The pandemic has made a major impact on the recruiting and HR industries. With many people working from home, interviews are being done virtually as well.
It can be intimidating, especially if you feel that you aren’t savvy with technology, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t learn how to use different platforms.
Below we provide you with some of our video interviewing tips.
Test your internet connection and the virtual platform you’re using.
Have a couple of test runs with a family member or a friend to make sure the video platform is working properly and that you understand its features. Avoid having multiple tabs open during your interview to prevent the internet from slowing down. Log on five or ten minutes before your interview in case you encounter any login issues. It’s also a good idea to get the candidates contact information, so that if something does go wrong during the interview, you could always finish up the rest with a phone call.
Provide instructions for the candidate on how to use the platform.
Not everyone will be comfortable with using virtual platforms like ZOOM, Skype, or WhatsApp, especially during an interview when most likely the candidate is already nervous. Ensure you provide them with instructions and enough time to play around with the platform you’ve chosen. Just like you as an employer want to test out the internet connection, create a profile, download the app, and so on – the candidate wants to do the same.
Set an agenda, prepare interview questions, and leave enough room in between interviews.
Just like you would for a regular in-person interview, set an agenda for the interview. Let the candidate know how long the interview will be, what you will be covering, and leave time for questions at the end. Instead of using your laptop to follow along with your questions, print them out in case there’s a glitch in the technology. Schedule more time in between your video interviews, factoring in any technical difficulties that may arise making the interview run longer.
Be aware of your location and your positioning in front of the camera.
Choose a minimal background to avoid distracting your candidate or if you are using a platform like ZOOM you could create a background with your company’s logo on it. Make sure you are conducting your interview in a space that’s well lit, so your perspective employer can see you clearly in the video. It’s also a good rule of thumb to position yourself in the centre of the camera, showing from about your shoulders and up.
Highlight the company culture.
