How to Interview Job Candidates Remotely

How to Interview Job Candidates Remotely

COVID-19 has changed the way businesses conduct hiring, forcing many to explore alternatives to in-person interviews. But remote hiring can come in handy even when there aren't health reasons for doing so. Using the many tools now available, businesses can save time and even hire employees who aren't local.

But interviewing remotely requires a slight shift in the way you do things. Here are a few tips that can help you make your remote job interviews a success.

Prepare Candidates in Advance

If you were interviewing in person, you'd likely prep candidates with details like where to park and where to go after entering your building. The same preliminary information is necessary with remote interviews. Share the technology that will be used, whether the interview will be audio or video, and what information they need to "bring" to the interview. Unlike an in-person interview, the candidate won't be able to bring documents like resumes or a portfolio, so make sure you have that on hand before the interview.

Ease the Candidate In

Videoconferencing can be awkward. You have the same visual dynamic as a face-to-face interview, but the communication style often ends up being similar to a phone call. Make an effort to put candidates at ease, starting off with small talk and simple questions. By the time you get to the questions that require more complicated answers, you'll likely find that you get better results than if the candidate was still getting accustomed to the interview format.

Use a Structured Process

Although structure is always important, it's especially crucial with remote interviews. Have a list of questions on hand, as well as a structured scoring process . If you have other team members participating in the interview, make sure you clear beforehand who will do the majority of the speaking, as well as when it will be appropriate for other team members to chime in.

Communicate Your Culture

Unlike in-person interviews, remote candidates don't have the opportunity to visit your offices and check out your environment. Make sure you give the candidate a feel for your work culture. Most importantly, set time aside at the end of the interview for the candidate to ask any questions .

Express Pros helps connect businesses with the right top talent for their work environment. We can narrow down the candidates so you're sure by the time you're interviewing, you're choosing from the top few. Contact us at (615) 441-8898 to find out how we can help you find the right person for your team.