With advancements in technology, video interviews are growing in popularity. It’s increasingly becoming a regular part of the job application process for many businesses, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
So, how do you conduct an effective remote interview? Here’s a few pointers if your new to remote interviews or are wanting to improve the process.
- Preparing for the interview process
As businesses make adjustments to prioritise the health and safety of their employees and the community, it’s become increasingly important to review your recruitment and interview process, to give you and your talent acquisition teams confidence in how you’re going to conduct interviews moving forwards. As the interviewer, it’s up to you to communicate with the candidate beforehand, setting expectations and running through the details to put your candidates at ease.
- Preparing your tech
Always have a trial run on your chosen video conferencing platform before hand to give yourself enough time to check all components. There’s nothing worse when things don’t go to plan. Check your audio, camera and internet connection. Always familiarise yourself with the video conferencing platform you are using. Zoom, HireVue, GoToMeeting, Skype and Google Hangouts are some common platforms. Consider signing up for a free trial, watch tutorial videos, or do whatever you have to do to familiarise yourself with the tool.
- Have a backup plan
Prepare for the unexpected, despite all your preparations sometimes the platform you planned to use doesn’t work. Make sure you have the candidate’s email and phone number as an alternative. You might need to have a phone conversation instead of a video interview. Remember remote interviews rely on technology and doesn’t always go to plan.
- Remember interview etiquette
Regardless that this interview is conducted remotely, it’s no less professional than If you were to meet in person. Find a space that is clean, quiet and free from any distractions in the background. You want to show your candidate that you are fully engaged throughout the interview. Make sure your phone and any computer notifications are off or on silent. Remember video interviews follow the same rules and format as a face-to-face interview, so it’s important to dress appropriately when interviewing.
- Keep everyone up to speed
Always make sure your whole team is involved and up to speed with the hiring process. Every team member needs to know how many interviews are coming up, who’s involved, who’s responsible for them and what is required from the interviewers. Hiring doesn’t stop – even in isolation. Strong remote collaboration can ensure the hiring process runs smoothly and effectively.
- Practice and promote your company culture
Candidates will miss out on the opportunity to see your office and your company culture first-hand. So, by creating a pitch is a great opportunity for yourself to compensate for this and ensure your candidates don’t miss out on finding out about their potential employers. Tell them about your company culture and values, provide stories or examples. Build a picture for the candidate.
- Follow up with a thank you and strong close
When the remote interviews finish, thank the candidates for their time and inform them of the next steps of the process. Ask them if they have any questions and take the opportunity for feedback, gauge how it went, what worked? what needs changing? This gives you an opportunity to develop your candidate experience for future interviews.
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