Hiring graduates is more than just filling positions, it’s about injecting fresh energy, innovative thinking, and new perspectives into your business. Traditionally, this process has involved a mix of resume reviews, aptitude tests, and in-person interviews. However, with the rise of technology and remote work, the way we hire graduates is evolving, and online video assessments are leading the charge.
These assessments are changing how recruiters evaluate candidates, offering a flexible, efficient, and fair way to discover graduate talent. But why exactly are online video assessments becoming the go-to method for graduate recruitment?
Let’s dive into the growing importance of this process, its benefits for both recruiters and candidates and how you can optimize the process for the best results.
The Shift Toward Online Video Assessments
The recruitment landscape has transformed dramatically in the past decade, and the COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated this shift. Remote work became the norm, making traditional face-to-face interviews less practical.
In this format, candidates record their responses to pre-set questions, which recruiters can review at their convenience. For graduate hiring, which often involves sorting through a large pool of applicants, online video assessments streamline the process and make it easier to spot high-potential candidates without lengthy in-person interviews.
Also Read: Video Interview Vs. In-Person Interview
Why Online Video Assessments are Perfect for Graduate Hiring
Online video assessments allow recruiters to tap into this potential in ways that traditional recruitment methods simply can’t.
Here’s why:
1. Assess Communication and Presentation Skills
With online video assessments, you can see candidates in action, how they articulate their thoughts, structure their answers, and react under pressure. This is crucial, especially for roles that require strong communication skills, whether it’s dealing with clients, collaborating with teams, or presenting ideas.
2. Handle High Volumes of Applicants Efficiently
Graduate recruitment often means sifting through hundreds, if not thousands, of applications. Doing this manually can be overwhelming. Online video assessments automate the initial screening process with the help of candidate screening software. You can set standard questions and evaluate all candidates based on the same criteria. This saves you time, and resources, and ensures that every applicant gets a fair shot.
3. Standardized and Fair Evaluation
Online video assessments create a more standardized approach. By using the same questions and criteria for every candidate, you get a more objective comparison of their skills. Many platforms also use AI-driven analysis to evaluate aspects like tone, word choice, and enthusiasm, reducing the risk of subjective judgments.
4. Show Digital Literacy and Adaptability
Graduates who excel in video assessments showcase their adaptability and tech-savvy, proving they’re ready for a fast-paced, digital workplace. This is especially important in industries like technology and marketing, where comfort with digital tools is non-negotiable.
Key Benefits of Online Video Assessments for Both Recruiters and Graduates
The advantages of online video assessments go far beyond convenience. They offer a range of benefits for both recruiters and candidates, making the hiring process smoother, faster, and more inclusive.
For Recruiters:
Save Time and Resources: With online assessments, you can screen candidates without scheduling interviews, travel logistics, or lengthy coordination. It’s a time-saver that lets you focus on candidates who really stand out.
Wider Access to Talent: No need to limit your search to candidates in your immediate area. Video assessments allow you to evaluate graduates from all over the world, broadening your talent pool and promoting diversity.
Early Identification of Soft Skills: Many roles require strong interpersonal skills, which can’t be fully captured on a resume. Online assessments give you an early insight into candidates’ emotional intelligence, adaptability, and how they think on their feet.
For Graduates ( Candidates ):
A Better Candidate Experience: The first job hunt can be nerve-wracking for graduates. Online assessments provide a more relaxed and flexible way to showcase their talents. They can record their responses at a convenient time, in a comfortable setting, making the process less intimidating.
Inclusivity for All Personality Types: Not everyone shines in a traditional interview setting. Online video assessments offer introverted candidates a chance to express themselves without the pressure of face-to-face interactions, levelling the playing field.
Also Read: How AI Recruitment Can Reduce Bias in Hiring
Best Practices for Conducting Online Video Assessments
To make the most of this tool in graduate hiring, it’s important to use online assessments strategically. Here are some best practices to follow:
1. Set Clear Expectations
Graduates are often new to professional processes, so make sure they know what to expect. Provide clear instructions about the assessment, the timeframe, and what criteria they’ll be evaluated on. This helps them feel more prepared and perform better.
2. Ask Relevant, Open-Ended Questions
The key to a great video assessment is asking questions that allow graduates to demonstrate their skills and thinking processes. For example, if you’re hiring for a marketing role, ask candidates how they would plan a digital campaign. Open-ended questions provide insight into their creativity, problem-solving, and communication skills.
3. Use AI-Powered Analysis, But Don’t Rely Solely on It
AI tools can analyze candidates’ communication styles, confidence, and even facial expressions, but remember that they’re just tools. Human judgment is still essential for understanding a candidate’s overall suitability for the role. Balance AI insights with your own evaluation.
4. Provide Feedback
Graduate hiring is often their first professional experience, so offering constructive feedback is invaluable. Whether they get the job or not, feedback helps them improve their interview skills and leaves a positive impression of your company.
Conclusion
Online video assessments are transforming how we hire graduates. By offering a flexible, scalable, and efficient way to assess skills and potential, they help recruiters make more informed decisions while providing a better experience for candidates. Whether you’re hiring for a customer-facing role, a technical position, or a creative one,video assessments offer the precision, inclusivity, and efficiency needed to find top graduate talent.
At Xenhire, we’re committed to helping businesses and universities leverage technology to simplify hiring and training. Schedule a demo today to see how AI-driven interviews can revolutionize your recruitment process, making it more equitable, efficient, and successful!
