The global pandemic has forced businesses of all sizes to adapt to new ways of working. One of the most significant changes has been the shift towards remote working, including the process of remote interviews. Remote interviews have become a standard practice for many small businesses that are looking to hire new employees. 

As more and more businesses shift to remote operations, remote interviewing has become an increasingly popular way for small businesses to conduct their hiring process. With the right tools and strategies, small business owners can use remote interviews to find the best candidates without sacrificing quality or efficiency. This article will discuss the benefits of conducting remote interviews, provide tips on how to make them successful, and outline the best practices for using technology to get the most out of your interview process.

As businesses of all sizes adjust to the “new normal”, remote interviewing has become a necessary component when hiring new employees. Small business owners are now turning to digital platforms to conduct interviews and onboarding new hires as they look for ways to work smarter and more efficiently.

Remote interviewing is an efficient way for small business owners who need to fill positions quickly but may not have the resources or finances available for traditional in-person interviews. With remote interviewing, small businesses can cast a wider net and reach potential candidates from around the world without having to leave their desks. Additionally, it allows employers to save time by conducting multiple interviews at once since there is no need for travel or scheduling conflicts due to time zone differences. Furthermore, it provides an opportunity for employers to get creative with their strategies while getting insights into how candidates interact in virtual environments.

Some techniques and tips that small businesses can use to conduct successful remote interviews.

1. Test your technology

The first and most important step is to test the technology that you will use for the interview. This will help you identify any potential issues before the interview, giving you time to resolve them. Make sure that the video conferencing software, microphone, and webcam are all functioning correctly. Test the internet connection to ensure that it is stable and fast enough for video conferencing.

2. Set the scene

A remote interview can be just as formal as an in-person interview. To create a professional and comfortable environment, set up a neutral background that is free from distractions. Ensure that the lighting is adequate, and the room is quiet. This will help the interviewer focus on the candidate and their responses.

3. Prepare an interview guide

Preparing an interview guide is an essential step that should not be overlooked. This will help you stay focused during the interview and ensure that you cover all the important areas. The guide should include a list of questions that will help you understand the candidate’s skills, experience, and personality.

4. Use open-ended questions

When conducting remote interviews, it is essential to use open-ended questions. Open-ended questions encourage candidates to provide more detailed responses, giving you a better understanding of their experience, skills, and personality. This will help you identify the most suitable candidate for the role.

5. Focus on the candidate’s experience

When interviewing candidates, it is important to focus on their experience. Ask questions that will help you understand the candidate’s experience and how it relates to the role you are looking to fill. This will help you identify the most suitable candidate for the role.

6. Use behavioral questions

Behavioral questions are an effective way to assess a candidate’s ability to handle specific situations. These questions require candidates to provide examples of their experience and how they have handled similar situations in the past. This will give you an insight into how the candidate may perform in the role.

7. Take notes

Taking notes during the interview is essential. This will help you remember the candidate’s responses and refer to them later. Taking notes will also help you assess each candidate against the job requirements and identify the most suitable candidate for the role.

8. Provide feedback

It is essential to provide feedback to candidates after the interview. This will help them understand how they performed and identify areas where they can improve. Providing feedback is also a way to build a positive relationship with the candidate, even if they are not offered the role.

9. Follow-up

After the interview, it is important to follow up with candidates. This will help you build a positive relationship with the candidate, even if they are not offered the role. Following up also shows that you value the candidate’s time and effort.

10. Be flexible

Remote interviews can be challenging, especially for candidates who may not be used to this type of interview. Be flexible and understanding, and provide candidates with clear instructions on how to connect to the video conference. You may also want to offer the option of a trial run before the interview to help them become more comfortable with the process.

As businesses of all sizes adjust to the “new normal”, remote interviewing has become a necessary component when hiring new employees. Small business owners are now turning to digital platforms to conduct interviews and onboarding new hires as they look for ways to work smarter and more efficiently.

Remote interviewing is an efficient way for small business owners who need to fill positions quickly but may not have the resources or finances available for traditional in-person interviews. With remote interviewing, small businesses can cast a wider net and reach potential candidates from around the world without having to leave their desks. Additionally, it allows employers to save time by conducting multiple interviews at once since there is no need for travel or scheduling conflicts due to time zone differences. Furthermore, it provides an opportunity for employers to get creative with their strategies while getting insights into how candidates interact in virtual environments.

Interviewer.AI is a technology platform purposely built to support Recruiters and HR teams in finding top talent for their companies. Our mission is to make hiring equitable, explainable, and efficient. to screen in advance and shortlist the candidates that meet the criteria set. 

Learn more about how Interviewer.AI can help your business.

Increase your hiring team’s efficiency using a combination of resume scoring, skill assessment, and asynchronous video interviews. 

Srividya Gopani is the Co-founder, Chief Marketing and Product Officer at Interviewer.AI. She enjoys working on technology which is central to this role as the driver for marketing and product for Interviewer.AI. She believes that the pace of technology is fundamental to how fast businesses are changing.