While many organizations have gone to great lengths to set up their employees for remote work success, there is one area that many may not think about – candidate interviews. Believe it or not, hiring is still happening in this chaotic world. Companies must keep the hiring process moving smoothly and provide the best candidate experience, including preparing a candidate to participate in a video interview.
Early this year, we shared six tips for hiring managers to navigate the process of conducting video interviews that support positive candidate experiences. But what can organizations do for the candidates before the interview to help them be prepared?
We know that interviewing can be potentially stressful for the candidate, so we pulled together six tips that hiring managers can share with candidates before the interview. These tips are meant to help candidates prepare and be successful in their interview with your organization.
VIRTUAL INTERVIEW TIPS FOR CANDIDATES:
- BE INFORMED - Take the lead and connect with your interviewer a couple of days before the scheduled interview. Make sure you understand their expectations and have an opportunity to clarify any needs before the interview.
- COME PREPARED - Familiarize yourself with the company (website, watch videos), and make a list of questions to ask the interviewer. Not asking any questions or showing knowledge could indicate a lack of interest on your part.
- AVOID DISTRACTIONS - If someone may deliver a package, put a sign on your front door that says, “do not ring the doorbell - in a meeting.” For those with children, a spouse or pets, find a quiet area of your home to take the interview. Turn your phone over and put on silent, so you are not distracted. We all know that interruptions happen but do your best to minimize and avoid them during an interview.
- CAMERA BACKGROUND - Don’t let your background on camera distract from you. Avoid windows, busy or inappropriate graphics, pictures, and not in a high-traffic area in your home.
- ARRIVE EARLY - Log on in advance of the interview to ensure the technology works, and it gives you a few moments to settle in - we recommend being on video at least 5 minutes before the interview.
- BRING “YOU” – Present yourself appropriately for the position you are interviewing for, but also bring your personality. Be concise in your responses, and don’t be afraid to ask the interviewer to repeat a question.
BONUS TIPS:
TROUBLE SHOOTING - Be prepared for glitches. For example, if the audio is poor, don’t hesitate to tell the person you are interviewing with that you will call back. If the video does not work. Have a plan B and if that doesn’t work, proceed with audio only (it is not a negative). If possible, try to conduct a video call with a friend or family member prior to so you can get familiar with the technology and experience.
ON CAMERA - Don’t be nervous. Easier said than done, right?! It’s new for both parties but try to be at ease. SMILE throughout the interview and let your personality show through.
Preparing your candidates for the big interview not only shows that your organization cares, but it can help make the interview go smoothly. Download the PDF version of the Virtual Interview Tips for Candidates tip sheet to help candidates prepare and be successful in their interview with your organization.
