Everyday life has been turned upside down in recent weeks and many companies have switched to working from home. This new situation has had an impact on all departments, including recruiting. Communication behaviour with candidates is also strongly influenced by this. Video conferencing, i.e. virtual job interviews, are now commonplace and are becoming increasingly popular as a way of getting to know candidates better.
But which tools are recommended and what do you need to look out for in order to conduct job interviews via video without any problems? And how can you create a pleasant atmosphere for your applicants despite the video interview? We have summarised the most important tips and tricks for you. After all, challenging times call for creative measures to help you find the best talent for your company.
Personal conversation vs. video conferencing
Face-to-face interviews are, of course, there so that you can get a first impression of candidates and find out more about their qualifications and skills. On site, you can give applicants a brief tour of the office, offer them a coffee or water and chat about their journey before you start the actual interview, for example.
But what do you do if a face-to-face meeting is simply not possible for a variety of reasons and you therefore have to switch to video conferencing? This somewhat different kind of face-to-face meeting may seem a little daunting at first, but it has some convincing advantages.
Advantages of video interviews
- Cross-border talksWhether you are working from home or not, you can use video conferencing to communicate with candidates from all over the world. This means you don't have to miss out on promising applicants if they can't come by for a face-to-face interview, for example.
- Simple appointment schedulingSince applicants do not have to come to your office for an initial meeting, it is often easier and quicker to find an appointment.
- Familiar surroundingsCandidates often struggle with nervousness before a job interview. Video interviews have the advantage that applicants are usually in a familiar environment, which has a calming effect on them.
Possible providers for video conferences
Have you already searched Google for providers of video interviews? Then you know that there are a variety of different tools with different features and price models. Let yourself be inspired by the following providers, with whom we also work and communicate successfully.
- SkypeSkype is probably a classic among the providers of online video and voice calls and is currently experiencing a real revival, including here! This application allows you to chat, share your desktop, transfer files and make video and voice calls free of charge. Navigation is also very simple and user-friendly. If you want to organise job interviews via Skype, both your company and the applicants should have a Microsoft or Skype account.
- WherebyWhereby is another software that is ideal for job interviews. This provider has the advantage that neither you nor applicants need to create a profile. Simply set up virtual meeting rooms and invite up to four participants to a joint interview and an initial meeting free of charge.
- ZoomZoom is another provider that is currently very popular and well suited for video conferencing. Similar to Whereby, you simply send candidates a link to a meeting you have created and a corresponding ID and they can join the conversation at the specified time without having to register in advance or create a profile. One-to-one meetings on Zoom are free and unlimited in time. However, if you want to speak in a group of three or more participants, free meetings are limited to 40 minutes. If you want to conduct interviews in larger groups, you should apply for a paid licence. This will ensure that your connection is not cut off in the middle of an interview.
Of course, there are also many other options such as Google Hangouts, WhatsApp, Cisco or Signal that you can use to hold your video conferences. So do your research and make sure that the tool you choose actually fulfils your expectations and requirements.
10 steps to a successful job interview via video conferencing
Even though video conferencing has some convincing advantages, good preparation is the be-all and end-all. This is because many candidates often feel uncomfortable in front of a camera despite their familiar surroundings, which is why you as a recruiter are particularly important in this situation. Therefore, make sure that the interview feels as natural and normal as possible and prepare yourself sufficiently for it:
1. comparison of providers
Before you even invite promising candidates to an online interview, you should familiarise yourself with the various options and providers. As there are many different systems for video conferencing, our examples should serve as inspiration.
2. send individual invitations
Have you already selected promising candidates that you would like to meet in person? Have you also decided on the software you want to use for the interview? Then the next step is to send out a personalised invitation to the video conference. Use this opportunity to give candidates tips on technical equipment, the internet connection and provide them with further information on the software. For example, if they need to create a profile in order to be able to talk to you, you should communicate this in advance.
3. stable internet connection
Make sure that both the applicant and the recruiter have a stable internet connection. This will ensure that you do not have to struggle with technical problems at the start of the interview.
4. the right equipment
In addition to a good internet connection, you should also check your technical equipment. Many tools offer you the opportunity to test and adjust your microphone and headphones or speakers in advance.
5. suitable setting
Distracting noises or a background that is too busy are not good conditions for talking to potential employees. Both sides should therefore ensure a quiet environment, good lighting and comfortable seating - after all, job interviews can often take longer than expected.
6. plan B
You should also be prepared for unforeseen difficulties. Because even if you have tested your internet connection in advance and the technology seems to work without any problems, problems can always occur during the actual call. If the connection drops or falters and a smooth call is not possible, you should already have a plan B ready. In an emergency, for example, switch to a normal telephone call and continue your interview.
7. show professionalism
Regardless of whether the interview takes place online or offline - as a recruiter, you should take enough time to prepare. Read through the applicant's documents and present yourself in a professional manner.
8. punctuality
As with a face-to-face meeting, punctuality plays a decisive role in convincing candidates of your company. Therefore, make sure that you do not keep applicants waiting during video interviews and, if possible, that you are online before them. This will allow you to welcome them personally and guide them through the interview.
9. create a pleasant atmosphere
As the beginning of an online interview can be particularly difficult, it is your job as a recruiter to create a pleasant atmosphere. Ask general questions at the beginning or talk about your personal experiences working from home. This will quickly allay candidates' fears and lighten the mood. Also describe how the interview will proceed to avoid ambiguity in advance and then start the dialogue with the applicants.
10. welcome new employees
The video conferencing is over and not only are you impressed by the applicants, but they have also taken a liking to your company? Then the video interview was a complete success and you will soon be able to welcome new employees to your company!
In addition to video conferencing, there are other ways to get in touch with promising candidates while working from home.
indivHR will be happy to help you with customised tips and tricks to make your recruiting even more successful.
Please feel free to contact us!
