New trend damaging Aussies chance at landing a job: 'Puts you at a disadvantage'

Aussies wanting a job are being warned to always try to do an interview in person rather than virtually. Australian recruitment agency, u&u Recruitment Partners, has revealed only 6 per cent of interviews conducted with jobseekers were held in person.

While there are some very small advantages to jumping on a Zoom call rather than schlepping it out to an office in the middle of the city, recruitment expert Michael Jones told Yahoo Finance there's really no substitute for doing things in person.

He said it makes you look serious about the opportunity if you meet face-to-face.

"For you to express a lack of willingness to go in and attend a face-to-face interview, that can suggest, initially, a low level of interest or lack of commitment," he said.

Do you have a story? Email stew.perrie@yahooinc.com

"So that's not going to make a great first impression. But, also, if other candidates are then going in to meet decision-makers in person, it can put you at a disadvantage."

Jones understands why many Aussies would prefer to have a virtual job interview.

RELATED

• Worker rejected from 100 jobs reveals why Australia isn't 'land of opportunity' anymore

• Jobseekers lashed after 'disappointing' number of Aussies fail to even show up for interview

• Woman's job rejection a brutal warning for Aussies as ad asks for 'attractive' candidates

You don't have to spend time travelling in the middle of your work day, which can be more discreet and convenient if you don't have much time to spare.

It can be far more comfortable because not only are you in familiar territory of your home, but you also probably only have to worry about looking smart from the waist up.

You're not just showing off your job experience in an interview

But the recruitment expert said those small wins pale in comparison to what happens when you meet someone in person.

"You're not only being assessed on your technical skills and experience, it's more about assessing your personal attributes, your soft skills, your body language, all of those things are definitely going to be important," he told Yahoo Finance.

"When someone is deciding whether or not you're going to be a good match for the organisation, it's really hard for you to demonstrate your personality, your presentation and your interpersonal skills when you're doing it over a screen.

"Eye contact, body language handshake, all of those are important elements that you miss or don't have a chance to express as well when you're doing it virtually."

Vibe checks can benefit both parties

While all those aspects might seem to just favour the recruiter or hiring manager, there is a huge benefit for prospective employees going into an office for an interview.

Jones said not only do you get to experience what the commute would be like, you also get to see what your desk space would be and suss out the office vibe, which can be a make or break for some people.

You might even get the chance to meet other employees and chat with them about what it's like working at the company you're interviewing for.

"I think we've fallen into it into a habit of doing everything virtually and not really considering that you lose the ability to engage, create connections and build rapport," he said.

Technology isn't perfect

One of the big reasons Jones believes in-person interviews are better than virtual ones is you eliminate a few awkward situations that can arise during a video call.

"It's hard to read cues, it's hard to pick up on signals, and you absolutely do run the risk of talking over someone or interrupting someone, which can damage rapport," Jones said.

"Technology is never foolproof. So there's always the risk that your internet connection can drop out that your camera freezes at an awkward moment."

Get the latest Yahoo Finance news - follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.