Navigating Virtual Interviews: Tips For Success
Telephone, Zoom, Webex, Microsoft Teams, Skype, Google Hangout..…what do they all have in common? They are the new way to conduct interviews today versus a traditional in-person interview, at least initially.
We are in a “new world” of recruiting and the need to rely on technology is more prominent than ever. So what does that mean for you as a Recruiter, Manager, or HR Representative, as you interface with a prospective candidate?
There are two perspectives to consider, yours and the candidate who has likely been thrown into this “new” interviewing environment with little to no education/preparation. So how might you as the “Virtual Interviewer” help provide the best experience possible for both the interviewee and you, the interviewer? Here are a few ideas to assist you with providing successful experience:
Get Familiar With The Technology
Get familiar with your video software. Spend some time exploring the software you’ll be using to interview candidates remotely. Learn how to add a link to the video interview invitation you’re sending to candidates and include some simple guidelines to help them join the call. Conduct a practice-run with your equipment if it is your first time. Look out for hiccups in technology, such as bandwidth issues.
Tip: Have the same software downloaded onto your mobile device in case the need arises to have to switch quickly from one to the other.
“There are two perspectives to consider, yours and the candidate who has likely been thrown into this “new” interviewing environment with little to no education or preparation. ”
Prepare Your Space
Ensure your space is well lit, background noise is minimized, and distractions are as few as possible. Keep in mind your attire, while in-person light colors may seem crisp and polished, on camera light colors may not be the best choice. Consider physical background, (paintings, wall hangings, etc.) in order to minimize distractions for the candidate.
Tip: On the candidate side, consider being a bit lenient in some of these same areas. Candidates may have roommates or live with family and not have the option to perfect their environment or move to a spare room for the interview. As long as the candidate shows up prepared, the focus should be on what is important, and the previous points should not be deal-breakers.
Manage Expectations
Be intentionally personable during the interview. With a screen between you and the candidate, it can be a bit nerve-racking for the candidate, even more so than in person. Consider providing questions to the candidate prior to the interview, in case there is interference making it difficult for a candidate to hear or understand your questions.
Final Thoughts/Tips
While Virtual Interviews can have many moving parts, similar to in-person interviews, they can be just as successful as long there is a little extra preparation and consideration involved. Here are 3 final tips for consideration:
Allow time in-between same-day interviews - at least 10 minutes.
Reinforce your “Employer Brand” during the interview - the candidate experience is still important, especially at this time.
Follow up with a formal “Thank You” to the candidate for their adaptability; also ask for feedback to improve your Virtual Interview process.
Additional Information:
https://resources.workable.com/tutorial/live-video-interviews-best-practices#