Created a Video Conferencing System for Recruitment
A 2007 Innovation That Transformed Global Hiring and Virtual Collaboration
Back in 2007, long before Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet became everyday tools, I developed one of the first internal video conferencing systems for global recruitment. The idea was simple yet revolutionary at the time: use live video to interview candidates worldwide, host virtual meetings, and streamline global communication without the high costs of traditional video conferencing.
At the time, the only available solutions were enterprise tools like WebEx and Cisco, which required dedicated ISDN lines and came with eye-watering costs completely out of reach for most companies.
At Antal International, a company with over 52 offices across 28 countries, recruitment involved extensive travel, coordination, and logistical headaches. Our solution? A custom-built system using high-definition cameras (720p) and a Flash Media server hosted externally, enabling seamless live streaming with low latency and high quality all for just £50 per month. Interestingly, that same hosting provider now supports backend video streaming systems for major players like Disney, Warner Brothers, Lionsgate, and Paramount Film.
Unlike traditional setups, candidates didn’t need to travel to a local serviced office like Regus. They could simply use a webcam from home making the process far more flexible and cost-effective, especially for senior executive search candidates exploring international relocation. Only in the final stages of the hiring process were shortlisted candidates flown in for in-person interviews.
Looking back, I probably should have patented it or at least stayed in the video conferencing space. Who knew it would become the global standard for how we work today?
Revolutionising Global Hiring & Franchise Expansion
This technology quickly transformed how recruitment and business development were conducted:
Global Candidate Interviews
Recruiters could interview candidates remotely from anywhere in the world, cutting down travel costs and scheduling conflicts while making the hiring process faster and more efficient.
Virtual Franchise Webinars
Instead of sending business developers to multiple in-person meetings, we hosted weekly live-streamed sessions for potential franchisees. They could watch a live video, see the presentation, and send in real-time questions. Those who qualified were then invited for an in-person meeting, saving significant time and resources.
Live-Streaming Annual Global Conference
Our company’s annual international conference was broadcasted live to over 30 countries for employees who couldn’t attend in person. They had full access to the video feed, live audio, and PowerPoint presentations, creating an interactive and inclusive experience.
Today, these features seem commonplace, but back in 2007, this was cutting-edge innovation in the recruitment industry.
Press Recognition & Industry Impact
The success of our system caught the attention of the press, leading to an interview and publication in Recruiter Magazine:
“It will certainly give us a competitive edge and help us cut costs for clients.
I think more and more recruiters will be using technology like this.”
— Tony Goodwin, CEO of Antal International
The system even overcame technical challenges like streaming through China’s government firewall, allowing for smooth international communication a breakthrough in global hiring and corporate collaboration.
Looking back, this innovation was a game-changer in recruitment, business development, and corporate communication laying the groundwork for the virtual meeting culture we take for granted today.