Hiring may seem challenging while hiring remotely. However, we have compiled a list of ways to help you conduct a successful virtual interview and find the right candidate when hiring remotely.
Before the interviews
1. Choose a suitable tool
When hiring remotely, it is important to choose a suitable tool that will cater appropriately to your and the candidates’ needs. There are many tools out there, including Skype, BlueJeans, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, which could accommodate multiple interviewers simultaneously too. It is recommended to ask the candidate before the interview if they are conformable using the chosen tool. If not, you could send some simple instructions.
2. Prepare relevant questions
As you would do in an interview, make sure you have a list of questions prepared in advance. Do not deviate from questions you would have asked in an interview, but still allow time for casual conversation.
3. Choose your type of interview
When preparing to conduct interviews, it is important to choose the appropriate interview process whether that is a ‘live’ or recorded interview, where a list of questions is sent to the candidate in advance and they record their response. Your approach may vary depending on the volume of candidates you are expecting to interview, where you could add a recorded interview as an additional step in the hiring process.
4. Do a Test Run
To make sure everything runs smoothly during the interview, running a test would be beneficial. This will allow you to check your connectivity, and that your device is sufficiently charged. Be aware of the location you run the interview making sure you are in front of a suitable background and have the necessary privacy.
5. Dress appropriately
When interviewing candidates, make sure to present yourself as you would if you were running the interview in the office. Do not wear a suit if you usually don’t.
During the interview
6. Reflect the culture of the company
During the interviews, it is key to reflect the company’s culture. If your company have a relaxed but driven culture, make sure you reflect this while expanding on how is it to work for such an organisation.
7. Take Notes
Take notes as you would at a face-to-face interview, to capture the responses of the candidates, their presentation and body language that will eventually help you evaluate their suitability at a later stage. If you would find it beneficial, you could record the interview with the prior consent of the candidate.
Post-interview
8. Review the Interview
After finishing each interview, make sure to take time and reflect both on the interview itself and the notes you have made, see if there is anything else you need to add or any further questions you need to ask at a later date.
9. Send feedback
Providing unsuccessful candidates feedback regarding their interviews will help them work on their interview skills or areas to improve. Also, notify successful candidates with the next steps.