The use of video calling platforms for interviewing is now an absolute necessity when it comes to the candidate selection process. In this remote working environment, it’s imperative that employers keep communication channels open and are flexible when it comes to engaging with candidates.

We are already helping our clients with this and are fully equipped to facilitate video interviewing. Although a necessity in these times, we are finding that video interviewing has a number of advantages including:

• Enhancing the candidate experience as it engages them quickly
• Increasing flexibility: they can be done anywhere, anytime on any device
• Reducing the time to hire and expanding the talent pool at interview stage
• Positioning the employer as one that embraces technology So, here are five top tips to making your video interviews a success…

1. Understand how they are psychologically different

For those of us that are relatively new to video calling, especially when it comes to interviewing, it is important to understand how and why they feel different to face-to-face meetings and the impact these differences may have on the way we communicate.

It is not always easy to read a person’s body language over a video call and for some, this lack of physical proximity and ‘real’ interaction can be incredibly unnerving. So much of our communication is done through small gestures, facial expressions and posture so when these are obscured or muted, it is understandable that we might feel more anxious.

That said, a video interview also feels very different to a phone interview, where there are no physical cues to pick up on at all. You still need to remember to make good eye contact by looking into the camera (don’t get distracted by your own image at the bottom of the screen) and smile!

2. Choose your tech

In the new ‘norm’ of remote working you need to find video conferencing tools for internal and external communications as well as for interviewing potential candidates who you might not be able to meet in person. The list of tech options includes, but is not limited to:

• Microsoft Teams
• Zoom
• Fuze
• Skype
• Blue Jeans
• FaceTime
• Whatsapp 

3. Know your tech

Make certain, as much as possible, that your technology doesn’t falter and ensure that you are comfortable and confident with the system. Ensure that you have installed the necessary software and that you have tested your connection, picture and sound quality by making some practice calls and that you understand how to set up the call, join the call and use the ‘in-call’ features. 

If your recruiter has set up the video call on your behalf, ensure that you have the invite with the link to your video call and you have the information regarding the participants in the interview. 

If you need to talk through documents or slides, ensure that you know how to screen share and that you don’t accidentally share the wrong documents, your mailbox or sensitive company information.

5. Remember first impressions matter

It may sound obvious, but just as you would with a face-to-face meeting ensure that you choose a quiet, uncluttered, private environment to conduct your video interview. You want to ensure that your candidate feels that they can talk openly, freely and in confidence and that you are giving them your full attention.

Don’t forget about your own appearance and that of your surroundings. Be aware of what could be seen behind you in the frame – is it a positive reflection of your organisation?

We are here to support our customers in these troubled times. If you have any questions or concerns about hiring in the current climate, please contact us.