The work world has changed drastically in the last 2 years due to the coronavirus pandemic. As a result, teams that were used to going into an office every day have seen their daily routines dramatically change. The same goes for the hiring process, which doesn’t stop just because we’re not all going into an office anymore. HR professionals, recruiters, and candidates alike have all been accustomed to face-to-face interviews. However, in the current climate, that’s not even an option for many companies and candidates now under lockdown.

Your company needs to make essential decisions about interviewing and hiring while adhering to the standard of excellence you established for your in-person interviewing process — and simultaneously maintaining social distance. Here’s where video interviews have come to the rescue.

Video interviews, also known as Zoom interviews or online interviews, are efficient and effective for both the candidate and the company. In order to give yourself the best chance for success, follow these nine video interview tips from HRavailable.

1. Avoid background distractions

That means a private, tidy, quiet room with a neutral background, preferably with nothing hanging on the wall behind you. Take a good look at what is visible in the frame.

Distracting background noises should be limited, and if an interviewer is conducting the meeting from his or her office, it’s best to direct all incoming calls to voice mail to avoid disruptions.

2. Dress for success

Interviewers may think they’re only visible from the waist up during video interviews, but you should always dress appropriately from head to toe. And be mindful of the background that’s within view. Lighting and windows can cast shadows. You also want to make sure there isn’t anything distracting or inappropriate in the background.

On the flip side, employers may also draw some conclusions about a candidate based on how that person is dressed or what is visible in his or her background. Red flags may be raised if someone isn’t dressed professionally or has questionable items in their recording space.

3. Check your eye contact

It’s tempting to check yourself out on the screen during video interviews, but remember to look at the camera instead so it appears you’re talking directly to the individual. And don’t forget to speak loudly and clearly into the microphone.

4. Test

Test your voice/microphone prior to the call if you can. If you can record a practice call try to view your body language too, and the tone of your voice to see how you present yourself. This is the impression the candidate will get.

5. Prepare questions

At this stage, you should have a pretty good idea of what your primary interests/concerns are for the candidate. Prepare appropriate questions prior (behavioral, situational). Consider providing a case study or a specific open-ended question to the candidate prior to the interview with the expectation of the candidate presenting the answer during the remote interview process.

6. Plan and practice presentation

Remember, you are also selling the candidate to your company. They are judging you, and this is a different type of interview than most hiring managers and candidates are accustomed to. If you plan to screen share a presentation, job description, or resume during the interview make sure you are familiar with the process. Consider recording a practice session. You will notice subtle things that will make a difference in your presentation, such as eye contact – where it’s best to look directly at the camera as opposed to your computer screen.

7. Be Professional

Don’t allow a remote interview to cause you to relax in the way you conduct the interview. Conduct this interview with the same level of professionalism and importance as you would a face-to-face interview. The candidate may already have concerns of being at a disadvantage due to conducting a remote interview as opposed to a face-to-face interview. Attempt to put those concerns to rest by showing the candidate that you are taking this interview seriously. Dress professionally. Actively listen to the candidate. Remove yourself from any distractions – most face-to-face interviews are conducted in a conference room, consider doing the same for your remote interview.

8. Remember to smile

Put the candidate at ease by smiling early and often, says Nelson. “Remember, the interview process is a two-way street. You’re interviewing the candidate with the intent of making a hiring decision. The candidate is also interviewing you with the intent of making an employment decision. Have the candidate leave with a positive experience.

At the close of the call, let the candidate know the next steps – this should be part of your goodbye.

Whether it’s your first remote interview or one of many, taking video interview tips into consideration can help you adjust to the intricacies of the remote hiring process. By knowing what to expect ahead of time, you can help ensure that you're fully prepared and able to make the best impression possible.

HRavailable keeps you updated on the latest news in the UAE job market.

Get to know more in-depth knowledge on various HR-related topics visit HRavailable.

HRavailable keeps you updated on the latest news in the job market.

Get notified about the latest job openings through HRavailable and never miss a chance to get noticed by the recruiters.