FROM JANUARY 2014's RECRUITER MAGAZINE

A new video-interviewing tool, aimed at improving the candidate experience, is being launched from beta-testing. After initial research & development and incubation with the technology accelerator The Sandpit, PowerMeeter received external investment from former SThree chief executive officer Russell Clements to further accelerate development. 

PowerMeeter managing director Måns Gårdfeldt (pictured right) told Recruiter that since early 2013 it had been working closely with industry professionals and a group of clients to refine the product to ensure it delivers the best user experience ahead of formal launch. “For us the candidate experience has been key as we really want to give the opportunity for everyone to share their personality, energy and soft skills in a smooth and professional way,” he said.

Recruiters invite candidates to a branded live video interview or create a set of questions and send a link for the individual to record their own. The service has support built in to ensure the process is a pleasant experience for the candidate. “They are generally quite comfortable with video but some need more hand-holding than others,” said Gårdfeldt, adding that clients see this as a way to show candidates that they really care about the person behind the CV. 

He cites the case of one client who didn’t want to meet a candidate due to a weak CV but after a video interview the individual was given the job because of their fit with the company culture and customer-facing skills. 

PowerMeeter is working on integration with job boards and applicant tracking systems and continues to tweak the service. “So far we have 100% retention and satisfaction from our clients. That’s a very encouraging sign,” said Gårdfeldt. “Although we’re not fully there yet with everyone’s perception of video-interviewing, I think that says a lot about where we’re heading.”