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The Pros and Cons of Using Automated Interviews as a Manager

In the realm of recruitment, automated interviews have gained significant popularity among managers as an effective tool. With approximately 55 percent of companies now investing in AI-driven recruiting software to boost efficiency, it comes as no surprise.

But where AI truly shines is in automating candidate interviews. This article explores how automated interviews work, shedding light on both the advantages and disadvantages of this innovative approach. By the end, you’ll gain a better understanding of how automated interviews have the potential to revolutionize your recruitment process. Keep reading to uncover the pros and cons of automated interviews!


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 What Is an Automated Interview?

Technological advancements have enabled candidates to interview for positions without needing to be at the company physically. The COVID-19 pandemic forced many companies to switch their recruiting processes to include conducting interviews via video conferencing software. Years after the pandemic’s onset, virtual interviews are still commonplace.

Now, AI and automation are pushing new developments, including automated video interviews (AVI). In an automated job interview, the employer will utilize software to prerecord their list of interview questions for a specific role. Then, when the candidate signs on for an interview, they’re prompted by the software to answer the employer’s pre-recorded questions. After the candidate is done responding to the questions, the candidate’s responses are sent to the employer to be evaluated.

This type of asynchronous communication is often used in the initial phases of the recruitment process, like candidate screening. As with any new technology, automated interviews have numerous pros and cons.


list of pros and cons of using automated interviews as a manager


Pros of Using Automated Interviews

A host of advantages can come with automated interviews. Here’s a list of potential benefits of implementing AVIs at your organization:

  • Helps manage high candidate volume—Using automated interviews can help lessen the workload of busy recruiters. The average job opening receives 250 applicants, and some of those who apply are unqualified. When you combine automated interviews with other AI software, like resume screening tools, your recruiters can avoid potentially wasting time meeting with every single candidate and instead focus their efforts on pre-screened candidates who may be a better fit for the open position.
  • Allows flexibility in scheduling—One major pain point in the traditional interviewing process is finding times that work for both the interviewer and interviewee. With automated job interviews, though, this pain point is eliminated. Because the employer can record their questions and then send them out to the candidate, the candidate can answer the questions on their own time. This may allow you to access a greater talent pool, as you can reach candidates who cannot meet for an interview during normal business hours. You can also have greater access to candidates who work in different time zones.
  • Encourages consistency in candidate evaluations—Another pain point that exists in traditional interviewing involves the potential for each interview to be conducted differently. While you may try to steer the conversation with each candidate similarly, it can be very difficult to get the same answers in the same pattern. With an automated interview, the candidates will all answer the same questions in the same pattern, making it easier for recruiters to evaluate responses and make decisions.
  • Helps prevent unconscious bias—Utilizing automated interviews can help weed out potential unconscious bias in the early stages of recruiting, ensuring that the top talent makes it through to the next round of interviewing. One of the biggest advantages is that automated interviews enable multiple people to review a candidate’s answers and make important recruiting decisions. In the traditional interviewing process, particularly in the screening stages, usually, only one recruiter meets with a candidate due to the sheer volume of applicants. However, because answers are prerecorded, any number of recruiters or decision-makers can review the talent pool and give their opinions on who should move forward.

Your company can realize additional benefits from using automated job interviews. Every organization is unique, and AI recruiting technologies may benefit your processes in a variety of ways not listed above.



Cons of Using Automated Interviews

Just like with any type of software or new technology, you must look at both the advantages and drawbacks before incorporating it into your workflows. Here’s a list of some common cons associated with automated job interviews:

  • Narrows the talent pool—By using automated interviews, you may be unintentionally limiting your options when it comes to job applicants. Using new technologies can be difficult and scary for many, and if someone isn’t comfortable with the automated interviewing software, they may choose not to apply to the position or rescind their application.
  • Prevents you from real-time communication—In a traditional or synchronous video interview, you can have a conversation with the candidate. This enables candidates and recruiters to ask clarifying or follow-up questions as needed. In automated job interviews, recruiters are left only with the answers applicants provide, which can lead to the right candidate potentially being eliminated from the job search due to an unclear answer.
  • Limits your ability to read nonverbal cues—A large part of interviewing is assessing a candidate’s body language and nonverbal cues. Because you’re not meeting in real-time with the candidates, you may miss their nonverbal cues while they’re responding to your questions.

When your company evaluates whether automated interviews are the right fit, including legal counsel in your conversations may make sense. State and federal regulations may apply and could factor into your decision to implement such technologies.

Automated Interviews May Be the Solution to Your Recruiting Challenges

Automating various parts of your recruiting process, such as interviews, can help you speed up your process and reach a broader talent pool. However, you should carefully weigh the pros and cons of automated interviews before implementing them.

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