Asynchronous video interviews in the hospitality industry: Considerations for virtual employee selection

Hospitality organizations utilize a variety of selection tools to hire the best candidates. Traditionally, hospitality recruiters have relied on face-to-face interviews for choosing the most qualified candidates to represent the firm. While real-time Internet-based interviewing platforms are increasingly utilized among hospitality organizations, a cutting edge technology-based interviewing phenomenon has emerged: the use of asynchronous video interviews (AVIs). In order to conduct this modality of interviews, employers send text-based questions electronically and the candidate records his or her responses using a webcam via various proprietary software platforms. Following the promise of reduced costs and increased efficiencies, many organizations have adopted this modality of interviews; however, little research has been conducted regarding their effectiveness among both providers and users. Additionally, the appropriateness and alignment of AVI in the hospitality industry for the use of selecting service representatives should be investigated. In light of this, the present research examines the literature on interviewing modalities, predictive validity of selection tools, and electronic Human Resources and presents several propositions as well as an agenda for future research. Furthermore, the present research presents a conceptual model for AVI using the literature on electronic Human Resources as a backdrop.