With the current global pandemic, many companies have had to quickly adapt their hiring processes to virtual interviews. For those who are in a role of interviewer and are new to the concept, it can be difficult to make the most out of a virtual interview experience. 

With the rise of remote work and the ongoing pandemic, virtual interviews have become the new norm for hiring. While virtual interviews have their benefits, they also come with their own set of challenges. To help first-time interviewers make the transition easier, this article outlines some tips for successful virtual interviewing.

Hiring through virtual interviews has become a norm in today’s job market. However, for first-time interviewers, this can be a daunting task. Virtual interviews require special considerations that are different from traditional face-to-face interviews. To help you make the most out of your virtual interviews, here are some tips to consider.

Firstly, make sure to test your equipment ahead of time to avoid technical difficulties during the interview. Check your internet connection and audio-visual quality to ensure clarity and reduce distractions. Secondly, prepare an agenda that outlines the questions you want to ask and topics you wish to cover during the interview. This helps keep the conversation focused on important aspects such as skills, experience and qualifications.

Thirdly, establish rapport with candidates by introducing yourself at the start of the interview and providing background information about your organization or business. This creates a conducive atmosphere for open communication between both parties.

1. Prepare thoroughly

Just like with in-person interviews, preparation is key to a successful virtual interview. Make sure you have thoroughly reviewed the candidate’s resume and cover letter, and prepared a list of questions you want to ask. It’s also a good idea to test your technology in advance, including your video conferencing software and any other tools you plan to use during the interview.

2. Set the stage

Choose a quiet, well-lit location for your virtual interview. Make sure you have a professional-looking background and that there are no distractions or interruptions during the interview. Dress professionally, just as you would for an in-person interview.

3. Be mindful of your body language

Even though you are not meeting in person, your body language can still convey a lot about your interest and engagement in the interview. Make sure you maintain good eye contact with the candidate, sit up straight, and avoid fidgeting or looking distracted.

4. Be clear about the process

Make sure the candidate understands what the interview process will entail, including any follow-up interviews or assessments that may be required. Be transparent about the timeline for making a decision and what the next steps will be.

5. Use technology to your advantage

Virtual interviews offer a range of tools and features that can help you conduct a more effective interview. For example, you can use screen sharing to show the candidate a sample project or document, or use chat or messaging tools to communicate with the candidate during the interview.

6. Focus on the candidate’s experience

Virtual interviews can be disorienting for candidates, so it’s important to make an effort to put them at ease and create a positive experience. Start by introducing yourself and any other interviewers, and take the time to build rapport with the candidate before diving into the questions. Ask open-ended questions that allow the candidate to showcase their skills and experience, and be sure to actively listen to their responses.

7. Be flexible

Virtual interviews can be challenging for both candidates and interviewers, so it’s important to be flexible and adaptable. For example, if there are technical issues during the interview, try to work through them as calmly and efficiently as possible. If the candidate needs to reschedule or needs additional accommodations, be open to making adjustments to ensure a positive experience for everyone involved.

8. Follow up promptly

After the interview, follow up promptly with the candidate to let them know where they stand in the process. If you decide to move forward with the candidate, provide them with a clear timeline for next steps and any additional information they may need. If you decide not to move forward with the candidate, provide them with constructive feedback and thank them for their time and interest in the position.

In conclusion, virtual interviews can be a great way to get to know a potential employee. With the right preparation, you’ll be able to evaluate if a candidate is the right fit for your company. Don’t forget to ask open-ended questions, focus on their body language and presence, pay attention to how they answer questions, and remember the importance of follow-up after the interview. Happy hiring! 

Interviewer.AI is a technology platform purposely built to support Recruiters and HR teams in finding top talent for their companies. Interviewer.AI is a state-of-the-art video recruiting software that uses AI (Artificial Intelligence) to screen in advance and shortlist the candidates that meet the criteria set. HR teams use the software to make the recruitment process more efficient and shorten the hiring cycle.  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. 

Gabrielle Martinsson is a Content Writer at Interviewer.AI. She’s a tech geek and loves optimizing business processes with the aid of tech tools. She also loves travelling and listening to music in her leisure.