How To Conduct Virtual Interview: 13 Tips For The Hiring Manager

The process of talent acquisition is now being conducted mostly online in the present times. However, what are the dos and don’ts of the online interview process?
There are plenty of guidelines for preparing for an online interview, however not many are for the hiring managers themselves.

It is important to know the best practices for virtual interviews when recruiting candidates. As the best recruitment agency in Bangalore with the best payroll services in Bangalore, we know about the most effective online interview techniques which can help recruiters to conduct virtual interviews with confidence.
Keep reading this blog to learn about virtual interview tips for employers:

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13 Useful Tips for Hiring Managers Conducting Virtual Interviews

1. Write Down The Questions

Preparing a list of interview questions helps in developing consistency and ensures a structured online interview. It allows the interview to flow naturally without any interruptions, helping the candidate through a smooth interview process. By writing down the questions, you allow yourself to have the mental clarity required to conduct the interview.

2. Practice The List Of Questions

The set of questions when practiced beforehand allows more fluency during the virtual meeting. The more you practice, the better. It’s useful to practice to understand how to create an ideal interview environment for candidates. You may also develop new questions during this process. It’s always a good idea to practice beforehand. 

3. Test Your Device

Devices can unexpectedly malfunction during interviews. Any technical mishaps can cause inconvenience to both you and your candidate. To prevent this, it’s best to check whether the device, network and any other required gadget are all functioning normally. This will not only put your mind at ease, but also ensure that the interview process will convene smoothly. 

4.  Inform Candidate About Meeting Details

Before initiating the virtual meeting, you must send the meeting link and details to the candidates on time. Keeping the candidate informed and having a firm confirmation from their side is a necessity. By following this step, you both will have an agreement to meet on a scheduled time slot and reschedule the meeting if required. This also asserts a positive image of your company in the minds of candidates, due to the neat and orderly procedure of events.

5. Maintain A Dress Code

Maintaining a dress code helps maintain a positive impression on candidates. It reflects the company’s image and culture within the interview process and crafts an environment of professionalism. Even if there are no stringent policies on dress codes, it is advisable to wear comfortable yet formal attire to create a suitable environment for the interview process.

6. Be Punctual

It is essential to always be on time during virtual interviews. It’s always better to keep time in hand to check the connection and devices before the interview commences. This ensures the smooth functioning of the interview and allows the candidates to develop a positive impression of the company.  Moreover, you won’t feel the need to rush the process and can conduct the interview with a relaxed temperament. 

7. Speak with Clarity

While conducting the virtual interview, you must be clear and coherent to the candidate. All of the vital information and communication should reach their side, for the interview process to be conducted smoothly. Speak slowly and ensure there are no noises in the background which could potentially disturb the interview process. An unstable internet connection can also hamper the clarity of speech, so always make sure the candidate can hear the words that you speak.

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8. Maintain Professionalism

It is always important for you to maintain professionalism while conducting an online interview. It reflects the company image and the standards of all operations conducted. While maintaining professionalism, remember to also be approachable to the candidates. This helps in easing the anxiety of the candidate and lets them be comfortable during the interview process. 

9. Describe the Company’s Culture

Remember to help the candidate to understand the company’s culture during the virtual interview process. It helps in assessing whether the candidate is the right fit for the company or whether they would be willing to work in your company’s work environment. Describe the company’s values and tell them impactful stories of company events. It assists candidates in knowing if it aligns with their preferences. 

10. Take Notes

It is not possible to remember all the important information. Taking notes helps you to ensure no information is lost, and eases the process of candidate evaluation. Moreover, you’ll be able to reassess the candidate's answers when you look at your notes again. It will help you to frame questions and answer any immediate queries. It will also enable you to store all valuable information from the interviews in one place. 

11. Give Candidates Time to Respond

Candidates require time to process the information they’re receiving from your end. To let them gain a thorough understanding of your questions, it’s essential to give them time to respond. It boosts their confidence because you are leaving them room to speak, and giving them ample time to develop critical answers to all your questions. This also enables them to articulate necessary questions and clear out any doubts they may have.

12. Record The Interview

By recording the virtual interview, you can revisit them at any time, which can help in the decision process of candidate selection. You can watch the recordings to assess the performance of the candidates and evaluate their critical thinking. When combined with the notes taken during the interview process, the selection of the desired candidate will be done with a thorough and accurate analysis. Remember to record the interview so that the decision-making process is easier. 

13. Let Candidate Know What’s Next

Inform the candidates about the next steps after the online interview process ends. Give the candidate constructive feedback and let them know whether they will receive a phone call or email from the HR team. This will help them assess their interview performance, boosting their morale and leaving a good impression of the company on their minds.

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Conclusion

Now that you know all the tips, you should have the confidence to conduct virtual interviews effectively and recruit candidates who are the right fit for your company.

Are you looking for the best recruiters to virtually recruit top talents for your company? Reach out to Cube Consultancy, one of the top recruitment agencies in Hyderabad.