Michigan Works! Revolutionizes Job Interview Process

Employers in Michigan now have the ability to conduct job interviews virtually -- saving scarce time and money. Michigan Works!, through funding provided by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth, has teamed up with InterviewUSA, Inc. to provide a computer-based job interview system for employers and job seekers to use -- the Virtual Video Interview (VVI) system.

The VVI system was developed to match qualified workers with job openings through a simulated face-to-face video interview with a prospective employer. Job seekers are provided a structured interview through questions prompted by the computer and responses are captured for viewing by employers. This gives the employers the ability to virtually screen candidates on demand and eliminates the need for a first interview.

Association President and CEO Linda F. Kinney said, "The Virtual Video Interview system will revolutionize the way our business services' teams assist our employers. We are a demand-driven system and this system will help meet our employers' hiring needs while saving them additional time and money associated with having an initial face-to-face interview."

The VVI system allows employers to review and follow up with the candidates. Further, employers are able to ascertain the jobseeker's knowledge, skills, and abilities and are able to determine if the candidate is a good fit organizationally prior to granting a face-to-face interview. Thus, the candidate pool for prospective employers and the quality of candidates will increase as the employer can review interactive digital media rather than relying on a printed resume.

"Our employers will have access to cutting-edge technology when addressing their workforce needs," Kinney said.

"Michigan's leadership here is notable because their acquisition occurred prior to Google's much publicized acquisition of the video sharing site, YouTube. Eric Schmidt, the CEO of Google, was quoted at that time as saying 'video is the next step in the evolution of the internet,'" said Bryan St.Laurent, Director of the Michigan Project.

Implementation of the VVI system in Michigan began in October. The system is now being installed in the 100-plus Michigan Works! service centers located throughout the state.

A job seeker visiting one of the local Michigan Works! offices said, "I had never been through a video interview, but I believe I now have a better chance of obtaining a job."