Recruitment is yet another business process that’s being revolutionised by technology. From managing talent pools to sharing ads and measuring spend, almost every step has been the recipient of a digital makeover.
An increasing number of HR departments are embracing video interviews to make the hiring process quicker, more convenient (for both interviewer and interviewee) and cost effective. Of course, video interviews aren’t as personal as face-to-face interactions, but they provide a better experience than interviewing over the phone, and offer a great solution for interviewing quality candidates for whom it’s not easy to come to the school.
Here are some of our top tips for conducting quality video interviews:
Keep candidates informed
Let candidates know as early as possible that you’re planning to conduct the interview via video so they can prepare, naming the platform you’ll be using – Skype, Google Hangouts and Facetime are popular options if this is your first time. Bear in mind this also may be the first time they’ve been on camera for an interview – offering some useful tips will help them and at the same, help improve your candidate experience. Here are some:
- Check the camera and microphone work prior to the interview
- Find a quiet space and make sure the background is tidy
- Look the part – the interview may be taking place in the candidate’s home, but formal clothes are still expected
- Refrain from looking down at notes as this could interrupt the flow of the interview
Mishaps can and do happen, so let the candidate know your back-up plan should the internet connection fail.
Test your tech
If you’re telling candidates to carry out some checks in preparation for the interview, you should do the same. First up, you need to make sure your hardware – including the computer/laptop, speaker and microphone – is up to scratch. Just as important is your internet connection; make sure you’re in a quiet room with strong connection – video delays and disruptions are no fun for anyone.
Be mindful of the medium
Speaking with a candidate via video is likely to alter how you approach to the interview. Of course, questions needs to be prepared in advance, which will help to keep the interview to the allotted time and give it structure. But you should also pause longer after asking each question in anticipation of delays – after all, the candidate’s connection might not be as good as yours. Refrain from unnecessary questions or comments, which could disrupt the flow of the interview, and keep eye contact with the candidate as much as possible (resisting the temptation to look at yourself!).
Don’t forget to smile!
Just as important as in face-to-face interviews is the need to smile! Candidates are likely to feel nervous, especially if they’ve never been questioned via video before, so maintaining a friendly yet professional manner will put them at ease and hopefully leave them satisfied with their experience of your school – which is important whether they end up being offered the job or not.
If other areas of your recruitment process are due a tech upgrade, why not trial our leading School Recruiter software? Available for schools and colleges, School Recruiter will take your recruitment efforts to the next level – customise a mobile-friendly career site, attract teachers with ads enhanced for search engines, manage candidates and talent pools with ease and much, much more. If you’re interested, we’d love to chat – give one of our experts a call today.
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