The ongoing threat to public health has created a challenging environment for everyone. Yet despite the enforced closure of offices and people being directed to work from their home, video technology is helping alleviate some aspects of the societal ‘lockdown’: keeping people connected, and minimising disruption to normal life.
To ensure organisations around the world continue to access the best talent, EnergizeGroup has published a helpful guide to prepare for hiring over video interview.
As nonessential travel has been suspended, it could yet be some time before you can meet prospective new employees. However, applicants can still give a strong account of their skills, character and expertise through the medium of video, an alternative far more flexible than a traditional on-site, face-to-face meeting. Follow these five simple steps to interviewing success:
Step One: Documents
As you won’t be meeting Candidates at your office for the foreseeable future, we recommend you gain a good understanding of each professional profile ahead of starting the interview. Have all their relevant documentation – such as CV, cover letter and work portfolio – available both before and to-hand during the call. If possible, print a copy of the Candidate’s CV beforehand so you won’t be forced to click away from the call and interrupt the natural conversation.
Step Two: Tech Test
Check that your microphone, speakers and camera are working correctly prior to joining the call. If you don’t have access to a webcam, be sure to download the right app for your smartphone. Your camera should be positioned at eye level and with enough distance to include your upper-body within the frame to allow for normal social cues. Check that the lighting is appropriate and limit screen glare. Use headphones with an in-built microphone to reduce any echo or interference. To ensure best streaming quality, maximise available bandwidth by closing other unnecessary programs, websites, downloads, updates or installations – including work emails and pop-up notifications. Remember that any devices on the network (like others in your household watching Netflix) will reduce call quality.
Step Three: Take a Look Around
We’re all at home right now, but all-day pyjamas isn’t the look you want here. You should dress as you would at your workplace, and your Recruiter will be instructing the Candidate similarly. Be mindful of your backdrop and surroundings, as a video interview gives the Candidate a glimpse into your personal life they wouldn’t normally see. You get one chance to make a first impression! While little informalities are to be expected (and can often be quite funny and innocuous) try to minimise the risk of potential distractions. Be prepared to ignore anyone knocking at your front door – and do your best to keep any children or pets secure in another room of your home!
Step Four: Great Expectations
Video interviews typically take less time than the face-to-face equivalent, so give some thought to how you want the meeting to begin. Certify that the Candidate understands any prospective offer will be based on their performance on the call, empowering the interviewee to perform at their best. While your Recruiter will help the Candidate ahead of the call, you should also explain the format of the video interview as part of your hiring process. At the start of the call, set aside a few minutes for some informal rapport-building to welcome the Candidate, and give a friendly introduction to your organisation.
Step Five: Q&A
The Interviewee will be attempting to evaluate multiple factors both during and following the call. Aspects such as your organisational culture, corporate values, their colleagues, working environment and office location, as well as YOU as a prospective leader or manager will all come under scrutiny. Expect a lengthier and more in-depth series of questions than perhaps you might normally encounter in a traditional process. To help, consider sharing information, including documents and video, as sites like Glassdoor, YouTube, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram can only help them to experience so much. Build a broad and enduring image of the opportunity, and try to share materials as immersive, engaging and interactive as possible. A great conversation with effective supporting materials will make for a impressive, informed experience.
Considering remote projects during this shutdown? Contact our team of expert Consultants for support.
