How to conduct a successful video interview

Tips for Interviewers: How to Conduct a Successful Video Interview

Although there are lots of resources available to help candidates prepare for and ace Video interviews, it can seem as if Interviewers are forgotten about. However, at Future Select, we understand that conducting a Video interview can be just as daunting as sitting one. There are many circumstances where you might need to recruit candidates over Video and it pays to be prepared. Remaining confident and relaxed can help to put your interviewee at ease, so follow our top tips for recruiters below:

Get comfortable with Video
If this is your first time interviewing a candidate with video call software, you may not be sure how it works. Make sure you get comfortable using the program before your interview by practising with a friend or colleague. You should be able to hear each other clearly and shouldn’t have any problems with your webcam.

Set a convenient time for both of you
The great thing about Video interviews is that you can be more flexible with timings. The office doesn’t need to be open for you to conduct an interview, so you can choose a time that’s convenient for both of you. This is especially beneficial if you’re interviewing someone who is currently in a different timezone. Set a time and date that suits you both and send an email to confirm this.

Close everything else on your computer
The last thing you want is for an instant message or email pop-up to distract you during the interview. Avoid this by closing any web browsers or software that may disturb you and only keeping the video call software open.

Sit in a quiet room.
This is your interviewee’s opportunity to impress you, and they will likely be quite nervous. Make sure you give them the chance to say everything they need to without distraction. Sit in a quiet room where no one will disturb you and keep background noise to a minimum.

Pay attention to body language
When you’re conducting a face-to-face interview, it is easier to spot social cues and to focus on the candidate’s body language. This can help you navigate the conversation and make sure you’re both comfortable. This is more of a challenge over video, so pay extra attention to your interviewee’s body language.

Use nonverbal cues
You should also pay attention to your own body language. Make sure you’re looking directly at the camera instead of focusing too much on the screen and use nonverbal cues to show you’re still engaged.

Focus on the interview
This sounds like an obvious point, but it’s surprising how easy it can be to get distracted when conducting a remote interview. You may be tempted to search for something online or reply to an urgent email during the interview – but it will be very clear to the candidate that you aren’t paying attention.

Record the interview
Before you arrange the interview, ask for the candidate’s permission to be recorded. Having the interview recorded gives you a chance to re-watch the conversation and make sure you have all the information you need before making a decision.

If you’re looking for the perfect candidate then you needn’t look further than Future Select for recruitment specialists you can rely on. For more information about how we could help you find and recruit great candidates, get in touch with our team of professional recruiters today. We can take the hassle out of sifting through irrelevant applications, or lack of applications. We will put forward the best available candidates in the market, within a short time frame. We can also provide the latest salary and market advice. Please call our market leading team on 01904 766611 or enquiries@future-select.co.uk.