From how Pillar impacts your existing workflow to overcoming recording anxiety, prep your team with answers to these most-asked questions.
At Employ, we recognize that recording and transcribing interviews may be a new concept to many. To ensure new users feel comfortable and confident in all aspects of Pillar, we’ve compiled this list of the questions most asked after a first introduction to our platform.
What is Pillar?
Pillar is an interview intelligence platform (an AI interview companion). Companies leverage AI interview companions to introduce efficiencies and consistency into their interview workflow and foster fair and equitable hiring experiences where candidates can better represent themselves throughout the interviewing lifecycle.
How does Pillar do this?
At the core, Pillar records and transcribes interviews. The recordings, in parts or their entirety, can then be reviewed and shared with others in your organization. The platform also introduces interview guides and candidate scoring/feedback “live” during the interview, which can reduce the need for post-interview debriefings, etc. These can significantly abbreviate time to hire and possibly even remove unnecessary interviews.
Are you even allowed to record interviews?
Yes! As the candidate is notified on at least two separate occasions that the interview will be recorded, they can opt out of recording at any point. You’ll likely be surprised at how unfazed most are by the recording, and how rare a candidate chooses not to be.
Who can see the recordings after the interview?
You, the hiring manager, your system administrators, and those with whom you choose to share the recordings.
Candidate Experience
Does my candidate know they're being recorded?
Yes! At a minimum, the candidate is notified twice that the meeting will be recorded. They receive an email from Pillar 24 hrs before the interview, and are notified as they enter the meeting.
Can the candidate opt out of being recorded?
Yes. The candidate can opt out of being recorded at any time, including once the interview has begun. If they enter the interview and decide they would prefer not to be recorded, you, as the interviewer, can easily toggle the recording off. The interview will continue as usual.
What if a candidate asks why the interview is being recorded? Can you give a sample response?
Why record?: "We use Pillar to record and transcribe our candidate interviews to help promote a fair and equitable hiring process. One where you can represent yourself in your own words at all stages of the interviewing process. It also allows me to focus entirely on our conversation, and less on taking notes.”
Who has access to the recording? The project team working to fill this role can view the recording and the system administrator. If you work for a recruiting/search firm, you could also include that you may share portions of the interview with the client for whom the search is being conducted.
What if a candidate requests a copy of the recording?
While incredibly rare, it's good to have an answer if it comes up! There's both a legal and a functional answer.
Functionally, if a customer decides to share an interview with a candidate, Pillar can share a file with the customer that they can deliver to the candidate.
Legally, it often depends on the jurisdiction. For example, the EU and California require the recording to be shared if requested. If you're unsure whether you want to share, you may wish to consult with your internal legal department. Pillar is also a resource, but most customers like it for internal confirmation.
The Interviewer’s Experience
How will Pillar alter how I prepare for an interview?
Generally, you can continue to prep for an interview as usual. However, we suggest reviewing the interview guide in advance (if using), especially if it’s for a role you've not conducted before.
Should I still be taking notes during interviews?
It's up to you! Out of habit, most people continue to take notes for the first few interviews with Pillar. However, the note-taking decreases quickly as confidence with Pillar grows.
I’m a little nervous/uncomfortable about my interviews being recorded. Is that normal?
It’s perfectly normal! While many take the recording in stride, for others it can bring a hint of anxiety, much like hearing your own voice for the first time! However, experience has shown that the discomfort tends to pass quickly, even after an interview or two. Who knows? You might even wow yourself!
Can I share my interviews with co-workers?
A key piece of Pillar’s functionality is the ability to share the contents of candidate interviews. Whether you want to share the entire interview or the most critical highlights, the process is straightforward and intuitive.
Can I stop the recording from within the interview experience?
Yes! You can stop the recording at any time. For example, if there are specific questions/answers you’d prefer not to be recorded, you can save them for the end and turn off the recording before digging in.
Can I export the interview transcript?
Yes! You can easily export the entire transcript with a single click. Look for the Export button to the top right of the transcript within the Pillar web app.
When can I review an interview in Pillar once it ends?
Generally, the interview takes about half the time to process in Pillar. A 40-minute interview should be ready in about 20 minutes.