Why Millennials Like Video Interviews (And You Should Too)

It’s no secret that Millennials (born between 1980 and 2000) are people who love their social media websites and technology. These individuals have grown up in a world of constant technological development and, thus, have an easier time adopting new technology into their daily lives. According to an infographic by Flowtown, 74 percent of Millennials believe that their lives are made easier with technology and 75 percent of Millennials have created a social networking profile.  

Video interviews, being technical in nature, deliver incredible benefits that appeal to job-seeking Millennials. Using just a webcam, Millennials can connect face-to-face with employers in real-time to discuss job opportunities. No travel required! These Gen Y job candidates can also participate in one-way video interviews where they record video answers to an employer’s interview questions completely on their own time. They can do this using either a webcam or their favorite mobile device.

Video interviewing is the perfect tool for connecting with Millennials because it fulfills their need and want for real-time interaction in the interview process that requires less time than traditional methods. Video interviewing gives Millennials flexibility and convenience to go about their daily routines while also pursuing a job opportunity. Pre-recorded video interviews such as the one-way can be done when a Millennial has free time and their personal and current work schedule won’t be disrupted. Furthermore, video interviews appeal to Millennials because they give them an opportunity to show their true character and engage with employers on a more personal level.

It’s also important to acknowledge that Millennials will soon dominate the workplace. A study by the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flager Business School found that by 2020 Millennials will make up at least 46 percent of the workforce. Another study done by the BPW Foundation found that Millennials will make up roughly 75 percent of the world’s workforce by 2025. Thus, it’s crucial for companies to begin utilizing video interviews in their interview process as soon as possible so as not to miss out on the influx of talented and skilled Millennial candidates.

Additionally, employers should embrace technology such as video interviews to save themselves time. It takes an average of 45 days for a company to hire someone for a new position. By utilizing video interviews, employers can connect with Millennials more quickly so as to make an efficient hiring decision in less time. Millennials will also appreciate immediately hearing back from an employer whether they are hired or not.

By using video interviews in the hiring process, employers are showing Millennials that their company culture values flexibility, convenience, and efficiency – things Gen Y candidates value as well. Just as Millennials experience convenience from video interviews, employers can too. Neither party has to do much traveling in a live video interview because the connection is made via webcam – usually, the candidate from their home and the employer from their office. With pre-recorded video interviews like the one-way, employers are able to view responses at a later time and even share them with colleagues for better collaboration in the hiring process.

Video interviews give employers the opportunity to evaluate Millennial candidates on a more personal level than just reading their resume or viewing their Facebook and LinkedIn profile. If you really want to know whether a person will mesh well with your company culture, you have to see them beyond a piece of paper and virtual profile.

Are you using video interviews to connect with Millennials? Let us know in the comments below!

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