Since the outbreak of Covid-19, we have seen a seismic shift towards virtual interviews. While highly convenient for the busy employer, online interviews do pose a risk to hopeful applicants from low-income backgrounds. In this article, we discuss the problems with virtual hiring and what employers can do to ensure all candidates are given equal opportunities.
What socio-economic barriers come with virtual interviewing?
Finding a suitable space
When joining a video interview, you are giving your potential employers rather intimate insight into your living situation. This could cause additional anxiety for low-income applicants who may not have the space outside of their kitchen or living room from which to ‘host’ the call. Plus, there might be housemates or family members also wanting to use the communal areas which could be distracting and negatively impact the candidate’s performance.
Top tip: Tell your household in advance if you have a virtual interview coming up so that they know to stay quiet and leave you to it. In terms of background, aim for a plain white wall or use the blur background filter so that the interviewer doesn’t get distracted / your house can’t be seen if you feel anxious about it.
Having the right technology
Although most people in the UK have access to the internet, this is still a factor to take into consideration when it comes to equality. Furthermore, if the applicant’s laptop camera isn’t working and this is the only device in the house, this is also a problem - and again, probably one that someone with a high socio-economic status wouldn’t have to think twice about.
Accessibility
Online interviews also require a level of digital awareness and might be an extra hurdle for those who haven’t grown up surrounded by the latest tech. This becomes an even greater issue when the job itself does not require the candidate to be tech savvy and creates a thus unnecessary barrier to entry.
What can I do to mitigate inequality during the hiring process?
If you are on the hunt for new talent, make sure the interview is hosted via an accessible platform or offer phone interviews as an alternative. Overall, it is important to make reasonable adjustments so that all candidates start on an even playing field. This includes keeping the questions the same, and hiring purely based on skills (and not wifi strength!).
Imperium Solutions believes all candidates, regardless of their socio-economic background, should have equal opportunities when it comes to job seeking. Our experienced team is here to help should you have any questions.
Give us a call on 0208 929 4000 or send an email to info@imperiumsolutions.co.uk.
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