Unprepared interviewers risk appearing indifferent. And they may not be able to evaluate a candidate correctly or bring out the best in the candidates.
Before you interview, mark these things off your checklist:
It’s also a good idea to think about whether there’s anything specific you want to clarify during an interview.
To conduct a successful video interview, interviewers should familiarize themselves with the technology in advance. This way, before the discussion takes place, you can troubleshoot and overcome any possible problems. If you are not able to communicate or fail to use the video conferencing platform, it may reflect negatively on you and your company.
Be sure to check whether the audio of your computer is working, test the camera of your computer, and ensure that your internet connection is stable and that the system you are using is completely charged to perform the interview. If you need to share the screen with the applicant, make sure that before the interview you understand how to do so.
Bear in mind that the candidate may not be familiar with your platform of choice, whether you use Zoom, Teams, Google Hangouts or some other video conferencing platform.
Will the candidate need to download any software? Create a username and password? Provide step-by-step instructions for accessing the platform, so the candidate can seamlessly connect to the interview.
In addition, if they encounter any difficulties connecting to the video call, you might consider giving the applicant a backup phone number and ask them to share the same with you.
Although you might not be in a typical office environment, setting a suitable scene for the video interview is crucial. This means the room should be well-lit, tidy, and free of distractions from the context. Make sure that the surroundings behind you is professional.
Also, lighting is important. If a window is behind you, it could cast a shadow over your face and make it difficult for the interviewer to see you. Generally, sitting opposite an open window is your best option. If you do the night interview in the event that you have a full-time job, by adding floor or desk lamps, you can brighten up dim space.
From what you wear to what you say to how you act, there shouldn’t be much difference in how you would conduct a video interview versus one that’s face-to-face. Even if it’s just your top half, dress appropriately like you would if you were meeting the candidate in person. When listening, smile, nod, and sit up straight to show the candidate that you are engaged in the conversation.
Eye contact is key here, too. When making eye contact during a video interview, you should look directly into the webcam, not at the candidate on your screen.
It is important for any interviewer to listen to the candidate while he/she is speaking and have your full attention. This means that you not only hear the information being shared, but it is also out of respect for the individual you are interviewing. Their focus is on you-this interview is very important to them-at all times, listen to them. This will candidate feel more confidante and will be able to express themselves better.
It’s best practice to follow up with applicants afterward, whether the interview is in person or via video. Job seekers are more depressed than ever before, especially in the context of the coronavirus pandemic, and not hearing back from an interview may intensify the stress.
Even if you don’t have a decision yet, this uncertainty can be alleviated by a fast email letting respondents know where you are in the process. And if you send an email saying they’re not being recruited, at least they know. You don’t want to be identified as some