It looks like the coronavirus isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Due to the pandemic and newly discovered protocols, many companies are taking their teams off and relying on certain processes, such as: B. Interviews, on technology. For some employers, virtual interviews are a whole new world. If you are one of these employers, don’t stress! I have a lot of tips for virtual interviews.
Tips for virtual interviews
According to a survey, 86% of organizations conduct virtual interviews during COVID-19. That’s right folks: 86%. Since the majority of companies do their interview process virtually, you can choose to get on the train and do the same. However, before you start virtually interviewing candidates, there are a few things to keep in mind. Follow these seven tips to conduct seamless online interviews and become a virtual interview master.
1. Plan ahead
When it comes to online interviews, you might be wondering where to start? and how will it all work? Both good questions. As with any other type of interview, you need to plan ahead. Otherwise you’re unprepared (and nobody wants that).
Before diving into online interviews, it is a good idea to do some research and create a solid plan for conducting these interviews. Which video conferencing platform will you be using? Who will everyone be in the virtual interview? How will you communicate your plan to candidates and employees? Obviously there are a lot of things that go into making a virtual interview seamless.
2. Fix your technology
Imagine: You are sitting at your desk. You have prepared your notes and interview questions. You start the virtual interview with your candidate. . . and BAM! You lose your video connection. How are you?
The truth is that things don’t always go according to plan, especially when it comes to new technology. That’s why it’s worth having a plan B. And a plan C. And so on.
Create a backup plan in case the unexpected occurs during an online interview. You should have a way to communicate with your candidate if either of you goes down (e.g., phone call or text). And you should have a backup video conferencing platform in case you run into problems.
Also think about how you can fix technical problems (e.g. with a different web browser). The best way to do this is to. . .
3. Test things
There are a number of things that can go wrong when interviewing a candidate online rather than in person. To prevent this from happening, run test runs to make sure your virtual interviews go smoothly. As you practice and prepare for the worst, you will know what problems to watch out for and how to avoid them altogether.
After you’ve created a plan and decided on a video conferencing tool, take your virtual interview process for a test drive. Invite a teammate to act as a candidate and practice connecting to the video call. Make sure you can hear and see each other during the call. Also, remember to work through certain scenarios, such as: B. not being able to hear each other.
If you give your technology a test run, you can find glitches and problems and find solutions to fix them. It can also help you spot mistakes in your virtual interview schedule.
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4. Give the candidate detailed instructions
After you have resolved all the technological issues, create step-by-step instructions for your candidates to follow for the interview. You want your candidates to know exactly what to do and where to go (virtually, of course). The last thing you want is to keep your candidates in the dark.
Make your instructions crystal clear and include the following:
- Date and time of the virtual interview
- Name and title of each person the candidate will meet
- Name of the video conferencing tool or platform (e.g. Zoom)
- Details about the meeting room (e.g. if a password is required)
- Link to the virtual meeting room (if possible)
- Telephone number to contact the interviewer
- Any other helpful tips (e.g. works best with the Chrome browser)
Your instructions should outline the exact steps the candidate must take to access the virtual interview room. Have one of your teammates test the instructions to make sure they’re dead easy.
Send the instructions to your candidate a few days before the virtual meeting. That way, they will have plenty of time to review the instructions and ask questions.
5. Choose a distraction-free environment
When it comes to virtual interviews, there are things to worry about that you normally wouldn’t even think about in an on-site interview. For example, think about your surroundings.
For face-to-face interviews, you are probably used to going into a meeting room and doing business there. For a virtual interview, you may need to do a little extra work to ensure that your surroundings are distraction-free and professional. If you work from home, find a place in your house that is well lit (so the candidate can actually see your face), quiet, clean, and free of possible interruptions.
6. Be professional
Regardless of whether you are interviewing a candidate in person or via video conference, you need to be professional and behave as you normally would during an interview.
How you behave during your virtual interview is one of the first impressions a candidate receives of you and your company. So you have to make it count. Dress appropriately. Be cordial. Smile. Nod to show that you are listening to what the candidate has to say. And for Pete’s sake, make sure your cell phone ringtone is off.
In short, take the online interview as seriously as you would a face-to-face interview.
7. Practice, practice, practice
Practice makes perfect, doesn’t it? Law! If you want a seamless virtual interview, prepare and practice.
To make sure things go smoothly during your online interviews, practice things like yours:
- Introduction (Hello, my name is Mike. Nice to meet you!)
- Pitch about your business (aka why it’s a great place to work)
- Interview questions to candidates
You should also consider doing things like small talk (to break the ice) and introducing other teammates if it’s a group interview. The more you practice, the smoother your virtual interview will be.
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