While face-to-face interviews will always have their place, interviewing candidates via video is becoming common – especially if you are recruiting candidates for a remote or interstate workforce.
It’s also a highly efficient and cost-effective interviewing method if you wish to conduct panel interviews, as all interviewers can attend without travelling.
However, there are some differences between preparing for a video interview and a face-to-face one. Here are our top 8 tips to help make it seamless so you can focus on finding the best fit for your organisation.
1 – Time Zones
While it may seem obvious, you’d be surprised by the confusion caused by Australia’s different time zones. If you, your panel or any of the candidates are located in a different state, ensure you are all clear about the interview time.
2 – Technology And The Need For A Plan B
Always check well ahead of time that your software, internet connection, sound and camera are running smoothly. Then, if something goes wrong, you’ll have time to rectify any minor problems.
Also, have a Plan B in case of technical glitches on the day. Plan Bs usually involves having the candidate’s phone number on hand. If you are conducting a panel interview, you’ll also need the best contact numbers for everyone so you can organise a conference call instead.
3 – What’s The Camera Picking Up Behind You?
The camera will show the candidate more than just your smiling face. Check what else can be seen in the background and fix it if necessary. Things to look out for include:
- Is there a window behind you making it difficult to see your face?
- Does your workspace look shabby or chaotic?
- Do you have any confidential information on view?
- Are staff behaving inappropriately?
4 – Little Details Count
If conducting a panel video interview, always advise each candidate about who will be representing your organisation – both name and title. It’s also useful to specify how long you expect the interview to go for.
Plan the questions you wish to ask each candidate and then make sure every candidate is asked the same (or similar) questions. This will keep the interview process consistent and unbiased.
5 – Setting The Scene
When conducting a video interview, the same rules apply as a face-to-face interview. These include:
- Conducting the interview in a professional setting – not a café, in your car or while you’re commuting to your next meeting
- Diverting or silencing your phone to avoid interruptions
- Ensuring existing team members understand they cannot enter your office for any reason while you are conducting the video interviews
- Keeping background noise to a minimum (which includes shutting your office door or moving into a closed meeting room to reduce background workplace noise)
- Dressing as you would for a face-to-face interview to set each candidate’s expectations on appropriate workplace attire
- Positioning the camera so it appears you are making eye contact with the candidate
- Establishing rapport as quickly as possible with the candidate so the interview feels natural and relaxed
- Remembering to smile, show your personality and be yourself
Remember, you need to positively impress each candidate on the benefits of working with you as much as the candidate needs to impress you.
6 – Assess The Candidate, In The Same Way, You Would A Face-To-Face Interview
Whether you are holding face-to-face or video interviews, you are looking for a candidate who has the right attitude, skillset and fit for your organisation. That includes:
- If they are checking their phone or reading emails while talking to you?
- Any difficulties in arranging an interview time with them?
- Answers that may give you cause for concern about their fit for your organisation or their skillset?
7 – Stay On Track
While you need to obtain a feel for each candidate’s personality and attitudes, you also need to ensure the interview stays within the expected timeframes and answers all your standard interview questions. So keep your eye on the time, don’t allow the conversation to wander off track and stay focused.
8 – The Final Word
At the conclusion of the video interview, explain the next steps to the candidate – just as you would in a face-to-face interview. This includes timeframes for decisions, any further interviews, reference checks or other processes.
How We Can Help
End2End Business Solutions offers employers a range of recruitment services to help you find the right person for your team. If you are looking to add new team members or you’re not sure you have the right people in your current team, talk to us. Call 02 8977 4002.