Employer Interview Tips: Conducting Video Interviews

Many companies sent their entire workforces to work remotely in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. So, recruiters are in a unique position. To interview and stay in touch with potential candidates in the hiring process, conducting video interviews are now the norm. 

You have probably experienced video conferencing, but the shift to entirely remote recruitment strategies requires some serious adjustments. The basic fundamentals for interviews still hold true, but nuances creep in. Here are the top tips for preparing and conducting successful video recruiting interviews.

Preparing for Video Interviews

• Make a Plan – Do you want to use a slide presentation to screen share? What questions will you ask? Do candidates need to complete anything ahead of time? 
• Check Your Tech – Practice with your chosen platform to make sure you know how to use it. Does the candidate need log-in credentials? Do they have to download the platform before the interview? Provide them with all they need to know so they can check their tech, too. 
• Notify Candidates ASAP – Provide clear directions, how long the interview will take, along with the scheduled interview time. Connect with their calendar. Use a standard template email, so everyone has the same information. 
• Setup Your Space – Make sure you have a quiet, well-lit space to conduct the interview, whether from home or the office. 

Conducting a Video Interview

• Watch Your Body Language – Make eye contact and sit up straight. Nod as you follow along with what the candidate says. Smile!
• Dress Appropriately – Whether you are interviewing from home or the office, dress as you would for a face-to-face interview. 
• Highlight the Company Culture – Emphasize core values and the company’s mission. Tell short stories about team events and talk about how the operation is structured. Paint a picture of what it is like to work there.  
• Review Your Notes – Be up to date on who you are interviewing. Check your notes. Read their resume. Then, take notes during the interview (be sure to tell them so!)
• Minimize Distractions – Minimize background noises, interruptions, and distractions. And don’t fault a candidate if something happens on their end. 
• Consider Prerecorded Interviews – If time constraints and resource access make it difficult to schedule online interviews, ask candidates to pre-record an interview. Provide a list of questions but just a few. They record their answers and submit a video file. 
• Turn Off Your Phone – Turn off your phone. Turn off your phone. Please. Turn off your phone. 
• Log on Early – Show up 5-minutes early, so when they log in, someone is waiting for them. Switch off your video while you wait and continue to work until they arrive. 

Approach your video interviews as you would any face-to-face interview, so you ensure candidates take the conversations seriously, and you can evaluate them effectively. Finally, make sure your technical systems are in place to maintain a consistent recruitment process while you transition to conducting video interviews.