The pandemic brought numerous changes to our working system; one effect is the change in the recruitment process. Virtual interviews over video apps are replacing the in-person face-to-face interviews and yet solving the purpose. It ensures no compromise with the interview process for any pandemic or other natural calamities.
When virtual interviews are on-trend, employers look for online interview tips and tricks to interview appropriately. It can be challenging for employers with no idea about virtual interviews and lacking tech skills.
In this guide, we will be sharing everything about 13 virtual interview tips, including,
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Tips for conducting virtual interviews
Virtual interviews allow employers to abide by the social distancing policies recommended to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, few employers prefer virtual interviews post-pandemic to meet excellent candidates who are hesitant to attend an in-person interview or pick remote jobs and remain concerned about the further spread of the virus.
The best way to conduct an interview virtually is over a video call, while others can include a telephonic conversation.
Here are a 13 video interview tips for employers.
1. Select a video conferencing software
The primary requirement for a video interview is perfect video conferencing software, especially when you have additional team members to join the meeting. The software should be secure, reliable and have a scheduling feature. Once you select the right solution for you, familiarise yourself with it before an interview.
Several reliable options include Zoom, Microsoft Teams, google, zoho meetings, Skype, and other popular platforms.
2. Set up a noise-free atmosphere
When setting up an interview in your office or home, create a noise-free space, a well-lit environment and a strong internet connection. While interviewing in your office, you can secure a conference room to add team members to the interview panel.
3. Test webcam and microphone
It is better to test your software, webcam and microphone before conducting an interview rather than using common phrases like “can you hear me now?” and others.
It saves you from the embarrassment of checking these problems during the interview and saves time.
4. Notify candidates with an interview invitation
One of the best virtual interview tips is sending out interview invitations to listed jobseekers as early as possible and managing enough time to coordinate schedules.
After the telephonic screening segment, you can send the interview invitation to selected candidates in advance and ensure it includes the link to your meeting and password.
5. Share details about the interview with candidates
You need to provide detailed instructions on downloading and operating the software you will use during the interview. Plus, provide them with the team’s expectations, a brief description of your company and job role, a timeline of the interview, names of the interviewers, and others.
If necessary, you can also send out important information like eliminating background noise, using proper headphones and having a laptop/desktop with a good internet connection.
6. Plan interview questions
Virtual interviews are similar to in-person interviews; one common thing is preparing your interview questions beforehand. .
During the telephonic interview round, you might have covered basic questions like qualifications and experiences. Therefore, frame questions that are more specific to the job role.
7. Send reminders to attendees
A good practice is sending reminders to the selected candidates and the interview team members.
It will save you time waiting for the candidates to join the meeting and save the company’s embarrassment when a panel member joins late in the interview.
8. Check your browser
It is vital to close any unwanted apps, websites, or browser tabs that can create disturbance during the interview and also pause all your notifications.
Remember you will be sharing the screen during an interview; anything unwanted notification, image, or tab, can make you fall into an embarrassing situation.
9. Manners are important
When conducting a video interview, gather your team in the virtual meeting room before initiating a video call.
Once the candidate joins the meeting, introduce your team members and start asking your questions. Make sure you dress professionally during the interview.
You can record the interview with consent to re-watch them while determining whether the candidate will advance to the next round of interviews. Asking permission to record an interview and forgiving candidates for unavoidable interruptions at home are little virtual interview tips highlighting your image in front of candidates.
10. Ensure consistency
Being consistent during an interview means you can standardise questions according to the job role. It helps you eliminate bias and ensure a fair interviewing process. Secondly, if an interviewing team is on the panel, ensure they’re consistent with details like the title and job responsibilities, career growth opportunities, and so on. It shows the organisation maintains a professional environment.
During the interview, you can also speak about your company’s culture and values. It will allow the candidate to learn about what they can expect in workplace culture, even when working from a remote destination.
11. Focus yourself
The interviewer must stay focused and visibly engaged when conducting an in-person or virtual interview. You can consider nodding your head to affirm what the candidates say, give time to candidates to answer and ask questions when necessary.
While looking for virtual job interview tips, one thing is common: be professional and personable. Keep a smile on your face while the interview begins.
Don’t forget to establish and sustain eye contact.
Clear up your throat and speak clearly during the interview. Lowering your voice can be a sign of not being confident in yourself in front of the candidate.
12. Provide details on the next step
One important virtual job interview tip includes providing candidates with a thank-you note for giving their valuable time, speaking with your team, and details the next steps. It includes informing the candidates whether you want to move further with them, want an additional interview, a background check, or reject their application.
13. Provide a feedback
More than 90% of candidates appearing in an interview want feedback from the employer. You can share an assessment of job seekers’ strengths and weaknesses or opportunities for improvement to help them build talent. You can also ask for feedback from candidates regarding the interview process.
Wrapping up
These virtual interview tips and tricks will help employers experience a seamless interview process. For more information, look into different videos on virtual interviews, search for the top interview questions, or seek advice from experts and business associates.
Though virtual interviews are not mandatory, implementing them in one stage of your hiring process is worthwhile. It gives you access to untapped talent and provides you streamlined candidate search process. Meeting candidates gives a better impression; however, conducting a virtual interview has its benefits, including speeding up the hiring process and widening the talent pool.
