We’ve put some of the largest interviewing platforms under the spotlight to understand what the best free solutions on the market are right now.
At this stage most of the employers we’re talking to just aren’t looking for long term remote interviewing solutions, just something to tide them over for the next few months. With this in mind there are enough free resources out there to suit most. Let’s take a look…
The 5 interviewing software platforms we reviewed:
- Harver
- myInterview
- Google Hangouts
- Zoom
- Skype
The following solutions are all completely free during the Coronavirus / COVID-19 crisis:
1. // Harver
Combining video interviewing with workflow management and assessments, Harver is designed for enterprise businesses that have large volumes of hiring. With clients such as McDonalds and KPMG you get the picture.
Free for the next 60 days (and potentially longer, Coronavirus depending), Harver are opening their platform for use with no strings attached. You can request access to the free interviewing tool here.
Pros.
- Enterprise software suitable for large volumes;
- Ask candidates to record and send interviews;
- Free for the next 2 months.
2. // myInterview
Aimed more towards the SME market, myInterview comes across as a hybrid between interviewing software and a dating website. Much of their offering is based around personality testing and predictions.
The always free option is fairly restrictive as it only allows up to 30 interviews per month on 1 vacancy. Useful for those who might have a single position right now.
You can create your free account here.
Pros.
- Personality profiling with predictive analytics;
- Free forever plan (although limited usage)
3. // Google Hangouts
Most of you will already be familiar with Hangouts, for those who aren’t it’s a video-conferencing tool available to all G Suite users.
As you’d expect from Google it’s simple to use and works easily across multiple platforms. Just set up a meeting and share a link. No worrying about whether teammates, clients, or customers have the right accounts or plug-ins.
Advanced features include hosting up to 250 participants per (video) call, live streaming for up to 100,000 viewers, as well as recording meetings and saving them to Google drive.
In response to the Coronavirus outbreak Google is giving free access to advanced hangouts until the 1st July 2020
Pros.
- Simple interface – technology you already know (and may already be registered for);
- Conduct live video interviews and record them;
- Advanced features available until July 1, 2020.
4. // Zoom
Like Hangouts, Zoom is a video-conferencing tool that allows compatibility across any desktop or mobile device. Zoom offers a variety of packages, however their free option should suffice for most.
Zoom offers 1 to 1 meetings with up to 100 participants. Although group meetings are limited to 40 minutes so you might need to keep job interviews concise to keep within this time limit.
You can sign up here, however with recent issues surrounding user privacy you might want to opt for an alternative platform if your interview contains sensitive information.
Pros.
- Widely used and installed already;
- Free to use (although with a 40-minute meeting limit for more than 3 participants);
Cons.
- Privacy issues.
5. // Skype
Acquired by Microsoft in 2011, Skype is one of the oldest players on the market. Founded in 2003 they have a solid reputation and standing in the video conferencing marketplace.
For most, the free option is enough for candidate interviewing duties. Once installed the Skype chat app allows for video calling for up to 50 participants and is available for free across all devices.
More in-depth business features are reserved for Microsoft Teams.
Pros.
- Excellent user ratings (the oldest and possibly the best);
- Compatible with other Microsoft Software – e.g. You can present PowerPoint slides;
- Free forever.