A decline in face-to-face job interviews after the pandemic is having a negative impact on recruitment, a leading consultancy has warned.
Robert Walters said the rise of virtual screening was undermining the confidence of candidates looking to change jobs.
Toby Foulston, chief executive of Robert Walters, said it was important for employers to have “sight”. [job seekers] The word ‘visible’ is becoming increasingly important as many people seek reassurance about possible redundancies and cost reductions.
“At the end of the day, we need confidence that they are going into a safe environment and that they will not be the first to be kicked out if the situation becomes more difficult,” he said.
“Moving from one company to another is a personal and human decision. That process should not be commercialized.”
Companies continue to rely on remote interviews using Zoom and Microsoft Teams, which many argue is faster and easier than traditional in-person interviews.
Meanwhile, many young Gen Z employees are reportedly refusing to come into the office for interviews.
Hiring managers noted that video interviews can be beneficial, such as for fully remote roles or fixed-term contract positions that need to be filled quickly.
Foulston, who took over Robert Walters last year, also pointed out that pay increases handed out during the post-pandemic boom meant it became more costly for employers to recruit and retain talent. did.
He said: “When unemployment is so low, the situation we’re in right now, it’s a question of supply and demand. You have to pay for good people.”