Video interviews have become a core part of the recruitment process, especially in a world where remote work and global talent acquisition are growing trends. For small recruiters and sole traders, mastering video interviews is crucial for building rapport with candidates and ensuring a seamless interview experience, even across different time zones. Leveraging insights from Phil Strazzulla and Lewis Maleh, this post provides strategies and tips on how to use video interviewing platforms to engage candidates and create a personal connection online.
One of the first steps in conducting successful video interviews is selecting the right platform. There are various affordable and user-friendly video interviewing tools available, each offering different features that can enhance the interview experience.
Zoom: One of the most popular video conferencing platforms, Zoom is widely used for its reliability and ease of use. It allows for recording interviews, which can be useful for reviewing candidate responses or sharing with clients. Phil Strazzulla recommends Zoom for small recruiters due to its low cost and strong functionality.
HireVue: For recruiters who want more than just a live interview, HireVue offers on-demand video interviews, where candidates can record their answers to predefined questions at their own convenience. This is especially helpful when dealing with candidates across different time zones.
To create a personal connection with candidates during video interviews, recruiters need to ensure that the candidates are well-prepared and comfortable with the format. Lewis Maleh emphasizes the importance of sending clear instructions before the interview, including details on the platform, time zones, and any technical requirements
.
Pre-Interview Communication: Send candidates a step-by-step guide on how to access the video platform, as well as any tips for optimizing their video and audio setup. This can alleviate stress for candidates who may not be familiar with the technology.
Test the Technology: Encourage candidates to test their technology before the interview. This helps avoid any last-minute technical issues and ensures the conversation flows smoothly.
While video interviews offer convenience, they can sometimes lack the personal touch of in-person interviews. Phil Strazzulla and Lewis Maleh both suggest techniques for building rapport in a virtual setting to make candidates feel more at ease.
Start with Small Talk: Before diving into the formal interview questions, take a moment for small talk to break the ice. Ask how the candidate is doing or comment on their location or background to create a sense of comfort.
Eye Contact and Body Language: Although it’s virtual, maintaining eye contact (by looking into the camera) and using open body language can help create a more personal connection. Phil Strazzulla highlights the importance of using body language cues to convey warmth and attentiveness during video interviews.
The structure of the interview itself can make a big difference in how engaged the candidate feels. Lewis Malehsuggests starting with easier questions to help candidates get comfortable, then moving to more complex ones as the interview progresses.
Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage candidates to expand on their experiences by asking open-ended questions that allow them to showcase their skills and personality. This also gives you a better sense of their cultural fit for the role.
Interactive Elements: Depending on the role, you might include an interactive component, such as a short case study or problem-solving task, to keep the candidate engaged throughout the interview.