This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-51847888

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Coronavirus: Job interviews go online as candidates stuck at home Coronavirus: Job interviews go online as candidates stuck at home
(32 minutes later)
Recruitment firms are going online to interview candidates who are working from home during the coronavirus pandemic.Recruitment firms are going online to interview candidates who are working from home during the coronavirus pandemic.
Tech giants Google, Amazon and Twitter are among the growing number of firms asking staff to work from home.Tech giants Google, Amazon and Twitter are among the growing number of firms asking staff to work from home.
The strategy is part of social distancing efforts as businesses try to slow the spread of the virus.The strategy is part of social distancing efforts as businesses try to slow the spread of the virus.
Headhunters also say it's now easier to contact candidates as they're not in stuck in meetings or travelling.Headhunters also say it's now easier to contact candidates as they're not in stuck in meetings or travelling.
"It was actually easier to get hold of many clients because they were at home, bored and on the end of a mobile phone than it was when they were in meetings, walking factories or flying somewhere," said recruitment firm chief executive PageGroup Steve Ingham. "It was actually easier to get hold of many clients because they were at home, bored and on the end of a mobile phone than it was when they were in meetings, walking factories or flying somewhere," said recruitment firm PageGroup's chief executive Steve Ingham.
Worldwide travel restrictions also mean people aren't travelling for business, one of biggest challenges for recruiters trying to meet potential hires. Worldwide travel restrictions also mean people aren't travelling for business, one of the biggest challenges for recruiters trying to meet potential hires.
It comes as recruiters and hiring managers switch from face-to-face meetings to online interviews using apps such as Skype, Zoom and WhatsApp.It comes as recruiters and hiring managers switch from face-to-face meetings to online interviews using apps such as Skype, Zoom and WhatsApp.
Online interviews also suit potential hires as they take up less time and are more convenient.Online interviews also suit potential hires as they take up less time and are more convenient.
"They are happy to use this approach as well because it saves them travelling time and minimises human contact amidst the Covid-19 outbreak," said Charlene Tay at recruitment firm Robert Walters in Singapore."They are happy to use this approach as well because it saves them travelling time and minimises human contact amidst the Covid-19 outbreak," said Charlene Tay at recruitment firm Robert Walters in Singapore.
But job-seeking candidates are being advised to practice ahead of an online interview. "Interviewing online and interviewing in person are two completely different experiences," said Sarah Johnston, a professional interview coach.But job-seeking candidates are being advised to practice ahead of an online interview. "Interviewing online and interviewing in person are two completely different experiences," said Sarah Johnston, a professional interview coach.
"Job seekers share that it can be more challenging to connect with the interviewer online because there is often less small talk and it's harder to pick up on non-verbal cues," she added."Job seekers share that it can be more challenging to connect with the interviewer online because there is often less small talk and it's harder to pick up on non-verbal cues," she added.
Recruiters also advise candidates to be patient as, although online job interviews can help speed up the process, there will still be delays as businesses come up with contingency plans and deal with coronavirus-related issues. "This is uncharted territory and we are all doing the best we can," added Ms Johnston.Recruiters also advise candidates to be patient as, although online job interviews can help speed up the process, there will still be delays as businesses come up with contingency plans and deal with coronavirus-related issues. "This is uncharted territory and we are all doing the best we can," added Ms Johnston.
But online interviews don't work for everyone. "Those roles which require client interaction and team management, an in-person interview is likely to remain an essential stage of the process," added Paul Endacott, chief executive of GRIT search. But online interviews don't work for everyone. "Those roles which require client interaction and team management, an in-person interview is likely to remain an essential stage of the process," added Paul Endacott, chief executive of GRIT Search.