A majority of companies, 86%, are using virtual technology to interview candidates amid the Covid-19 crisis, according to a survey of 334 HR leaders on April 13 by Gartner Inc. On the other hand, 82% of companies expect a decline in hiring over the next three months.

“Recruiting leaders are caught between the sourcing and hiring plans that were initiated before the Covid-19 outbreak and the rise in uncertainty and social and economic instability,” said Lauren Smith, VP in the Gartner HR practice. “As external hiring slows for many organizations, and business priorities change, leaders must evaluate different methods of recruiting and hiring.”

Gartner reported use of virtual interview technology may continue even after the crisis.

However, the pandemic is having a big impact on hiring. Gartner’s survey found 54% of organizations have delayed candidates’ start dates and 31% have canceled internship programs. In addition, 63% of recruiting leaders report more than half their job openings are currently frozen.