Why Interviewing Candidates In-Person Still Matters

At CENTRL, we love to see the different ways companies approach their all-important hiring process. With the rise of remote work and virtual communication, conducting job interviews over platforms like Zoom has become increasingly common. While we understand virtual interviews can offer convenience, we also think there’s still a strong case to be made for meeting candidates in person. Here we’ll explore why face-to-face interviews remain invaluable in the hiring process.

Building Rapport and Connection

One of the most significant advantages of in-person interviews is the opportunity to establish a genuine connection with the candidate. Meeting face-to-face allows both parties to gauge non-verbal cues, such as body language and facial expressions, which are crucial for understanding each other’s personalities and communication styles. Building rapport becomes more natural when you can engage in small talk before and after the formal interview, creating a more relaxed atmosphere where candidates are likely to open up and showcase their true selves.

Assessing Cultural Fit

Company culture plays a pivotal role in employee satisfaction and long-term success within an organization. While it’s possible to discuss cultural values and expectations over Zoom, nothing beats experiencing the workplace environment firsthand. Bringing candidates into the office gives them a glimpse of the company culture, team dynamics, and work environment, allowing them to assess whether they would thrive in such a setting. Likewise, employers can observe how candidates interact with current employees and evaluate their compatibility with the team.

Evaluating Professionalism and Preparedness

In-person interviews provide a clearer picture of a candidate’s professionalism and preparedness. Arriving punctually, dressing appropriately, and demonstrating confidence in person are all indicators of a candidate’s commitment and suitability for the role. Additionally, conducting interviews in a formal setting allows employers to assess how candidates present themselves physically and how they handle unexpected situations or challenges in real-time, which may not be fully evident during virtual interactions.

Assessing Soft Skills and Emotional Intelligence

While technical skills are essential for many positions, soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence are equally crucial for success in the workplace. In-person interviews offer a better platform for assessing these intangible qualities. Employers can observe how candidates engage in spontaneous conversations, navigate social interactions, and respond to various situational prompts, providing deeper insights into their interpersonal abilities and emotional intelligence.

Reducing Misinterpretations and Technical Glitches

Despite the advancements in virtual technology, technical glitches and communication barriers are still common during remote interviews. Poor internet connection, audio/video lag, and screen freezes can disrupt the flow of conversation and lead to misunderstandings or misinterpretations. In contrast, meeting in person eliminates these technological barriers, allowing for smoother and more meaningful interactions between employers and candidates.

Demonstrating Investment and Seriousness

Inviting candidates for in-person interviews demonstrates a level of investment and seriousness on the part of the employer. It sends a message that the organization values the candidate’s time and is genuinely interested in getting to know them beyond their resume. This personal touch can significantly impact the candidate’s perception of the company and increase their enthusiasm and commitment to the hiring process.

Conclusion

At CENTRL, we believe face-to-face interactions still provide invaluable insights that may not be fully captured through virtual platforms. We also proved a bevy of meeting spaces for teams to hold interviews, equipped with all the tech and privacy you’ll need to meet (and impress) candidates in-person. Have questions about finding the perfect space to hold your next round of interviews? Let us know! We’re happy to help.