The rise of virtual interviews has transformed how companies hire and how candidates present themselves. What began as a solution during global disruptions has become a long-term shift that’s reshaping the interview experience in both positive and challenging ways.

On the positive side, virtual interviews have provided a more efficient way of meeting with one another. Candidates no longer need to take time off work, travel long distances, or relocate just to explore an opportunity. This levels the playing field, especially for those without the flexibility to attend in-person interviews. It is not just the candidates who are benefiting, but the hiring managers as well. They now have access to someone who may be located across the country, or even the world.

However, the shift isn’t without drawbacks. Virtual environments can make it harder for candidates to convey personality and build rapport which is often easier to do while face to face. A simple issue, like a link failing to open, can quickly frustrate both the hiring manager and the candidate, often creating tension and prompting them to place blame anywhere except on the unstable internet connection.

There’s also the growing concern about “virtual interview fatigue” as candidates navigate multiple online assessments, video calls, and AI-powered screening tools before ever speaking to a human.

Ultimately, virtual interviews aren’t going away. They offer efficiency and accessibility but also demand new expectations from both sides. The future of hiring may be hybrid - combining the convenience of digital tools with the human connection that in-person interactions provide.