You're a hiring manager with an open position to fill. You've combed through hundreds of resumes and narrowed down the list to 10 potential candidates. The only problem? They're scattered across the country.

Turnover costs are high enough as it is, but when you add in expenses associated with airfare & lodging for each candidate, it can skyrocket even faster. And while phone interviews will tell you some things about the person you're interviewing, there is just no substitute for being able to look at someone while you talk to them and gauge everything about them before making a decision.

So why not try a virtual online interview?

With most of corporate America engaging in some serious belt-tightening when it comes to travel and expenses, using video to interview candidates is a way to save lots of money while still being able to look the potential new hire in the eye while the two of you are talking. In addition to the obvious benefits of saving money, companies that engage in job interviews via webcams avoid screening out promising candidates willing to relocate simply due to travel budget constraints. Also, it saves time by avoiding the juggling of flights and shifting of schedules, which could easily work to your advantage if you're planning on making an offer.

Many companies use Skype -- a free online video calling service -- for virtual job interviews. All both parties need is a functioning webcam, a Skype account and the interview can take place any time their respective schedules allow. Most laptops have built-in webcams these days, making the process very simple and -- most important -- free.

But what if your candidates don't have a webcam or you want a higher level of confidentiality and security than what is offered by Skype? There are businesses out there such as Green Job Interviews -- which cost money but send webcams to the applicants and provide added online security -- that walk everyone involved through set up and execution, and will streamline the virtual interview process for your company.

Most businesses are striving to do things better, faster and cheaper. Although in-person interviews are ideal, they are not always possible due to cost. But the advent of the virtual job interview gives both employers and job seekers the next best thing -- the ability to talk face-to-face at a fraction of the price.