Virtual interviews have become more common and essential in the hiring process, especially during the pandemic. However, conducting effective virtual interviews requires some preparation, skills, and strategies to ensure a smooth and positive experience for both the interviewer and the interviewee. In this article, you will learn how to conduct effective virtual interviews in six steps.
Before the interview, make sure you have the right technology and tools to conduct the virtual interview. This includes a reliable internet connection, a webcam, a microphone, and a software platform that allows you to share your screen, chat, and record the session. Test your equipment and software beforehand and have a backup plan in case of technical issues. Also, inform the interviewee about the platform, the duration, and the format of the interview in advance.
It’s fairly easy to conduct effective virtual interviews. It just takes some preparation and empathy. That’s right empathy. But I will get to that in a minute. First thing, confirm that your candidate has everything they need; resume, job description, reliable internet connection and they’ve tested whatever tool is being utilized for the interview, such as Zoom or MS Teams. Suggest to the candidate to research the company and opportunity and be ready with thoughtful questions. Now, the empathy piece. Many of us do not like seeing ourselves or hearing our voices. This will add to an already stressful situation so keep this in mind. Approach the interview in a relaxed manner so your candidate will relax enough to speak candidly.
I work virtually for around 12 years already, and I came to one simple but very important conclusion. It's honesty. From both sides, the company and the applicant. It saves a lot of time as sooner or later the truth will come up. I'm not going to talk here about the quality of connection and environment, etc, we all know that. I would say you need to listen to your heart. If you are an applicant, don't pretend to be someone you are not, it's going to be hard to pretend on a daily basis and you'll hate your job sooner or later.
The environment where you conduct the virtual interview can affect the quality and impression of the session. Choose a quiet, well-lit, and professional-looking space that minimizes distractions and background noise. Avoid clutter, personal items, or inappropriate posters that might send the wrong message. Adjust your camera angle and lighting to ensure that your face is visible and clear. Dress appropriately and professionally, as you would for an in-person interview.
As with any interview, you need to prepare your questions and materials to assess the interviewee's skills, experience, and fit for the role. Depending on the type and level of the position, you might want to use different types of questions, such as behavioral, situational, technical, or competency-based. You can also use online tools or assessments to measure the interviewee's abilities or personality. Have your questions and materials ready and organized before the interview and share them with the interviewee if needed.
One of the challenges of virtual interviews is to establish rapport and communication with the interviewee, as you might miss some of the non-verbal cues and feedback that you would get in person. To overcome this, you need to be friendly, attentive, and engaging during the interview. Start with a warm introduction and a brief overview of the agenda. Use open-ended questions and active listening to encourage the interviewee to share their thoughts and stories. Use eye contact, nodding, smiling, and verbal affirmations to show interest and appreciation. Avoid multitasking, interrupting, or checking your phone during the interview.
After the interview, you need to evaluate the interviewee's performance and suitability for the role. You can use a rating system, a checklist, or a rubric to score the interviewee's answers and skills. You can also compare your notes and impressions with other interviewers if you have them. Additionally, you need to follow up with the interviewee and provide feedback, appreciation, and next steps. Send a thank-you email or message within 24 hours of the interview and let them know when they can expect to hear from you again.
Finally, you need to improve and learn from your virtual interview experience. You can review the recorded session, if you have one, and identify what went well and what could be improved. You can also ask for feedback from the interviewee or your colleagues on how you conducted the interview. You can use this feedback to refine your questions, techniques, and strategies for future virtual interviews. By doing so, you will become more confident and effective in conducting virtual interviews.