COVID-19: Changing the way we do things – Video Interviewing

In a time when social distance is required, we need to adapt how we conduct our business and learn to do things differently. As more and more businesses are instructing employees to stay at home, video interviews can help to minimise any disruptions in your hiring process. Read on to learn how you can utilise video interviewing to continue the hiring process with as little disruption as possible.

While health officials and experts are discouraging large social gatherings and meetings in order to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus, it can no doubt be frustrating for a number of people. One such group are job seekers who are waiting to interview. As a result of COVID-19, and the precautions we must take in order to keep safe, jobseekers and prospective candidates are left in limbo, potentially without a job or any updates on the hiring process.

Thankfully, video interviews can act as an interim replacement to face-to-face interviews and should help to minimise disruptions. Crises such as the Corona Virus are an ideal time to utilise video interviewing tools and replace face-to-face interviews with interviews via Skype or Zoom. This allows employers to move the hiring process along without putting the health of workers and prospective candidates at risk.

Thanks to modern technology, virtual interviews can be just as effective as face-to-face meetings. As an employer, you can choose whether to conduct live video interview meetings or pre-recorded interviews.

Aside from the above-mentioned benefits around helping stop the spread of the virus, video interviews can also be beneficial if:

you are interviewing candidates from different locations or countries
you want to gauge how a candidate will perform in a remote office setting
you wish to save time and money in the hiring process.

It may not be the preferred hiring solution for every job and every industry is different, but video interviewing is something to think about when it comes to minimising disruptions to your business, during times such as these. While the concept of video interviewing is not new – having been widely used in particular for global/large multinationals over the last few years – this technology may take on more relevance for SMEs or those new to video meetings.

If video interviewing is new or unfamiliar to your business, why not read some of our tips below:

Software – Ensure you are equipped to provide video interviewing. Services such as Microsoft’s Skype and Teams, Zoom and HireVue are reasonably affordable tools that many business already use and can be adapted to interview external candidates or host meetings with people outside of your organisation.
Hardware – Ensure you have access to a microphone, headphones and camera. While cameras may not be necessary, it is critical to ensure all your microphone and audio equipment is working correctly, so that the quality of the call is not disrupted. This can lead to a poor experience for both the host of the video interview and the candidate. It is a good idea to test this out before the interview.
Organisation – Ensure that the candidate is well briefed prior to the video interview and has an invite outlining details to access the virtual meeting and is aware of the interview type. You want to get the best out of this meeting, so organisation and preparation is of utmost importance.
Environment – Ensure that you have access to a quiet room or location, with reliable internet access, good lighting and no interruptions. It is important that the candidate’s experience is not disrupted, and they get the best impression of your business.
Professionalism – Be on time for the call/interview. There is no excuse for tardiness when it comes to a virtual meeting. This should be treated as if it were at a face-to-face meeting. It is also important to dress appropriately as you are still representing your organisation and hiring for them.
Patience – Be aware that there may be a lapse in the connection, particularly over different time zones. Try to speak clearly during the meeting, so you do not have to waste face time repeating discussions.
Prepare the interview – Have your core questions ready to ask during the interview meeting and allow a few minutes for the candidate to ask questions.
Body language – It is important to stay still and focus, giving the candidate your full attention. Maintain good eye contact with the candidate to reassure them that you are listening to them. Nod your head, or respond to ensure they know you can still hear them. If you plan to take notes – make them aware, so that they are not put off by this during the meeting.
Practice – If you have not conducted video interviews before, then make sure to practice. Remember you are hiring people.

Video interviews may not be an ideal or practical hiring solution for every single role and every industry. However, this is a useful tool to consider and can be invaluable when it comes to minimising the disruption caused to your business, and hiring process, while at the same time maximising both the safety of you, your colleagues and the safety of candidates.

For more information on video interviewing, contact our Recruitment Teams or our Assessments Team to learn more about virtual interviewing and how your business can use these technologies today as a result of emergency situations such as that caused by COVID-19.