Date: 04-05-2020

As a result of coronavirus pandemic outbreak, Virtual Interviews are no longer used exclusively to conduct the initial screening of the candidates. It is now a primary means to interview candidates throughout the interview process. This has been a transition for companies who did not use or seldom used virtual interviews as part of their hiring process in the past. Conducting virtual interviews ensures your hiring efforts do not suffer, it can be an effective method to evaluate a candidate’s competency as they relate to the position for which they are being considered.

Here are some best practices you can adopt to make the most of your video-conference virtual interviews:

1. Choose the Right Technology

Your time is valuable. Your candidate’s time is valuable. You need to use time as efficiently as possible. So it is important to choose the right technology that you will use as a device in your virtual interview. There are many top quality options to consider. Some of the most popular and widely use platforms include:

• Zoom
• Skype
• Google Hangouts Meet
• Webex
• Microsoft Teams

              The beauty of a virtual interview is you can record the session so you can re-watch the session or share it with

              another decision-maker if they are unable to attend the live session.

2. Test Your Connection

As great as the internet technology is, they still have their flows from time to time. This is why you should always check your internet connection at least 30 minutes before you conduct a virtual interview. You can do this by making sure your computer’s wifi is on and has a strong signal, then navigate to the website (e.g. google hangouts) that you will be hosting the interview. The final step is to make sure that you can login to the website. If all the steps are completed without your computer giving you any trouble, you are ready to conduct the interview.

3. Make Sure That There no Destructions

The most important thing that you need during a virtual interview is peace and silence. Find a spot around your office that’s quiet and where no one disturb you. Make sure that there is no music playing in the background and the door is closed. The worst thing that can happen in an interview is trying to talk to a potential candidate and not being able to hear them properly because of noise in the background.

4. Have a Define Job Interview Process

Your interview should have a prepared plan structure. How many topics and questions do you plan to discuss? Review of the candidate’s application materials such as resume, cover letter, etc. Script out questions that will drive insight on the candidate and assess their ability to perform the role in questions.  While your primary objective is to assess a candidate’s potential value to your organization, you’re selling your company to them. Your interview team should be ready to discuss your company’s mission, strategy and structure as well as any benefits and perks associated with the role in question. Finally, you might want to ask the candidate for feedback about the interview process and tell your candidate about the next steps. Let them know if they are no longer in consideration or let them know they are a finalist and may still need an additional interview, assessment or background check.

5. Virtual Interviews Allow You To Keep Hiring Your Candidate

While Virtual interview can be substantial switch to your recruitment process and substantiate your company culture a little more bit difficult, it can also be an effective method to keep the candidates engaged and move them through the process quickly and safely. A well implemented virtual interview should allow you to deliver a great candidate experience by showing the agility, flexibility and empathy that are the hallmarks of a strong company culture.

In the light of the Covid19 pandemic, organizations are now adopting the current technology in terms of collaborative hiring that leads in maximizing your chances of maintaining success in the development of creative ways to meet the future challenges.