Virtual interviews are now a standard part of hiring for many businesses. And for good reason: They’re convenient, efficient, and often save both time and resources. Whether you’re trying to find a skilled marketer or the right company for your transformer repair needs, getting the virtual interview process right is important.
Here are 3 simple tips to help you nail it.
Set Up a Professional but Welcoming Environment
You wouldn’t conduct an in-person interview in a messy or noisy office, and the same rule applies to virtual interviews. First impressions still matter!
Make sure you’re in a quiet, well-lit space that looks professional on camera. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but you want a clean background and good lighting at the very least.
Then during the interview, you want to stay focused, maintain eye contact, and use open body language. Even though you’re behind a screen, how you present yourself should make the candidate feel more comfortable and respected.
Keep the Interview Structured
Virtual interviews can sometimes feel less formal, but that doesn’t mean they should lack structure. Having a clear plan for the interview helps both you and the candidate stay on track.
Really, you want to start by introducing your company and explaining the role. Then, outline how the interview will go—this is one of the simplest ways to help the candidate relax and focus on answering questions rather than wondering what’s coming next. It’s also a good idea to divide the interview into sections like background, skills, and culture fit.
Ask open-ended questions that give the candidate room to showcase their strengths. And don’t forget to leave time for them to ask you questions, too! Their questions can reveal a lot about how seriously they’re considering the role and how much they’ve researched your company.
Use Tech That’s Simple and Reliable
You don’t need a super complex setup to run a successful virtual interview. In fact, the simpler, the better. Platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet are popular because they’re reliable and user-friendly. Whichever one you choose, just make sure both you and the candidate are familiar with it.
And test everything ahead of time—your camera, mic, and internet connection—to avoid any awkward tech glitches. No one likes it when the video freezes or the sound cuts out mid-interview. In fact, have a backup plan, like a phone number to call, in case things go wrong.
The main goal here is to use technology to make the interview process smoother, not more complicated. You want to keep the focus on getting to know the candidate, not on troubleshooting tech issues.
Virtual interviews can be very effective if you do things right. Use these tips as a foundation for creating virtual interview experiences that are professional, smooth, and engaging.
Read Next: How to Use English 101 Skills to Communicate Effectively in Job Interviews