In 2020 it became essential for companies to find a way to conduct interviews with prospective candidates when Covid prevented in person interactions. According to a study commissioned by HireVue, a video interview and assessment provider, 41 percent of 1,140 hiring leaders said they plan to use a combination of in-person and virtual interviews. The research found that 23 percent of respondents plan to move solely to virtual interviewing. The consensus among experts is that a combination of the two interviewing styles will be used moving forward.

Both have a place currently in today’s interview climate. The best interview method can vary depending on what type of role you are looking to hire for as well as the type and number of candidates needed.

Read on to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of Virtual vs In-Person interviews:

Virtual Interviews

Advantages

• Virtual interviews tend to be easier to schedule for both you and the candidates and can accelerate the entire process of hiring
• You can conduct more interviews in less time without having to deal with the logistics of travel plans and location/lodging
• As the employer it allows you to have people from different parts of the company and in different locations to participate in the process
• Virtual interviews can be recorded (with candidate permission) so that they can be reviewed
• Less cost involved
• If the role involves technology this can give an indication of their skills and comfort level
• You can cast a wider net and interview remote candidates regardless of location
• This allows for candidates that are still employed to not have to take time off from their current job
• Makes high volume recruiting more manageable

Disadvantages

• If the role is not remote and the candidate will be required to come into a certain location the virtual interview may give them an unrealistic expectation
• Technical issues can cause problems and disrupt the interview
• If the role does not require technology a virtual interview may keep qualified candidates from being considered due to lack of equipment or skill
• Some applicants may be discouraged from going through the interview process because they dislike being on video or are afraid of being recorded
• A virtual interview may allow for more distractions if the candidate does not have a quiet place
• Harder to read body language and nonverbal cues

In-person Interviews

Advantages

• In-person interviews offer a higher level of engagement. Body language is readable and get a better sense of the candidate’s interpersonal skills
• When you are face to face to face with a candidate you have the ability to observe emotional and behavioral cues, such as discomfort or enthusiasm with your questions
• In-person interviews tend to last longer than virtual which means there is typically more time for each person to ask questions and get to know each other
• Meeting a candidate in person still offers the best opportunity for genuine connection and engagement
• Face to face interviews are the only way to observe a candidate’s ability for roles that require strong social skills in client facing or senior leadership positions

Disadvantages

• The cost of in-person interviewing is higher
• The process takes more time
• The process is more labor intensive
• Geographical limitations

As you prepare to interview candidates, weigh the pros and cons of both virtual and in-person to determine which will yield the best results.

Need help with the interviewing process and selecting the right candidates?

Morris Bixby Group can provide you with high-quality agricultural candidates who remain engaged in the hiring process and beyond. Learn more today!