In today’s digital-first recruitment landscape, online interviews offer convenience, speed, and access to candidates across geographies. At Sheridan Maine, we recognise their value, particularly for early-stage screening. However, when a role requires any on-site presence, whether part-time or full-time, virtual assessments cannot replace the unique insights gained from meeting a candidate in person. While online platforms facilitate initial conversations, they cannot fully capture the “look and feel” of a candidate. Non-verbal cues, body language, tone, and energy are far easier to assess face-to-face, providing critical information on confidence, cultural fit, and team integration.
Virtual interviews also lack sensory and practical context. Obser2ving how a candidate navigates shared spaces, interacts with colleagues, or responds to minor disruptions offers insights that online interactions cannot provide. Even practical factors, such as how they handle the commute or engage with the office environment, can influence their suitability for the role. These elements are particularly important for client-facing, collaborative, or operational positions, where day-to-day interactions and presence matter.
Face-to-face meetings foster more natural conversations and allow candidates to demonstrate practical skills, problem-solving ability, and collaborative aptitude in real time. Online platforms often constrain this, limiting the ability to fully evaluate interpersonal dynamics, initiative, and adaptability. Including an in-person stage ensures a holistic assessment, giving both employer and candidate a better sense of fit and expectations. It also allows candidates to experience the workplace culture directly, which can influence engagement and retention.
While online interviews remain efficient and highly useful, Sheridan Maine strongly advises incorporating at least one face-to-face meeting for roles with any on-site element. By combining the convenience of virtual interviews with the depth of in-person assessment, organisations can make informed, confident hiring decisions, reducing risk and ensuring candidates are evaluated accurately for both their skills and their potential contribution to the team and company culture.
