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Interview Tips
Jun 20, 2023
Jun 20, 2023
Remote Hiring Tips
Master remote interviews with our expert tips. How can you ensure a seamless experience that highlights candidates' strengths while maintaining professionalism?
Remote interviewing makes sense. Your candidates can be set up in the comfort of their own home or tucked away in a meeting room rather than having to rush across town and arriving flustered and overwhelmed. This will give you access to the very best of each candidate and not exclude those where an in-person interview may not fit into their schedule. But how do you as the interviewer get the best out of yourself and provide a great experience for the candidate?
1. Don’t try to wing it
It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of zoom meeting after zoom meeting. Then one overruns and all hell breaks loose (or you just turn up to your interview unprepared). Part of your prep for the day should be interview prep, I’d even say get this done the night before if you can. Have all of the questions ready, notes on the profile, experience etc of each candidate and be strict with your diary. If a meeting is looking like it’s going to overrun, let the team know you have an interview to attend in advance.
2. Check your tech
How many times have you tried to join a meeting and the link is wrong… or there are two links… or even worse, no link at all. Check your calendar and launch the meeting and also check your WiFi before the interview. There is no worse start to an interview for both you and the candidate than a dodgy link or an awkward ‘can you hear me’ exchange for 5 minutes.
3. Have a backup plan
What if, despite all your preparations, the platform you planned to use doesn’t work? Make sure you have the candidate’s email and phone number handy so you can easily connect. You might end up having a phone conversation instead of a video interview in this case.
Another common issue, especially if you or the candidate are working from home, is bandwidth. If more than one person is online in an apartment or house at the same time, it can cause delays or other issues with video conferencing tools. While not ideal, one way you can try to address this issue if it happens is to turn off the video function on the application you’re using during the interview. You’ll still be able to talk to each other on whatever platform you’re using, just without the visuals. You also might try to schedule the interview at a time when fewer people in your home are online.
4. Minimise distractions
Office - Make sure the meeting room booked out so that you don’t get any unwelcome visitors or worse you have to move mid-interview. Sit with a plain wall behind you rather than a glass wall to a walkway with constant traffic and distractions.
Home - Let your dog, cat, pets out before you start your meeting. Arrange deliveries outside of this time (or stick a note on your door). Have a plain background. Close windows if you’re on a noisy road and make sure your washing machine isn’t about to start its spin-cycle.
Always - Turn ALL notifications off. Even if you think the candidate can’t see you glance across at your slack, they will see you! This creates a terrible impression of you and the company, so to avoid this, just turn everything off and put your phone on silent far, far away from you.
5. Body language and tone of voice are important
Candidates notice eye movement and body language more than during an in-person interview so position the candidate’s window as close to the camera as possible to mimic real-life eye contact. And as tempting as it is try to not look at your own image maybe just change the speaker view to hide.
Try to sit still and avoid fidgeting or messing around with things on your desk as the noise and movement can be very distracting.
6. Have a strong close
Avoid just ending the interview abruptly. We would usually be able to walk someone out of the room or building so try to have that same wind-down time at the end of the interview. Any final questions, discuss the next steps and make sure the candidate leaves feeling positive about you and more importantly the company that you are representing.
What common technical issues should I anticipate during remote interviews?
During remote interviews, certain technical issues arise more frequently than others, and being prepared for these can help mitigate stress and ensure smooth proceedings. Common issues include:
Connectivity Problems: Unstable or slow internet connections can disrupt audio and video quality, leading to missed communication. Ensure you have a reliable Wi-Fi connection, and consider having a data backup plan, like a hotspot, ready to go.
Audio/Visual Glitches: Microphone and camera malfunctions can occur, causing echoes or delays. Test your equipment before the interview, and keep an alternative set of headphones or a separate microphone handy.
Software Difficulties: Struggling with video software platforms can happen. Ensure all apps are current, log in a few minutes early to troubleshoot any hiccups, and familiarise yourself with the software’s basic functions ahead of time.
Device Incompatibility: Occasionally, the device may not be compatible with the interview platform. Attempt to test the platform on different devices to find the best fit, and verify that your device meets technical requirements.
Background Noise and Visual Distractions: Noises from other household members or outside traffic can intrude. Combat this by using noise-cancelling headphones and choosing a quiet, closed-off space for the interview.
Time Zone Issues: Misunderstandings regarding time zones can lead to missed appointments. Double-check the scheduled time in your calendar and confirm the time zone with your candidate in advance.
By anticipating these common technical issues, you'll be better equipped to handle any challenges smoothly. A little forethought and preparation can go a long way in presenting a polished and professional image during your remote interviews.
What backup plans should I have in case of technical failures during a remote interview?
Planning for technical failures during a remote interview is crucial to ensure the process runs smoothly, even when unexpected issues arise. A solid backup plan can make all the difference in maintaining a professional experience for both you and the candidate.
Firstly, ensure you have alternative communication methods readily available. Keep the candidate’s phone number or email handy, allowing you to reach out promptly if the initial video platform fails. A phone call might not provide the visual context of a video chat, but it can serve as a reliable alternative.
Additionally, consider setting up a contingency using a different video conferencing software. Familiarise yourself with the setup and working of this fallback tool in advance, so switching platforms can be quick and seamless.
If bandwidth issues occur due to multiple users in your household, or in the candidate's, try to schedule the interview at a time when internet usage is likely to be lower. Always test your equipment and internet connection ahead of the interview to minimise unexpected interruptions.
Moreover, prepare your schedule to accommodate potential delays. Inform the candidate in advance about your commitment to resolving technical difficulties rather than canceling outright. This reinforces a message of resilience and resourcefulness—qualities they may admire in your organisation.
In worst-case scenarios, don’t hesitate to propose rescheduling the interview. While not ideal, offering alternative timings reflects an understanding of the challenges remote communication can pose, and ensures your interaction remains positive and respectful.
© 2024 Screenloop. All rights reserved.
© 2024 Screenloop. All rights reserved.
© 2024 Screenloop. All rights reserved.
Remote interviewing makes sense. Your candidates can be set up in the comfort of their own home or tucked away in a meeting room rather than having to rush across town and arriving flustered and overwhelmed. This will give you access to the very best of each candidate and not exclude those where an in-person interview may not fit into their schedule. But how do you as the interviewer get the best out of yourself and provide a great experience for the candidate?
1. Don’t try to wing it
It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of zoom meeting after zoom meeting. Then one overruns and all hell breaks loose (or you just turn up to your interview unprepared). Part of your prep for the day should be interview prep, I’d even say get this done the night before if you can. Have all of the questions ready, notes on the profile, experience etc of each candidate and be strict with your diary. If a meeting is looking like it’s going to overrun, let the team know you have an interview to attend in advance.
2. Check your tech
How many times have you tried to join a meeting and the link is wrong… or there are two links… or even worse, no link at all. Check your calendar and launch the meeting and also check your WiFi before the interview. There is no worse start to an interview for both you and the candidate than a dodgy link or an awkward ‘can you hear me’ exchange for 5 minutes.
3. Have a backup plan
What if, despite all your preparations, the platform you planned to use doesn’t work? Make sure you have the candidate’s email and phone number handy so you can easily connect. You might end up having a phone conversation instead of a video interview in this case.
Another common issue, especially if you or the candidate are working from home, is bandwidth. If more than one person is online in an apartment or house at the same time, it can cause delays or other issues with video conferencing tools. While not ideal, one way you can try to address this issue if it happens is to turn off the video function on the application you’re using during the interview. You’ll still be able to talk to each other on whatever platform you’re using, just without the visuals. You also might try to schedule the interview at a time when fewer people in your home are online.
4. Minimise distractions
Office - Make sure the meeting room booked out so that you don’t get any unwelcome visitors or worse you have to move mid-interview. Sit with a plain wall behind you rather than a glass wall to a walkway with constant traffic and distractions.
Home - Let your dog, cat, pets out before you start your meeting. Arrange deliveries outside of this time (or stick a note on your door). Have a plain background. Close windows if you’re on a noisy road and make sure your washing machine isn’t about to start its spin-cycle.
Always - Turn ALL notifications off. Even if you think the candidate can’t see you glance across at your slack, they will see you! This creates a terrible impression of you and the company, so to avoid this, just turn everything off and put your phone on silent far, far away from you.
5. Body language and tone of voice are important
Candidates notice eye movement and body language more than during an in-person interview so position the candidate’s window as close to the camera as possible to mimic real-life eye contact. And as tempting as it is try to not look at your own image maybe just change the speaker view to hide.
Try to sit still and avoid fidgeting or messing around with things on your desk as the noise and movement can be very distracting.
6. Have a strong close
Avoid just ending the interview abruptly. We would usually be able to walk someone out of the room or building so try to have that same wind-down time at the end of the interview. Any final questions, discuss the next steps and make sure the candidate leaves feeling positive about you and more importantly the company that you are representing.
What common technical issues should I anticipate during remote interviews?
During remote interviews, certain technical issues arise more frequently than others, and being prepared for these can help mitigate stress and ensure smooth proceedings. Common issues include:
Connectivity Problems: Unstable or slow internet connections can disrupt audio and video quality, leading to missed communication. Ensure you have a reliable Wi-Fi connection, and consider having a data backup plan, like a hotspot, ready to go.
Audio/Visual Glitches: Microphone and camera malfunctions can occur, causing echoes or delays. Test your equipment before the interview, and keep an alternative set of headphones or a separate microphone handy.
Software Difficulties: Struggling with video software platforms can happen. Ensure all apps are current, log in a few minutes early to troubleshoot any hiccups, and familiarise yourself with the software’s basic functions ahead of time.
Device Incompatibility: Occasionally, the device may not be compatible with the interview platform. Attempt to test the platform on different devices to find the best fit, and verify that your device meets technical requirements.
Background Noise and Visual Distractions: Noises from other household members or outside traffic can intrude. Combat this by using noise-cancelling headphones and choosing a quiet, closed-off space for the interview.
Time Zone Issues: Misunderstandings regarding time zones can lead to missed appointments. Double-check the scheduled time in your calendar and confirm the time zone with your candidate in advance.
By anticipating these common technical issues, you'll be better equipped to handle any challenges smoothly. A little forethought and preparation can go a long way in presenting a polished and professional image during your remote interviews.
What backup plans should I have in case of technical failures during a remote interview?
Planning for technical failures during a remote interview is crucial to ensure the process runs smoothly, even when unexpected issues arise. A solid backup plan can make all the difference in maintaining a professional experience for both you and the candidate.
Firstly, ensure you have alternative communication methods readily available. Keep the candidate’s phone number or email handy, allowing you to reach out promptly if the initial video platform fails. A phone call might not provide the visual context of a video chat, but it can serve as a reliable alternative.
Additionally, consider setting up a contingency using a different video conferencing software. Familiarise yourself with the setup and working of this fallback tool in advance, so switching platforms can be quick and seamless.
If bandwidth issues occur due to multiple users in your household, or in the candidate's, try to schedule the interview at a time when internet usage is likely to be lower. Always test your equipment and internet connection ahead of the interview to minimise unexpected interruptions.
Moreover, prepare your schedule to accommodate potential delays. Inform the candidate in advance about your commitment to resolving technical difficulties rather than canceling outright. This reinforces a message of resilience and resourcefulness—qualities they may admire in your organisation.
In worst-case scenarios, don’t hesitate to propose rescheduling the interview. While not ideal, offering alternative timings reflects an understanding of the challenges remote communication can pose, and ensures your interaction remains positive and respectful.
Remote interviewing makes sense. Your candidates can be set up in the comfort of their own home or tucked away in a meeting room rather than having to rush across town and arriving flustered and overwhelmed. This will give you access to the very best of each candidate and not exclude those where an in-person interview may not fit into their schedule. But how do you as the interviewer get the best out of yourself and provide a great experience for the candidate?
1. Don’t try to wing it
It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of zoom meeting after zoom meeting. Then one overruns and all hell breaks loose (or you just turn up to your interview unprepared). Part of your prep for the day should be interview prep, I’d even say get this done the night before if you can. Have all of the questions ready, notes on the profile, experience etc of each candidate and be strict with your diary. If a meeting is looking like it’s going to overrun, let the team know you have an interview to attend in advance.
2. Check your tech
How many times have you tried to join a meeting and the link is wrong… or there are two links… or even worse, no link at all. Check your calendar and launch the meeting and also check your WiFi before the interview. There is no worse start to an interview for both you and the candidate than a dodgy link or an awkward ‘can you hear me’ exchange for 5 minutes.
3. Have a backup plan
What if, despite all your preparations, the platform you planned to use doesn’t work? Make sure you have the candidate’s email and phone number handy so you can easily connect. You might end up having a phone conversation instead of a video interview in this case.
Another common issue, especially if you or the candidate are working from home, is bandwidth. If more than one person is online in an apartment or house at the same time, it can cause delays or other issues with video conferencing tools. While not ideal, one way you can try to address this issue if it happens is to turn off the video function on the application you’re using during the interview. You’ll still be able to talk to each other on whatever platform you’re using, just without the visuals. You also might try to schedule the interview at a time when fewer people in your home are online.
4. Minimise distractions
Office - Make sure the meeting room booked out so that you don’t get any unwelcome visitors or worse you have to move mid-interview. Sit with a plain wall behind you rather than a glass wall to a walkway with constant traffic and distractions.
Home - Let your dog, cat, pets out before you start your meeting. Arrange deliveries outside of this time (or stick a note on your door). Have a plain background. Close windows if you’re on a noisy road and make sure your washing machine isn’t about to start its spin-cycle.
Always - Turn ALL notifications off. Even if you think the candidate can’t see you glance across at your slack, they will see you! This creates a terrible impression of you and the company, so to avoid this, just turn everything off and put your phone on silent far, far away from you.
5. Body language and tone of voice are important
Candidates notice eye movement and body language more than during an in-person interview so position the candidate’s window as close to the camera as possible to mimic real-life eye contact. And as tempting as it is try to not look at your own image maybe just change the speaker view to hide.
Try to sit still and avoid fidgeting or messing around with things on your desk as the noise and movement can be very distracting.
6. Have a strong close
Avoid just ending the interview abruptly. We would usually be able to walk someone out of the room or building so try to have that same wind-down time at the end of the interview. Any final questions, discuss the next steps and make sure the candidate leaves feeling positive about you and more importantly the company that you are representing.
What common technical issues should I anticipate during remote interviews?
During remote interviews, certain technical issues arise more frequently than others, and being prepared for these can help mitigate stress and ensure smooth proceedings. Common issues include:
Connectivity Problems: Unstable or slow internet connections can disrupt audio and video quality, leading to missed communication. Ensure you have a reliable Wi-Fi connection, and consider having a data backup plan, like a hotspot, ready to go.
Audio/Visual Glitches: Microphone and camera malfunctions can occur, causing echoes or delays. Test your equipment before the interview, and keep an alternative set of headphones or a separate microphone handy.
Software Difficulties: Struggling with video software platforms can happen. Ensure all apps are current, log in a few minutes early to troubleshoot any hiccups, and familiarise yourself with the software’s basic functions ahead of time.
Device Incompatibility: Occasionally, the device may not be compatible with the interview platform. Attempt to test the platform on different devices to find the best fit, and verify that your device meets technical requirements.
Background Noise and Visual Distractions: Noises from other household members or outside traffic can intrude. Combat this by using noise-cancelling headphones and choosing a quiet, closed-off space for the interview.
Time Zone Issues: Misunderstandings regarding time zones can lead to missed appointments. Double-check the scheduled time in your calendar and confirm the time zone with your candidate in advance.
By anticipating these common technical issues, you'll be better equipped to handle any challenges smoothly. A little forethought and preparation can go a long way in presenting a polished and professional image during your remote interviews.
What backup plans should I have in case of technical failures during a remote interview?
Planning for technical failures during a remote interview is crucial to ensure the process runs smoothly, even when unexpected issues arise. A solid backup plan can make all the difference in maintaining a professional experience for both you and the candidate.
Firstly, ensure you have alternative communication methods readily available. Keep the candidate’s phone number or email handy, allowing you to reach out promptly if the initial video platform fails. A phone call might not provide the visual context of a video chat, but it can serve as a reliable alternative.
Additionally, consider setting up a contingency using a different video conferencing software. Familiarise yourself with the setup and working of this fallback tool in advance, so switching platforms can be quick and seamless.
If bandwidth issues occur due to multiple users in your household, or in the candidate's, try to schedule the interview at a time when internet usage is likely to be lower. Always test your equipment and internet connection ahead of the interview to minimise unexpected interruptions.
Moreover, prepare your schedule to accommodate potential delays. Inform the candidate in advance about your commitment to resolving technical difficulties rather than canceling outright. This reinforces a message of resilience and resourcefulness—qualities they may admire in your organisation.
In worst-case scenarios, don’t hesitate to propose rescheduling the interview. While not ideal, offering alternative timings reflects an understanding of the challenges remote communication can pose, and ensures your interaction remains positive and respectful.