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5 Hard Challenges of Video Conferencing Interviews

challenges of video conferencing interview

The Covid-19 pandemic has introduced the possibility of an interview format that was considered outrageous just a few years ago, whether it be for normal or remote jobs in Malaysia. 

That format is called video conferencing interview, where job seekers and hiring managers conduct job interviews virtually using video conferencing tools such as Google Meet and Zoom. 

The introduction of this job interview format is accompanied by a few challenges of video conferencing interviews that you’ll need to know of to ensure a smooth job-hunting journey.

Top Challenges of Video Conferencing Interview

1. Challenges of Video Conferencing Interviews: Technical Issues

One of the main challenges of video conferencing interviews would be the setup for it. In order for a video interview to proceed smoothly, here is the list of items to look out for:

  • Fast & stable internet connection
  • Devices that are capable of video conferencing – high-quality video camera, a decent microphone, etc.
  • Conducive environment – Good lighting, quiet environment, etc.

Unfortunately, things don’t always go well and many times both job seekers and hiring managers face situations such as not being able to see or hear each other, choppy internet connection, or being interrupted by loud environmental noises.

Ensuring a smooth video conferencing interview is just as important as the interview itself – there’s no point in preparing, answering questions, and interacting with the interviewer if they can’t see or hear you in the first place.

2. Challenges of Video Conferencing Interviews: Lack of Non-verbal Cues

Another item amongst a handful of challenges of video conferencing interviews shared by companies out there would be the lack of non-verbal cues. As you may know, aside from just speech, good communication involves non-verbal cues such as body language. 

Body language is important to allow interviewers to “read” you better. However, showing good first impressions to build rapport is already a challenge in the first place, which is hard to do during video conferencing interviews and harder when the video resolution is subpar.

Without a clearer view of your face, interviewers would struggle to pick up non-verbal cues such as a smile, a nod, or a head tilt for better interaction. All these issues reduce personal contact and the ability to understand as well as to empathise.

3. Challenges of Video Conferencing Interviews: Lack of Demonstration

The good thing about having face-to-face interviews is the ability for employers to showcase the working environment and company culture to give a good first impression, which could be crucial to winning the candidates’ hearts.

With video conferencing interviews, however, this is not possible unless employers initiate a live virtual office tour or upload their office tour online. Due to the lack of demonstration opportunities, companies may have to dedicate a little more resources to the employee onboarding experience.

The same challenges of video conferencing interviews apply to remote job interviews as well, where team connections would be weaker unless companies have a good team-building strategy.

4. Challenges of Video Conferencing Interviews: Scheduling Challenges

The higher the commitment for the job interview, the higher the incentive for job applicants to attend the interview and vice versa.

For example, if applicants are required to take a day off and travel to the company on a certain day at a certain time due to the employer’s availability, the incentive to attend the interview would be much higher than if the interview could be held purely online. 

We’ve seen many cases where applicants have multiple requests to reschedule interview sessions just because of the “sudden” changes in plan. The justification would normally be that video conferencing interviews are much easier to reschedule.

5. Challenges of Video Conferencing Interviews: Risk of Sharing Sensitive Data

Lastly, one of the most dangerous challenges of video conferencing interviews would be the risk of oversharing sensitive company data – whether it be intentional or not.

This is especially easy to happen due to the “Share Screen” feature that video conferencing tools have. Imagine sharing a screen to showcase the company’s working environment, but accidentally sharing employees’ paychecks or even private chats between co-workers.

To avoid this situation for both applicants and interviewers alike, try to only share the specific tabs instead of sharing the entire computer screen – be vigilant!

Final Remarks

By now, we hope that you are more aware of the main challenges of video conferencing interviews and are preparing to ensure a smooth experience for the upcoming job interviews.

Final advice – It’s always worth it to ensure a good interview experience for you and your interviewers. This could also show that you are well-prepared for the important interview and that you are a meticulous person.

Looking for the best jobs in Malaysia? Apply now on Job Majestic and get access to the best job-hunting tips (such as how to write a resume) to land your dream job. 

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Job Majestic TRAIN

Most Practical Talent Matching Partner in Asia

Experience the future of talent matching with our cutting-edge Talent Relevancy Artificial Intelligence eNgine (TRAIN)

Your dream career starts here!