Tips for Conducting Virtual Interviews Like a Pro
By Marta Gongos Virtual interviews aren’t entirely different from in-person interviews. Candidates must display the same confidence and grit to prove they’re the right fit while hiring managers are expected to evaluate whether they are.
That said, virtual interviews come with specific nuances that could make or break an organization. Because good business starts with good hiring decisions, hiring managers must evaluate candidates’ skill sets and assess for cultural fit—especially when flexible work arrangements are part of the equation.
With remote and flexible work arrangements becoming the norm, virtual interviews have been integrated into today’s hiring processes. In this guide, we’ll share actionable tips to help you conduct virtual interviews like a pro, and find the perfect addition to your dream team.
Set the Stage for the Virtual Interview
Technological tools are a must for virtual interviews. You’ll expect candidates to thoroughly prepare for the interview, so as the interviewer, do the same.
One of the most important tips for conducting virtual interviews seamlessly is to begin your pre-interview process by researching tools and testing them. When technical glitches happen, they disrupt your flow and leave a poor impression. Here’s how you can get it right.
Choose the Right Video Conferencing Platform
There are many user-friendly video conferencing platforms available online. Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet are reliable meeting applications for professional virtual interviews.
When choosing a platform, consider ease of use, security features, virtual waiting rooms, and the ability to record or share content if necessary. You also want to ensure it’s easily accessible (read: easy to join) to your candidates—the last thing you need is them scrambling to find the “join meeting” link!
Test Your Setup in Advance
Preparation makes the recruitment process go round. One of the best tips for conducting virtual interviews like a pro—especially if you’re new to the process—is to ensure everything checks out before sending interview invites.
Here’s a checklist of things to review:
- Camera
- Microphone
- Internet connection
- Platform functionality
- Settings and permissions
- Background, lighting, and noise levels in your interview space
Once everything checks out, optimize your device for performance. You can close apps you don’t need, clear your browser’s cache and cookies, and ensure your device runs smoothly without lags and interruptions. Don’t forget to remind your candidates to do the same to avoid frustrating surprises in your video interviews.
Have a Backup Plan
Last-minute surprises can and will happen during virtual group interviews, but they shouldn’t stop you from finding your unicorn. Stay calm, and be ready with a backup plan. You can use a different video conferencing platform, or switch to a phone call as an alternative. This way, you maintain control as an interviewer, no matter how unexpected the situation is.
Image Source: Shutterstock
Master Virtual Interview Communication
The difference between a virtual and in-person interview is the lack of physical cues and immediate feedback, which make communication more intuitive between the recruiter and the candidate. In a virtual setting, it’s best to communicate clearly and with intention. Here are our best tips for conducting virtual interviews effectively.
Set Clear Expectations
Communication doesn’t only happen during the interview. Before the meeting, communicate expectations to the candidates via email with details of the interview process.
Include the schedules, agendas, and structure of the interview—will this be a virtual group interview, a one-on-one call, or a company panel interview with a few stakeholders? Include the expected interview duration, with any specific document access or tasks the candidate needs to prepare for the virtual interview.
Be an Active Listener
In a virtual setting where communication is limited to the screen, it’s easy for messages to get lost. Practice active listening and avoid distractions to show your interest and build rapport. Take care to:
- Avoid shifting tabs or checking your phone and company emails unless needed.
- Put your phone on silent
- Maintain eye contact (look at the camera)
- Nod or use verbal affirmations, such as “I see” or “That’s interesting” when the other party is speaking.
Image Source: Shutterstock
Assess Cultural Fit
Interviewers don’t just need to assess a candidate’s technical skills. It’s also their job to evaluate whether the new hire aligns with the company’s core values, work ethic, and team dynamics.
Assessing cultural fit is already challenging in an in-person setting, and it becomes even more daunting in remote and flexible work arrangements. To gain valuable insights into how candidates will perform as part of your workforce, particularly when working remotely, consider the approaches below.
Define and Communicate Your Company Culture
One of the best tips for conducting virtual interviews that helps assess a candidate’s culture fit is to understand your organizational culture. Outline your company’s mission and vision, core values, and behaviors you expect employees to adhere to. Use this to guide your questions and help candidates understand what their potential working environment would be like. Do they want or need flexible work arrangements, for example?
Ask Culture-Focused Interview Questions
When asking questions, focus on ones that reveal how the candidate responds to pressure, team friction, and task challenges. Here are some more tips for conducting virtual interviews like a pro:
- Encourage candidates to share their experiences in terms of work practices.
- Ask situational questions related to flexible work arrangements.
- Let candidates share their work style, values, and approach to collaboration.
- Ask about productivity strategies and the tools they use to stay organized in a remote or flexible work environment.
- Ask how they stay motivated and hold themselves accountable when working independently.
Streamline Your Virtual Hiring Process With Ad Culture
Hiring decisions take time and resources. While our tips for conducting virtual interviews can help you master the basics—technology, communication, and cultural fit—partnering with a recruitment agency ensures you get it right every time.
Ad Culture is your trusted partner in finding top-tier marketing industry experts. We streamline the hiring process by identifying talent who excel at their skills, but also perfectly align with your company’s culture and values. Whether face-to-face or virtual group interviews, our expertise ensures you connect with the best talent.
Ready to find your next star team member? Hire your unicorn from Ad Culture today!
