We know how great video interviews can be for job seekers and those starting out in the job search, but are video interviews filtrating education too? According to an article from the JD Journal, Harvard Law School has now begun utilizing video interviews for J.D. candidates. So what makes video interviews such a great tool for educational facilities?
First and foremost, allowing video interviews for candidates opens up the search and actually breaks down some economic barriers. Just like job seekers searching for a job out of state, prospective students without the ability to travel across the country or abroad to interview in person can use video interviews to connect with admissions officers at a lower cost. Additionally, it lowers costs for schools who may have admissions officers who travel, or are stationed throughout the country, solely for the purpose of interviewing potential students.
Phone interviews were another option in the past- for both schools and employers- but as we’ve often discussed before, video interviews provide a more personal experience which allows the interviewer and interviewee to gauge non-verbal cues and body language. The phone interview may be a great tool for a screening interview, but as the candidates dwindle down video interviews can be a much preferable option for universities looking at candidates who, for whatever reason, may not be able to make it to campus.
An additional benefit of video interviews for universities is the increased convenience of scheduling for both parties. While at the basic undergraduate level interviews are often conducted by dedicated admissions officers, within more specialized fields it may be harder to coordinate interview times and locations with a number of different parties. Eliminating the need for a variety of people to be in the same location frees up scheduling nightmares often associated with multi-party interviews. This is the same dilemma a lot of hiring managers and job seekers run into. Video interviews are a great solution and, as you can see, they are no longer limited to just the job market.
Harvard isn’t the only law school utilizing video technology. New York law school suggests applicants submit a four-minute video resume as a supplement to their application. The trend rates will likely continue to grow, and as it spreads will eventually seep its way into the undergraduate level. Video technology is a true asset for the higher education system and is likely to catch on rather quickly. So why not hone your skills in advance of that graduate school video interview with a great video resume for that summer internship?
What do you think of graduate schools using video interviews as part of their application process? Share with us in the comments section below!
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