Most of us can understand why interviews make job candidates anxious, but not everyone knows it can be stressful for the employer too. Employers have to carefully assess each candidate’s skills and then determine the ideal fit. With a few tips for conducting a remote interview,all employers can have an easier time hiring employees.
Understand the Technology
Technology is supposed to make our lives easier, but that’s not always the case. If this is your first time using a specific video platform, set aside time to test it in advance. You should know how to start and end the video call and how to share your screen if necessary.
Most companies use Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or Ring Central to conduct virtual meetings because they offer a stable connection. However, when deciding on a platform, remember to also determine what would work for the job candidate—if they don’t own the full Microsoft Suite, they won’t have access to Teams.
Send Invitations Early
Don’t wait until the day of the interview to send out the invitation. This can increase stress for the candidate, and there’s less time to confirm that they got it. Instead, send it out the week of the virtual meeting, and send a follow-up email or call to verify they got it.
Now is also the time to establish a backup plan with the interviewee. If the video call fails, what will you do instead? You can postpone the interview until you’ve sorted out the problem or move to a phone call.
Prepare Your Questions
The setting is the only major difference between a remote interview and an in-person one. You still need to set up questions and determine what answers are appropriate. When conducting a remote interview, employersshould ask some of the questions below:
- Why are you searching for a new job?
- What about our company interested you?
- What’s a time you dealt with a challenging situation?
- What type of work culture do you prefer?
- How do you find motivation?
Asking about the individual, their qualifications, and what drove them to your company gives you a better understanding of who they are. Usually, you’ve only got 30 to 60 minutes to get a gauge on the interviewee, so asking these kinds of questions is vital.
Find the Right Space
Depending on your office layout and location, you may need to make a few changes. For example, if you work in your company building, you should sit in a private area away from coworkers. Likewise, if you work from home, you should conduct the interview in a private room. Make sure anyone you share your space with knows not to disturb you so you can give your full attention to the candidate.
Work With a Recruiting Agency
Burnett’s Staffing is a recruiting agency that will help you find suitable candidates for your open position. We work closely with clients to ensure both candidates and employers get the ideal fit. Leave the process of conducting remote interviews to the pros.