How big of a deal is to not being able to physically interview for positions located outside your present area?
I feel my background and resume turn a lot of heads when applying for the jobs I've been trying to get lately. I match their list of criteria and all, but I worry that preference is never given to me mostly because of my current int'l placement.
I'm curious to know, specifically from HR, when you see a qualified candidate applying for a job, do they often get dismissed because their current location doesn't allow for a face interview? Even after stating I'm entirely open for relocation I feel I'm being looked past because of this.
Thanks for your comments and feedback
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May 2, 2014
Tyler, the landscape for interviewing has moved much more to a virtual space. This is in your favor. At my company, we do all our initial interviews virtually because we want to find talent all over the world. We use our own software (iMeet) to conduct the interviews. Take a look at this infographic for some great statistics that show you have a bright future ahead of you with video interviews.
http://www.slideshare.net/PGi/online-job-interviews
Mar 26, 2014
I believe that at the very beginning we can interview using tech devices, however the final decision with direct reports the contact should be done face to face. Nothing compare the face to face contact to be comfortable about a decision of hiring some else to work with.
Mar 26, 2014
Looks like good information being posted. Technology allowed my sister to interview for a position she was qualified for through a Skype interview in another state. She was eventually asked to fly in and interview in person at the employer’s expense and she ended up getting the job. The position was posted as eligible for a relocation package. As I’m sure you’ve discovered, some positions do not provide a relocation package with the posted position therefore the employer might inadvertently scan the resumes coming in through the lenses of local candidates only.
Another consideration from the employer perspective is the overall relocation component. Even though you’ve made it clear of you’re willingness to relocate, some employers can be reluctant to place a person in a position that requires them to move to a new place with no friends, family or supporting network. There is evidence that this could translate to a flight risk for the employer. That can be expensive and counter productive.
Just some thoughts to ponder that might help with preparing for the next interview accordingly. Best of luck…
Mar 26, 2014
Hi Tyler. I think Sandeep and Kishwar make some great points. With all of the video conferencing technology available, no distance should be a problem in the interview process. At my last company (Fortune 50 technology company, 100,000+ employees). Video conferences were a regular occurrence multiple times a day and were used for interviews in situations such as this. I did see regular resistance at times from some hiring leaders to consider relocation candidates simply due to the relocation package costs that are involved that many companies (if they are a government contractor) are required to pay. In an environment where many companies are trying to keep operating expenses down, this may be a driver as to why you aren't seeing a lot of bites in your situation. Hope this helps.
Mar 26, 2014
Applying for a job outside of your current location, in and of itself, is not an issue. The issue is first and for most do you have a work permit for that country. If not unless you bring to the company a skill they can not get locally you are wasting your time. First, most companies will not consider a resume if the person in the cover letter does not confirm they have a work permit for that country. Very few companies will work on your behalf to get you the visa you need. So first thing is apply for a work visa in the countries you want to work in. Once you have the work visa you will find the interviews come easier. Second if you have a unique skill that is in high demand, being an English teacher is not one of them, then you have a better chance at getting the visa and having companies look are your resume. Third, more and more companies are using Skype and TelPresence for distant interviews. So location is not the issue it used to be.
In short focus on locations where you have permission to work. Focus the resume on skills and experiences you have that others might not have, third consider working locally with a multinational who will eventually give you the possibility of being transferred to another company, through working with them.
The issue is not your resume, not would willingness to relocate, it is simply, do you have permission to work in the country you wish to work in. If not unless you have something the company needs they will not consider unless it is an NGO.
Mar 27, 2014
Tyler, depending on where you want to move to getting a visa can take time. For example to get one in Canada could take three years, to move to Singapore without having a company move you there, right now is impossible, to get one for the US is the luck of the annual lottery. So I would suggest you not rely on any Internet advise on this but rather approach the embassy of the country you wish to move to and ask them directly. It might take persistence to get your answer. Some places are hard to contact for non citizens. Good luck with this.
Mar 26, 2014
There are some human basics here. Would you marry someone you had never met in person? I would not,nor would I put my company in the hands of someone I had never met face to face and more than one time and in more than one situation.
Mar 26, 2014
I believe the extra cost for hiring of an international candidate is more important than the interview itself.
many companies assign recruitment agencies to do the primary interview if their target candidate will be overseas, hold interviews by skype or video conference or even send a ticket for the candidate to travel to job location.
all this can be done only if the target is to get an overseas candidate, otherwise, they would surely prefer a local candidate and save all hiring and relocation cost.
Mar 25, 2014
If a candidate is shortlisted companies would do a VC or skype call. This ensures fitment. For the final round the candidate may be invited for a face to face interview.
Mar 25, 2014
Instead of stating that you are open for relocation, try suggesting that you are in the process of relocating.
I think that not being able to physically interview a candidate is probably an issure, unless a headhunter is involved. It shouldn't be; not when an employer can avoid accusations of discrimination. If they don't see you, if you have a gender neutral name or use your initials, they won't see your race, gender or age.
Mar 25, 2014
I have been in human resources for 19 years and I have always encouraged hiring managers to utilize Skype for interviews when the physical interview is not available. I have had many phone interviews that turned into Skype interviews. However most companies are still stuck using the old fashioned need to have you in the room interview. I believe if they want you to be in the room they should flip the bill to bring you to the room and show that they have some skin in the game. This also let's you know how interested they are in you. If they are not willing to at least pay half of the expense of travel to them change your mind about that company.
Hope this helps
David, I really appreciate your feedback. You speak as if this is an experience you yourself or others you know have experienced. After asking other expats the question, "Is obtaining a Visa difficult or a burden for the company?", I always get the reply that they don't really know but it's not an issue they feel. A lot to consider now, thank you.