Asynchronous video interview platforms place stress on candidates and test them in the wrong ways, columnist Sarah O'Connor argued in The Financial Times Nov. 30.
Increasingly companies are trading in phone or in-person interviews for asynchronous video interviews in which applicants are recorded answering questions. In some cases, the hiring manager will watch these back, but in others, an artificial intelligence algorithm will judge the candidate's responses.
While these tools are efficient for employers, allowing them to scale up and save time, they may be hurting prospective employees, Ms. O'Connor argued.
Some job seekers reported feeling dehumanized, exhausted and confused by these systems. The platforms can make it hard to be authentic and communicate naturally, as the responses are timed and the candidate often has to look at a video of themselves responding in real time as they give their answers, serving as a self-conscious distraction. It is also difficult for candidates whose first language is not English, as they have to struggle under time pressure.
Ms. O'Connor argues that these systems favor those who can talk into a void, instead of those who can interact best with others. She says that companies should instead invest time in creating a real interaction with candidates to best judge their suitability and learn from each other.