In today’s digital age, video interviews have become a popular way for employers to conduct job interviews. They are more convenient, save time and cost, and are just as effective as in-person interviews. But conducting a successful video interview requires preparation and attention to detail. As an employer, you need to make sure that you’re presenting yourself professionally and engaging with your candidate effectively. Here are 15 top tips to ensure that you’re getting the most out of your video interviews.
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Test your equipment
It might sound obvious but before you begin the interview, test your video conferencing equipment to ensure that everything is working correctly. Make sure your microphone and camera are functioning properly, and that you have a stable internet connection. There’s nothing more embarrassing than your internet connection freezing at an unflattering moment.
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Set the scene
Create an appropriate background and setting for your video interview. Choose a quiet and well-lit room, and ensure that the lighting is flattering and bright enough to show your face clearly. Check that your background is neutral and not distracting and that there’s no personal or confidential information in the background.
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Dress appropriately
Although the interview is online, it’s important to dress as you would for an in-person interview. Dressing professionally not only shows respect to the candidate but also helps you to maintain a professional mindset.
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Be prepared
Prepare a list of questions ahead of time and keep them close by during the interview. This will help to keep the interview on track and ensure that you cover all of the necessary topics.
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Introduce yourself
Start the interview by introducing yourself and providing some background on the company and the role you are interviewing for. This will help to set the tone and make the candidate feel more at ease.
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Make the candidate comfortable
It’s important to create a welcoming and comfortable environment for the candidate. Start the interview with some small talk to help them relax and feel at ease. Encourage them to ask any questions they may have about the company or the role.
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Avoid distractions
Make sure you eliminate any potential distractions during the interview. Turn off your phone, close any unnecessary tabs on your computer, and avoid any interruptions from colleagues or family members.
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Be mindful of body language
Body language is just as important in a video interview as it is in an in-person interview. Sit up straight, make eye contact, and avoid fidgeting or looking away from the camera. This will help you to appear confident and engaged.
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Maintain eye contact
When conducting a video interview, it’s important to maintain eye contact with the candidate. Look directly into the camera and avoid looking at your own image on the screen. This will create a more personal connection with the candidate and help to build rapport.
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Listen actively
Active listening is crucial during video interviews. Listen to the candidate’s responses carefully, and avoid interrupting or talking over them. Take notes if necessary, and ask follow-up questions to clarify any points that you are unsure about.
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Use visual aids
Using visual aids such as a shared screen or presentation can help to make the interview more engaging and interactive. This can be particularly useful if you want to showcase the company’s products or services or if you want to provide the candidate with more information about the role.
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Be flexible
Be mindful of the fact that video interviews can be challenging for some candidates, especially if they are not familiar with the technology or if they have technical difficulties. Be patient and flexible, and provide them with clear instructions on how to troubleshoot any issues that may arise. This will help to ensure that the interview runs smoothly and that the candidate feels supported throughout the process.
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Allow time for questions
Give the candidate an opportunity to ask any questions they may have about the company or the role. This will help you to better understand their priorities and motivations, and will also help them to determine if the role is a good fit for them.
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Follow up promptly
After the interview, follow up with the candidate promptly to let them know the outcome. If you decide to move forward with the candidate, provide them with a clear timeline for the next steps. If you decide not to move forward…
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Provide feedback
At the end of the interview, provide feedback to the candidate. This will help them to understand where they stand and what they can do to improve. Be honest and constructive in your feedback and always thank them for their time.
Let WORKFORCE find your next employee
By following these tips, you can conduct successful video interviews that help you to identify the right candidates for the job. WORKFORCE is the ideal place to find those candidates – as specialists in finding outstanding candidates for temporary and permanent vacancies in engineering, manual labour, plant, oil and gas and construction, we’re confident that we can find the right person for you to practise your video interview skills on!
Drop us a line if you need help finding amazing candidates for your workplace.