If you could perform all of next week’s interviews virtually, would you? More importantly, should you? I am NOT referencing video conferencing; rather, new online technology that allows you to create a computer generated image of yourself – an “avatar” – that will meet job seekers in a virtual room and communicate with them via instant message. You have access to unlimited resources to make sure your finished product resembles the “real” you. The outcome is surprising! To find out more about avatars and to view examples, visitwww.secondlife.com.
So is virtual interviewing right for your company? The following points are some companies’ reasons for utilizing the Virtual Interview:
For Employers:
It’s cost effective to screen candidates.
It can help you narrow the pool of candidates.
You’ll be able to screen out of town candidates from anywhere.
For Candidates:
It enables them to undergo the interview from a comfortable location: their residences.
They can concentrate directly on your questions, without the worry of initial appearance and non-verbal communication.
Job seekers can display some of their ability on a technical level. (Hopefully, a job seeker’s computer generated avatar will resemble aspects of their personality as well as their image. In fact, there is already a site that tells job seekers how to dress their avatars for success.)
Many major companies have tried virtual interviews (read WSJ), and the results vary. In the future, avatars may become widely accepted, but it is too soon to get overly excited about this type of interviewing.
Companies who have an element of artistic creativity (ad agencies, animators, graphic design firms, etc.) may be able to put virtual interviewing to good use, but the average company and the average candidate are either unable or unwilling to invest the time and effort into creating an avatar that can function as their online “other.” An online resume is still the most practiced manner of initial contact.
This YouTube video shows a slightly satirical version of humans reenacting what life would be like if you were an avatar. I guess picking up the phone may still be the easiest way to do the initial screening of candidates!