recording them. This can help to ensure that they are able to present themselves in the best possible light.

• An avenue for more practice

On demand interviews can also be a great opportunity for candidates to practice their interview skills. Many candidates may not have had the opportunity to participate in a lot of interviews, and an on demand interview can provide a less stressful way to get some practice and become more comfortable with the interview process.

How to prepare for an on demand interview as a candidate?

As a candidate, it’s important to properly prepare for an on demand interview in order to put your best foot forward and increase your chances of success. Here are some tips on how to prepare for an on demand interview as the interviewee.

• Do adequate research about the company

Before the interview, take some time to research the company and learn as much as you can about its values, culture, products, and services. This will help you to tailor your responses to the specific needs of the company and show that you are a good fit for the role. This will also aid you to make the initial impression a good one.

• Review the job description

Carefully review the job description and make sure you understand the responsibilities and requirements of the role. This will help you to prepare specific examples and experiences that align with the needs of the company and demonstrate your skills and qualifications.

• Practice your responses

On demand interviews typically involve answering a series of pre-recorded questions, so it’s important to practice your responses in advance. Consider using a friend or family member to conduct a mock interview or record yourself practicing your responses. This will help you to become more comfortable with the format and give you a chance to fine-tune your responses.

• Test your equipment

Make sure that your computer and internet connection is working properly and that you have a quiet, well-lit place to complete the interview. If possible, use a webcam and a headset to ensure that your responses are clear and easy to hear.

• Dress appropriately

While you may be completing the interview from the comfort of your own home, it’s important to dress appropriately. Choose professional attire that you would wear to an in-person interview and make sure your appearance is neat and well-groomed.

• Make a good first impression

First impressions are important in any interview, and that includes on demand interviews too. Start by greeting the interviewer and introducing yourself with a smile and a confident voice. This will help to set a positive tone for the rest of the interview.

• Answer the questions clearly and concisely

When answering the questions, make sure to listen carefully and answer clearly and concisely. Avoid rambling or going off on tangents, and focus on providing specific examples and experiences that demonstrate your skills and qualifications.

• Use body language

While you may not be in the same physical space as the interviewer, it’s still important to use body language to convey your enthusiasm and engagement. Maintain eye contact with the camera and use gestures and facial expressions to show that you are interested in the conversation.

• Follow up

Following up after the interview is key to leaving a good impression. Hence, after the interview, be sure to follow up with a thank-you note or email to show your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the role.

Things to keep in mind when organizing an on demand interview as a recruiter/interviewer

On the flip side, interviewers also need to be on point, if they are organizing an on demand interview. Here are a few things that they need to be mindful of.

• Clearly communicate the process

Make sure job seekers understand the process and what is expected of them in the Interview on Demand.

• Give specific instructions

Provide clear instructions on how to record and submit the video, as well as any guidelines for content or length.

• Review responses multiple times

Because you will not have the opportunity to ask follow-up questions or engage in a back-and-forth conversation with the job seeker, it can be helpful to review their responses multiple times to get a better understanding of their qualifications and fit for the role.

• Consider including a live interview

While an Interview on demand can be a useful tool, it may not provide all of the information you need to make a hiring decision. Consider including a live interview as part of the process to get a more complete picture of the candidate.

Demerits of an on demand interview

Despite having so many benefits, this new interview method does have some drawbacks that both interviewers and candidates should be aware of. Here are a few key drawbacks of on demand interviews:

• Lack of personal interaction

One of the main drawbacks of on demand interviews is the lack of personal interaction. With a traditional interview, interviewers have the opportunity to ask follow-up questions and get a sense of the candidate’s personality and communication style. With an on demand interview, these interactions are limited, and interviewers must rely solely on the recorded responses to evaluate the candidate.

• Technical issues 

Another drawback of on demand interviews is the potential for technical issues. If the candidate’s internet connection is slow or unreliable, the recorded responses may be of poor quality or may be interrupted. This can make it difficult for interviewers to get a full understanding of the candidate’s skills and abilities.

• Limited feedback

On demand interviews can also be limited in terms of the feedback that is provided to candidates. With a traditional interview, interviewers can provide immediate feedback and answer any questions the candidate may have. With an on demand interview, feedback is typically provided after the fact, which can be less helpful for candidates who are looking to improve their interview skills.

• Limited opportunities for questions

On demand interviews also offer limited opportunities for candidates to ask questions. With a traditional interview, candidates have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the company and the role. With an on demand interview, candidates must rely on the provided questions and may not have the opportunity to ask additional questions or clarify any confusion they may have.

Converting the negatives of on demand interviews into positives

If you are a recruiter, you need to understand that both, the traditional interview process and the new on demand interview, have their own set of merits and demerits, but to offset many of its drawbacks, with the advancement of modern technology, you now have a new solution that is, AI powered on demand interview screening process. 

AI-powered video interview screening enabled by platforms such as interviewer.AI is a process in which artificial intelligence is used to evaluate and analyze recorded video interviews to identify top candidates. This method is great for further enhancing the on demand interview process that you are planning to adopt. Here’s how AI for video interview screening will make on demand interviews more efficient.

• It makes conventional on demand interviews more efficient

One of the main benefits of using AI for video interview screening is the efficiency it offers. With AI, multiple interviews can be analyzed and evaluated in a short period of time, which can help companies to identify top candidates more quickly. AI can also help to identify key factors that are important to the company, such as communication skills, technical knowledge, and personality traits, which can be difficult for humans to assess consistently.

• It further accentuates/improves consistency

Another major benefit of using AI for video interview screening is the consistency it offers. With AI, all candidates are evaluated using the same criteria, which helps to eliminate bias and ensures that all candidates are given a fair chance. This can be especially important for companies that are looking to increase diversity and inclusivity in their hiring process.

• Further improves the cost-effectiveness of on demand interviews

AI-powered video interview screening can be a convenient and efficient way for companies to screen candidates. It saves a lot of time spent on top of funnel candidate screening and hence cuts down hiring costs for companies.

Interviewer.AI is a technology platform purposely built to support Recruiters and HR teams in finding top talent for their companies. Interviewer.AI is a state-of-the-art video recruiting software that uses AI (Artificial Intelligence) to screen in advance and shortlist the candidates that meet the criteria set. HR teams use the software to make the recruitment process more efficient and shorten the hiring cycle.  Learn more about how Interviewer.AI can help your business.

Increase your hiring team’s efficiency using a combination of resume scoring, skill assessment, and asynchronous video interviews. 

Gabrielle Martinsson is a Content Writer at Interviewer.AI. She’s a tech geek and loves optimizing business processes with the aid of tech tools. She also loves travelling and listening to music in her leisure.