LinkedIn is adding a new feature to help employers connect with candidates via video. This is an important step during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Also, it is launching a new AI-enabled assessment tool that can help candidates prepare for their interview process in a better way.
With more and more job interviews being conducted online, LinkedIn is gearing up to launch its new video introduction feature. It enables candidates to submit a video response to a question asked by recruiters. This can help recruiters assess their communication skills and presentation.
(Source: Social Media Today)
While an employer may ask you to submit a video response, you don’t have to submit one. Most people are not comfortable recording a video clip and so it is optional. However, it provides an avenue to consider in the candidate assessment process.
Additionally, LinkedIn is adding a new automated interview feedback tool that will enable users to record themselves answering common interview questions. The tool will provide AI-generated feedback that will help you understand your use of “filler words”, pacing, phrases to avoid, etc.
In the above example, you can see how the automated assessment measures the words you’re using or overusing, how fast you’re talking, and also suggests how you can improve.
This is feature is lauded. While many people won’t be comfortable taking a video, the tool can provide valuable insights without talking to a person. And that exactly is the point- while it may feel strange in the beginning, you will comfortable after using it for a while. This will help improve the real-world interview situation and get additional feedback notes for further assistance.
More importantly, both tools are a boon in the current situation. As of now, most job interviews are being conducted online. While it may feel weird talking to your webcam, that’s how interviews are conducted in the current situation.
In the near future, this may more likely be the norm to conduct more interviews. Given the current traffic, higher house prices, high cost of living, etc.- it makes sense for businesses to choose to work remotely. This can benefit smaller communities and provide access to candidate pools while improving people’s overall quality of life.
Although this move was resisted by businesses previously, insisting on face-to-face interviews, the COVID-19 lockdowns have shown how businesses can continue to operate normally with the help of technology.
This may have significant long-term implications. Governments can assess how they can incentivize investment in regional areas and help slow urban sprawl. Businesses will consider how to enable more flexible arrangements for their operations. Simply put, the argument that it’s just not possible won’t work now that these tools have made it possible.
It may not be wrong to say that the new tools and approaches similar to that of LinkedIn could play a major role in the future employment process. As such, both are great innovations worth a try.