6 Tips for conducting a remote job interview

Remote work nowadays is one of the most talked-about things amongst professionals. Video interviews save time and money and also speed up the hiring process. However, COVID-19 has only sped up a trend that was already on the rise.
Think about the interview for a job. When you meet with candidates, you can ask them questions that help you find the best person for the job. You can also see how they act, think on their feet, and deal with stress. In this blog post, you'll learn everything you need to know to do a successful job interview from afar.

Top 6 Tips for Conducting a Remote Job Interview

1- Set expectations

A job interview can be stressful for many people, whether over the phone or in person. You can help them feel less worried if you tell them what to expect and how to get ready. Those things are:

• Easing the technology curve

Even if the video platform you're using is well-known and popular, like Microsoft Teams or Zoom, don't assume the candidate knows how to use it. When you send the interview invitation, tell the candidate how to call in at the appointed time and what other steps they may need to take to sign in.

• Providing specifics regarding the interviewers

Share the names, titles, and LinkedIn profiles of everyone who will meet the candidate from your company. Also, include an agenda that clarifies if everyone will be on the call for, say, one 60- or 90-minute interview or if there will be a series of 20- or 30-minute one-on-one meetings.

• Practicing a trial run

Check that your webcam, microphone, and internet connection are all working before the interview. Take a few minutes to review your video platform's tips on fixing lags, freezes, echoes, and other common problems.

2- Have a backup plan

Think that you have set up everything for the video interview. You have put the software in place and ensured it works well. But a mistake can still happen. So, have a plan B ready for when things go wrong that you didn't expect.

• Make sure there is another way to do the interview (phone, Skype, or Hangout).
• Change the interview date so it works best for the candidates.
• Change to an interview that was already done.

3 - Look like a professional

Even though it's a phone interview and you're at home, you should still dress like you're going to work.
Also, think about the following before you join the video call to talk to a candidate:

• Your shoulders and face should be in the middle of the screen, neither too close nor too far away.
• Do you need to change the lighting in your home office by opening or closing the blinds or the lighting near your camera, so you look natural and friendly?
• Do you have a good background? You could choose a background like a neat bookshelf or a blank wall. You could also go into the settings of your video platform and choose a blurry background.

4 - Come prepared with deep questions.

Before you start the call, look over the candidate's work history, skills, and, if you have it, the returned performance task. Print out the potential hire's resume and list of questions, so you don't have to look for them on your screen while the call is going on.
If you're doing a panel interview, make sure everyone knows what they're going to ask, who will ask the first question, who will ask the second, and so on. Or, if there will be more than one interview, in what order (and at what time) will they meet the candidate and what questions will each team member ask?

5- Be inquisitive yet friendly.

Look at the camera when you talk, not at the person you're talking to, no matter how tempting that may be. Just like in person, keep your voice calm, speak clearly, and smile when appropriate. You want to make the candidate feel comfortable and show that you're interested in what they have to say.

6- Get feedback to get better at hiring.

Once the video interview is over, keep in touch with the candidates by sending them a note thanking them for their help and time. The best way to make them feel valued might be to ask for their thoughts on the hiring process. You can also ask candidates how they have done in past interviews.
 

Bottom Line

Video interviews aren't new to hiring, but their widespread use during the pandemic made it clear that they have a lot of benefits for both companies and candidates. Video interviews have changed the hiring process in a big way because they are easy, flexible, and quick.