Virtual interviews generally work similarly as face to face interviews. The tools required for virtual interview is what makes this method give a whole different experience and need a different approach. Don’t be nervous if this is new to you because this article will help to guide you preparing for your virtual interview.
What is a virtual interview?
Virtual interview is a job interview method where employers and the candidates do the job interview through an online platform rather than in person.
Previously, some companies would do the first screening process by phone interview because for the first step, phone interview is a more reasonable and effective option.
Since the pandemic started, not only has the technology changed, but also the function has shifted. For example, there’s a surge change in the use of video call platforms. Few companies already use it before for professional reasons, but now they’re used widely for that purpose.
Best practices for virtual interview
1. Do your research and prepare well
You are never going to have too much information and preparing yourself well can help to minimize mistakes. Below are some of the recommended practices you have to do for a virtual interview.
- Learn about the candidates through their submitted resume. For example, observe their resume and the job description. To later figure out the interview questions you need to ask them.
- Ensure the tools required for the interview are prepared well.
- Ensure that the candidate has received all the key information to prepare themselves before this virtual interview.
2. Familiarize yourself with the platform used for virtual interview
If the video conference platform is new to you, at least you may already be familiar with Zoom. Your task here is to know how to operate Zoom. But, if the company asks you to use a different platform, learn to use the said platform. Some of the other platforms usually used for video conference call are:
- Zoom
- Google Meet
- Skype
- Cisco Webex
- Jitsi Meet
- Toasty
- Lifesize
- Jami
- Talky
- Whereby
3. Improve the employer brand
Recruiting process can be a determinant that makes your employer brand improved. So does the virtual interview option. It is important to use this chance to improve the recruitment process for the candidates in order to improve the employer brand.
Advantages of virtual interview
The growth in virtual interview methods is getting more significant from time to time. There are various roles for remote work and it makes virtual interviews even more preferred because it saves time and energy for both the employer and the candidates.
The similar reason also applies for non-remote jobs. Only after the employer is sure to hire the candidate, can they meet in the office. Why would you waste time and money for someone who doesn’t fit for the company, if you can identify it early and effectively. Here’s some of the advantages of a virtual interview.
- Saves time and effort a bit because you are one task free since you don’t have to handle the candidates’ transportation. It also means that this method saves your company’s budget in the recruiting process.
- Flexible scheduling because it can be done in any place as long as possible, and any time as long as it’s reasonable.
- If you want to include team members in the interview, it’s possible and also easier.
- Potential for a bigger pool of candidates.
- Maximize your multimedia to make the whole recruiting process better and efficient.
Disadvantages of virtual interview
Virtual interviews are not all advantageous. Some of the virtual interview disadvantages are:
- The effort to choose the right virtual interview platform. As previously mentioned, there are many virtual interview platforms available. If you’re new to this method, choosing the right platform is a whole long and tough process.
- Chances your internet connection is in trouble. Once this problem occurs, sometimes there isn’t much to do. However, you can still improve it. Prepare alternative internet connection or final option, reschedule.
- Sometimes you are already right to choose noise-free and disruption-free spots, but things like that can also happen to the candidates. When this happens, it would make it hard to be focused on the interview because sound is the most critical aspect of a virtual interview. Once the flow of the conversation cuts, the rest of the virtual interview tends to go tough.
8 tips in conducting a virtual interview
1. Develop a clear, structured video interviewing process
Structure is important to make each interview process fair, effective, and efficient. The structure will help you to ensure that every candidate you’re going to interview receives fair and standardized treatment. It also complements other benefits by improving the interview process pace to be more effective and efficient.
One structure can’t fit all candidates if the department or position is different. So, you need to prepare different structures for different departments or positions. If the candidates are applying to the same department or position, you can go with one structure for all candidates.
However, choose one virtual meeting platform that can be used by everyone involved in this virtual interview, at ease. The platform also needs to have all the features you need to do the whole interview process. With the centralized process, now all you need is a unified scoring system to make the virtual interview process effective as a whole.
2. Share key information ahead of the interview
Inform the candidates everything they should know and prepare for a virtual interview. Make sure the information is clear, straightforward, and easy-to-understand. Sharing key information ahead of the interview will give the candidates time to prepare. Because just like you, the candidates also expect the interview to go smoothly.
The key information consists of time, video software details, who will join the interview, and the schedule. Share the detailed information you think they should know. Might as well give them tips or guides for virtual interviews.
While virtual interviews are a new norm, most people are still not familiar with this method. So, sharing key information ahead of the interview generously matters a lot for candidates. They’re absolutely thankful for your effort to make this interview less tense.
3. Familiarize and test your video interviewing tools
Interview process can be nerve-wracking for both, even as an employer. Virtual interview methods make interviews even more nerve-wracking if the candidates or employers are not familiar with the tool.
You know that thing where—when you are nervous of something and the equipment you’re working with suddenly won’t work. It’s like they know you’re nervous, so they choose to not work. It’s like, among all the days, why is it troubled at such a crucial moment.
Any trouble can occur anytime. Familiarizing and testing the tools at least 15 minutes before the call can help you to solve the trouble effectively. So, even if something wrong happens, the virtual interview process will not be disturbed too long.
4. Choose your virtual interview place well
Fast and stable internet connection is a must. Since the interview will be done virtually, it is important for you to take account choosing the right spot to interview with minimal interference. Other aspects that are as important are noise-free spots and proper lighting.
You don’t want to be disturbed and distracted by any noise. Making it important to choose a secluded area where nobody can come in and out during the interview. The proper lighting is also as important because an employer in this task is a representation of the company. Making it important to show how professional you are to the candidates and make a good impression.
5. Start the interview with your intro and information about your company culture
Introduce basic information about your company when you’re starting the interview. It can be about values, policies, teamwork culture, and organization culture. Plus, mention about the company’s approach to employees’ wellbeing. Focus more on what you should say to gain candidates’ knowledge about the company.
6. Prepare your interview questions well
If you have structured the interview process well, you also have to structure the interview questions. Since you’re the one who searches for the right candidate, having a structured interview will help you to make the process more focused, stay on the right path, be effective, and get straight to the point that you’re searching.
7. Be mindful of the body language
Though this interview is using a virtual method, you still have to apply the common decency you usually do in the normal interview process. Including mind your eye contact, sitting up straight, focusing on the person or the candidates in this case throughout the interview that also means do not let distraction get in your way.
8. Share what to expect next
When the interview ends, you have to tell them what to expect next. When should they expect the next announcement, what can they do in the gap between the interview day to the next agenda, and many more. It is important to be as clear as you can. So don’t leave them hanging after a virtual interview because that will not be good.
The process for a virtual interview is not far different from a face to face interview. The tools required for this method is what makes a huge difference. With the growth of remote jobs, virtual interviews are becoming a great option if face to face interviews are impossible. And it still works wonderfully.
