Since the Covid-19 pandemic in 2019, many employers have taken to virtual interviews. Virtual interviews allow employers to conduct more screenings at a lower cost to their company. A recent survey, conducted by Indeed, found that 82% of employers (surveyed) use virtual interviews currently, and 93% of them plan to continue to use them. The likeness is, if you are currently searching for candidates, you will probably at some stage use virtual interviews...
Below, we have put together some top tips and a few pointers to help you set up and prepare for a virtual interview...
1. Make sure your computer is up to date with the latest software. There are plenty of video conference platforms out there, so make yourself familiar with the platform you will be using for your interview (ie. Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, or other platforms…) Do a test, make sure your microphone, camera and internet are all working smoothly.
2. Have a back up plan: If for any reason your computer decides not to start, or your internet goes down. It’s always a good idea to have a back up plan just in case. Maybe consider using your mobile phone or your mobile data?
3. Find a quiet, well lit, and private location with minimal distractions. Make sure your background is tidy and professional or plain and minimalistic.
4. When speaking to the candidate, try not to speak to the screen. Speak whilst looking directly at the camera.
5. Make sure you are on time: Join the meeting in advance to the scheduled time. This will allow for any technical malfunctions and give you a chance to log-on, check your sound, video settings and avoid you from being late.
Interviewing candidates in person can be time consuming and costly to a business. Now we have the ability to use virtual interviewing, this can save both time and money and allow you to interview more potential candidates, essentially helping you find the best talent on the market. We hope these tips help you develop an understanding of virtual interviews and help you along the way!
