COVID-19 is changing the way we do business, with many employers encouraging employees to work from home for the first time. If you are currently hiring or foresee a need in the near future, it is logical to be concerned that the increased necessity for remote working will slow or even halt the process of finding the right people, but this isn’t the case. Organisations still have the opportunity to source and select the best talent by properly taking advantage of video.

Video interviewing is nothing new, but it looks set to explode in popularity as the work-around of choice for businesses coping with the COVID-19 pandemic. However, although a medium that has been used for some time, video is often poorly implemented when it comes to interviewing (we’ve all been in one of those meetings where someone is muted for the first five minutes or can’t get their camera to show their face!). Here are some key pointers to ensure your video interviews run smoothly.

Know your needs and test your tech

Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams, FaceTime and Google Hangouts are some of the most common video conferencing apps available to individuals and businesses looking to connect online. In addition to one of these, all you and the candidate need is a decent laptop or smartphone, a webcam and a high-speed Internet connection. We’ve even seen some companies begin to utilise WhatsApp in situations where traditional apps or technology aren’t as readily available.

The other obvious but often overlooked element is to always test your equipment prior to each interview. We will happily be your test subject if needed!

Communicate expectations

Many candidates won’t have exposure to video interviews, so it is imperative to spend the time upfront to let them know how the interview will run and the technology required for them to participate. As your recruiter we can assist with this, however, if you are speaking to a candidate directly, we would advise you to let them know the specific tool you will be using and any other items they will need for the call. For example, some of the video tools only allow participants to connect by computer audio, so they may need a headset for their laptop, and will obviously need a working webcam too!

Another question we often get around video interviews is what people should wear. To avoid this being a concern, it is best to outline expectations upfront – we usually advise candidates to treat it as though they were coming into the office.

Be aware of the nuances of conducting video interviews

Preparation and professionalism are crucial here. First, set up your tech in a quiet, uncluttered location and check it is working ahead of time. Second, ensure you have a copy of the candidate’s CV printed out or displayed on a second screen for reference, and third, a small yet crucial consideration is to mute any notifications on your devices to ensure that you are not disturbed during the session and, more importantly, that your candidate has your undivided attention.

Summary

Although businesses are being heavily impacted by the global health crisis, hiring will not come to a halt, but it will need to radically adapt. Video interviewing offers a safe, responsible way to connect in a virtual space. With the required technology readily available and accessible to all, now is a good time to integrate a virtual approach into your hiring processes.

If you are looking to hire during the coronavirus outbreak and want a head start on the competition, contact us today for more guidance on the options available