Conducting Webcam Interviews for IT Candidates: Is It Professional and Effective?

Conducting Interviews via Webcam for Outstation Candidates

Could you please share your comments on conducting interviews through webcam for outstation candidates, especially in the IT industry, with the details below:

• Is it professional?
• What level (entry/middle/high) of candidates can be interviewed through this mode?
• Do you have any idea about the IT companies that are using this mode?

Regards,
Emmanuel Gosula

Hi Emmanuel,

Interview through webcam is not a very famous term in India, but it is highly professional. Many MNCs in IT/Non-IT sectors are using webcams for middle-level and higher-level positions.

Regards,
Vikas

Conducting a telephonic interview, at least for the first round, is not uncommon. Now you can conduct interviews through a webcam. What is wrong with using technology if it saves time and energy?

Replies to the Questions:

1. Is it Professional?
It is not a question of whether conducting interviews through a webcam is professional; however, the interview questions should be professional, and the interviewer's conduct should be professional.

2. What Level (Entry/Middle/High) of Candidates Can Be Interviewed Through This Mode?
There is no restriction per se on the level of the candidate. In my previous company, the Director of Finance interviewed senior-level candidates through Skype. However, for junior-level candidates, first assess their comfort level, and secondly, they should have their own laptop or access to a laptop/system.

3. Do You Have Any Idea About the IT Companies Who Are Using This Mode?
The IT industry is supposed to be a torchbearer in the usage of IT technology. Why are you worried about whether "other" companies are doing it or not? If you are convinced of its efficacy, then please go ahead and do it. Let others follow you. Don't wait for someone to take the lead and then follow their footsteps! Leave your own footprints on the sands of time.

Regards,
Dinesh V Divekar

Further, Emmanuel, I think interviewing via webcam can be a good idea and beneficial, as it will save a lot of time. I agree with Dinesh when he says it's suitable for top-level management. But considering the pace of Internet penetration in India, I am sure many more companies will start adopting this method of recruitment sooner.

Video Interviews in India

I know about a company in Mumbai that has a support call center with video chats. So, things are moving!

Regards,
Samir.

I am working as an HR consultant for one of our clients, and I'm based at the client's side. We have to interview many candidates for higher-level managerial roles in sales. Hence, we were spending too much on their plane tickets. I installed a good quality webcam in our small conference room where we already have a plasma TV and connected the cam to the plasma. Now we take interviews through Skype. Thanks to Skype for such good clarity! It's really a very good and economical way to conduct interviews of outstationed candidates! 

You can use a webcam for interviewing, but it has some limitations. Video and audio quality are not that good. You may face problems with connectivity. The person you want to interview may not have the required hardware and software with them.

There are better solutions available, but they could be a little expensive. You can go to a nearby 'Reliance Webworld' where they have very good videoconferencing facilities. You can interview candidates from Delhi while sitting in the Reliance Webworld at Pune. The only thing you have to do is book a time slot with Reliance Webworld. They will confirm the booking after coordinating the time slot with Reliance Webworld in Delhi. Then you can inform all candidates in Delhi about the date, time, and venue of the interview and conduct the interviews.

The audio and video quality of Reliance is excellent. They have a presence all over India, including B and C category towns. Additionally, they provide a very comfortable and soundproof place for conducting interviews. You can easily accommodate an interview panel of 5-6 persons, and you also have options for close-up, zoom, etc.

If you are going to use this facility frequently, you can negotiate rates with Reliance.

If you have deep pockets, you can install an entire videoconferencing setup in your office itself.

Emmanuel, regarding your questions:

1. Using a webcam for conducting interviews with outstation candidates, especially in the IT industry, can be professional depending on the setup and quality.
2. Candidates at all levels (entry/middle/high) can be interviewed through this mode, as long as the necessary technology and connectivity are in place.
3. Some IT companies are utilizing this mode for conducting interviews, but specific information on companies may vary.

Regards,
Emmanuel Gosula

Hi Emmanuel,

Webcam interviews are primarily used by IT companies. I have scheduled a few interviews for my clients with companies such as TIS (Tata Interactive Systems), NESS, etc.

Regards,
Vaibhav

I am working with a pharma MNC in Mumbai as an Assistant to the VP - Human Resources. Whenever we have a prospective candidate from any overseas location, we set up a video conference with that candidate. Currently, we have Reliance Webworld as our service provider. To arrange the video conference, you just need to have the ISDN number of that particular location, that's it. It's awesome. We have personally experienced Skype, and we are not happy with its voice clarity. Try video conferencing, and you will experience it for yourself.

Do let me know in case of any queries.

Take care. God bless!