More and more job openings have been popping up in the aftermath of shutdowns. Whether it’s a new remote role or hiring managers practicing social distancing, virtual interviews are the new normal. Some individuals may be hesitant to attend an in-person interview, so it’s important to know how to properly conduct an online interview.
Treat it like a regular interview
Online interviews aren’t more casual than in-person interviews. Although there may be some temptation to schedule a last-minute interview, you should still give candidates enough time to prepare. Your candidate may not know what to expect, so set them at ease by clarifying your expectations early on. Make sure they know whether it’s a Zoom meeting or a phone interview and the name of the person they are interviewing with.
Even though it’s virtual, providing an outline of the interview itinerary can clarify expectations. This will include start time, the name of the interviewer and the schedule.
Create a process
If you weren’t utilizing video before, you probably are now. Hiring managers should synchronize their interview processes. Your company may exclusively use Zoom or Google Hangouts, but using the same platforms can help mitigate any confusion.
Your standardized system in scoring candidates may also need adjustment. An updated rating system can track of how each candidate performs during the virtual interview.
Send the candidate a detailed invitation
Like mentioned earlier, this needs to be treated like a regular interview. Before the interview, you need to communicate how the interview is going to run. The candidate is going to want to know dress expectations, whether they need to download any software, the estimated time it’s going to take and who they’re meeting with.
If the candidate is going to be required to take any tests, make sure they know beforehand.
Always have a backup plan in case the software doesn’t run. Glitches happen. Make sure you have the candidate’s contact information in case you have to switch over to the phone.
Choose a good interview environment
Just like the advice you would give to a candidate; the interviewer should also be set up in a quiet environment. If you’re working from home, pick a distraction-free room that people aren’t going to walk through. If you’re in your office space, go to a closed room.
Most importantly, if this is your first virtual interview, test your connection and microphone.
Follow-up
This is not exclusive to a virtual interview. It is always best practice to keep correspondence with potential candidates. You should thank them after the interview and email them regardless of the outcome.
If you’re working with a recruitment company, they can handle a lot of this for you. It reflects poorly on your company if you are ghosting candidates. The odds that they’re going to tell others about a negative experience is high.
At the end of each interview, inform the interviewee of what to expect from you. Keep your word and follow through.
If you’re struggling with your hiring process, we are here to help. For more information email info@jdisearch.com.