Virtual Interviewer’s Guide: 7 Techniques for Effective Communication
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Welcome back to The PNH Weekly, your go-to source for all things HR, career, and more! This time, we’re diving into the art of conducting effective virtual interviews .?
Imagine this: you’re in the midst of a virtual interview, feeling confident and prepared. As you ask your carefully crafted questions, you notice a subtle shift in the candidate’s body language. They lean forward, their eyes light up, and you can tell they’re truly engaged in the conversation. This moment of connection, despite the digital barrier, is what sets apart a mundane interview from a truly impactful one.
In this digital age, mastering the art of virtual interviews is more important than ever. 74% of recruiters report that video interviews have simplified their candidate interviewing and shortlisting process. With the right techniques, you can not only effectively evaluate candidates but also create meaningful connections that go beyond the screen. So, settle in and let’s explore 7 techniques that can take your virtual interviews to the next level!
Silence can be a powerful tool in virtual interviews, often more impactful than words. When used strategically, silence allows both the interviewer and the candidate to pause and reflect, leading to more thoughtful responses and deeper insights.
As an interviewer, you can use silence to your advantage by allowing candidates the time they need to formulate their answers. Instead of filling every moment with words, give them space to think. This can lead to more authentic responses and a clearer understanding of their thought process.
For candidates, silence can be a cue to take a moment to gather their thoughts before responding. It can also be used to emphasize a point or signal the end of a statement, adding emphasis and clarity to their answers.
Using silence as a tool in virtual interviews can improve communication, enhance understanding, and create a more relaxed and natural interview environment for everyone involved.
When it comes to virtual interviews, paying attention to nonverbal cues is a game-changer. Even though you’re not in the same room, body language can still reveal a lot about a candidate. While you might not see a firm handshake or a confident posture, you can still look for other signs.
Keep an eye on their facial expressions and gestures. Do they seem engaged and enthusiastic, or do they look distracted? Also, pay attention to their eye contact. Although it might not be direct like in face-to-face interviews, you can still gauge their level of engagement. During interviews, candidates should aim to make eye contact with their interviewers between 60% and 70% of the time when they are speaking.
Harvard Business Review suggests that although 80% of retention challenges stem from hiring mistakes, the lack of an efficient hiring process makes up for a whopping 45%! So, if you have the privilege to utilize video interviews, being observant of these nonverbal cues can help you gain valuable insights into a candidate’s personality and communication style.
Ever thought about flipping the script in a virtual interview? The ’Role Reversal’ technique does just that, offering a unique perspective on candidates. Instead of being the sole interviewer, invite the candidate to ask you questions or take on the role of interviewer for a brief moment. This switch not only breaks the ice but also gives you a glimpse into their thought process and priorities.
When candidates take on the role of interviewer, they often reveal their curiosity, communication skills, and level of preparation. Their questions can also provide insight into what they value in a company or role, helping you tailor your approach to better meet their needs. Nearly half of candidates (47% ) are rejected simply because they have a vague understanding of the job role and the company. Not to mention, this technique creates a more engaging and dynamic conversation, setting a positive tone for the rest of the interview.
Imagine being able to shadow a candidate in their own environment, even in a virtual interview. The ’Virtual Shadowing’ technique offers a glimpse into a candidate’s world, providing valuable insights beyond their words.
Ask candidates to give you a virtual tour of their workspace or to demonstrate how they would handle a task relevant to the position. This not only gives you a sense of their environment but also showcases their skills in action.
By virtually shadowing candidates, you can gain a more comprehensive understanding of how they work, their attention to detail, and their ability to adapt to different situations- all of which are crucial factors in making informed hiring decisions.
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In a virtual interview, storytelling can be a powerful tool for both interviewers and candidates. The ’Parallel Storytelling’ technique involves sharing relevant personal or professional anecdotes to create a connection and deepen understanding.
As an interviewer, you can kick off this technique by sharing a brief story related to the job or company culture. This sets a welcoming tone and encourages the candidate to share their own stories, providing insights into their experiences and values.
For candidates, using parallel storytelling can help illustrate their skills and accomplishments in a memorable way. By weaving personal anecdotes into their answers, they can showcase their unique qualities and make a lasting impression on the interviewer.
In short, parallel storytelling adds a human touch to virtual interviews. It fosters a more engaging and meaningful conversation between interviewers and candidates.
In virtual interviews, effective communication is key, and one powerful technique that can enhance this is ’Reflective Listening.’ This method involves paraphrasing and summarizing what the other person has said to ensure understanding and convey empathy.
As an interviewer, you can demonstrate reflective listening by repeating key points the candidate has made and asking clarifying questions. This not only shows that you’re actively engaged in the conversation but also helps you gain a deeper understanding of the candidate’s perspective.
For candidates, reflective listening can be used to ensure they have understood the question correctly before providing an answer. By summarizing the question in their own words, they can demonstrate their listening skills and attention to detail.
Incorporating reflective listening into virtual interviews can lead to clearer communication, stronger rapport, and a more positive overall experience for both interviewers and candidates.
Digital Icebreakers are the secret sauce to kickstarting a virtual interview with flair. These creative techniques can thaw the initial tension and set a friendly tone right from the start.?
Consider asking candidates about their most memorable virtual meeting experience or sharing a light-hearted fact about yourself related to remote work. These icebreakers not only lighten the mood but also offer a glimpse into the candidate’s personality and how they handle unexpected or fun situations.
By leveraging digital icebreakers, you can create a more relaxed and engaging atmosphere, which can lead to more authentic interactions and better insights into the candidate’s character.?
Plus, starting on a positive note can help both you and the candidate feel more comfortable and open throughout the rest of the interview. So, next time you’re gearing up for a virtual interview, don’t forget to pack a digital icebreaker or two to set the stage for a great conversation!
Final Takeaway
As you wrap up your virtual interviews, remember that small tweaks in your approach can lead to big improvements in your candidate interactions. 60% of HR managers utilize or have utilized video interviewing as part of their hiring process. Keep exploring new techniques and adapting to the virtual landscape to ensure your interviews are engaging and effective.
By the way, did you know that Pitch N Hire offers a range of virtual interview tools to streamline your hiring process? Check them out to make your next virtual interview even smoother!
We hope these tips have been helpful. See you soon, and keep tuned in for more updates and news from The PNH Weekly !