Having open positions that need filling is an excellent problem to have. However, the current climate makes interviewing candidates seem like a daunting, ineffective prospect. But, it doesn’t have to be intimidating. Having the right tools and processes in place will help you find the right people to fill those jobs. Learn how to conduct a remote interview and the tools you’ll need for success.
Benefits Of Interviewing Remotely
When holding remote interviews, you broaden your company’s pool of candidates. No longer are prospective employees located within that standard 30 to 40-mile radius, remote employees can be from anywhere as long as they’re qualified. Set guidelines that work best for your team. Only interview people within a specific time zone, for example. This will help make it helpful to narrow down that interview pool.
Because you’ll be open to more candidates, have an idea of the type of person you’re looking for to fill the position.
- Do they fit into the company culture?
- Are they collaborative?
- Are they communicative?
- Can they adapt to fast-paced remote companies?
Also read: Transitioning To A Remote Team
Screening Remote Interview Candidates
A screening call is usually the first step in any interview process. The person in charge of this phone call should have a checklist to make sure the candidate’s experience and skills are a match for the open position.
- The first step to screening candidates is traditionally through their resume, cover letter, and portfolio.
- You may want to go the extra step of contacting the supplied references.
- Do some online research to see how the candidate conducts themselves on social platforms.
If they pass the three pieces of the above criteria, then it’s time to schedule your first phone screening. If that goes well and requirements are met, then schedule a full-on remote interview!
Can You Hear Me Now?
Even before this pandemic, the remote interview was becoming more commonplace. Candidates coming into the office before being hired is swiftly becoming a thing of the past as we move more toward the WFH model.
There are loads of video and audio conferencing apps on the market. Some are free, while others come with a serious price tag.
Before beginning the interview, make sure all the tech you need is working correctly. If at all possible, close yourself off in a distraction-free area. Even if you’re wearing pajama bottoms, your upper half should look professional.
The best platforms to host remote interviews are:
- Zoom: With a password protected, secure connection, Zoom is widely used for remote interviews.
- FaceTime: Apple iPhone and Mac users love the ease and convenience of FaceTime, and it’s a great option when conducting remote interviews.
- Slack: Using Slack is easy, and it’s free. It’s also a fabulous tool for productivity and office communications.
- GoToMeeting: This multifaceted tool is an excellent solution for hosting everything from interviews to meetings to webinars.
- Skype: This is another free tool that’s perfect for both conferences, interviews, and chats. Their new feature, Meet Now, doesn’t require a sign up of any kind.
Best Practices For Conducting A Remote Interview
Prepare: Re-read the interviewee’s resume and cover letter before hopping on the call. If they have a portfolio, have it open on your screen. Also, have a list of questions ready to go.
Practice: Read the questions out loud before the interview so that they flow more naturally. Keep in mind that conversations are fluid, so be prepared to go “off script” a little.
Privacy: Limit distractions by turning off phone and computer notifications, or go into Do Not Disturb mode.
If done correctly, interviewing remotely can be as effective as doing it in person. And, with all the tips provided in this article, you’ll be filling positions with qualified team members quickly and efficiently.