Dubai, 8 April 2013 – With candidate shortages and recruitment challenges reportedly plaguing organisations throughout the Middle East, increasingly HR directors are relying on the advancement in technology to support their wider recruitment drive, according to new research from specialist recruitment consultancy Robert Half UAE. Nearly four in 10 (37%) UAE HR directors say that compared to three years ago, they have increased their use of video conferencing to conduct interviews, presenting a radical shift in the overall hiring process.
Highlighting the increased challenges that companies are facing to attract suitable candidates, nearly nine in 10 (87%) senior executives across UAE businesses report that it is at least ‘somewhat’ or ‘very challenging’ to find skilled professionals.
75 UAE executives were asked, ‘How challenging is it for your company to find skilled professionals today?” Their responses:
| Very challenging | 36% |
| Somewhat challenging | 51% |
| NET CHALLENGING | 87% |
When asked why their company increased the use of video conferencing to conduct interviews, nearly four in 10 (39%), respectively, cited the increased recruitment of international candidates as well as having access to better quality of video conferencing tools main reasons, followed by the increased prevalence of free or low-cost tools and the increased recruitment of out-of-town, domestic candidates, (both 36%).
James Sayer, Director, Robert Half Middle East said: “The recruitment of expatriate candidates is commonplace in the UAE and the rise in ease and prevalence of videoconferencing tools has facilitated the recruitment process, allowing UAE businesses to attract the skilled overseas as well as out-of-town, domestic talent they need. It also provides cost savings as much of the interview process can take place while the candidate is still in his/her hometown.”
75 HR directors were asked, ‘Why has your company increased the use of video conferencing to conduct interviews?’ Their responses:
| Increased recruitment of international candidates | 39% |
| Better quality of video conferencing tools | 39% |
| Increased prevalence of low cost tools | 36% |
| Increased recruitment of domestic, out-of-town candidates | 36% |
| Shortlisting candidates for in-person interview | 29% |
| To avoid the commute | 21% |
James Sayer concludes: “It is very important that candidates treat video interviews as they would a normal face-to-face interview. Hiring managers will still be assessing physical attributes such as non-verbal communication, professional attire and confidence when being interviewed on screen.
“While technology has facilitated much of the recruitment process, video conferencing should not replace in-person meetings when assessing a candidate for hire. Recruitment consultancies with offices in global markets can help pre-screen and meet candidates in person, helping to secure the right match between job seeker and employer.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
1The survey was conducted by an independent research firm and includes responses from 75 HR directors from Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The survey was conducted in December 2012.
About Robert Half
Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialised recruitment consultancy and member of the S&P 500. Founded in 1948, the company has over 350 offices worldwide providing permanent recruitment solutions for accounting and finance, financial services, technology, human resources and legal professionals. Robert Half offers workplace and job seeker resources at roberthalf.ae.