Ultimate Guide On A Successful Video Interview

Living in the post-pandemic world requires us to make dramatic changes in the way we run our companies. Lockdowns are easing, businesses are opening. And we're all eagerly trying to move beyond crisis management into the new "business as usual." Part of that is through learning how to change where we work and the way we work.

Working from home is now our new normal. Until sheltering in place is no longer required, parts (if not all) of your business needs to be run online. This includes hiring new employees. Online interviews allow businesses to continue to grow the company while spreading positivity during a time where many are losing hope due to self-isolation.

Of course, remote hiring is nothing new. It's been done for years. However, many business owners do not have a lot of experience in meeting their potential employees online. And it's not just because of the technology. To conduct a successful online interview, much needs to be done. Below are the steps you can take to make sure that you represent your business in a good light as you meet and greet people who may later become part of your "family."

Prepare for the Actual Interview

• Know what you're after

Before you think about conducting interviews online, you first need to be clear on what kind of person you are looking for. Think about the job. Think about the person who previously held that position. What skills, knowledge, and experience does a person need to have in order to perform this job well? What personal qualities do you require in an employee? Take the time to involve your manager/s or team members in selecting the criteria for choosing the right candidate. They may have insight on what is required in order to get the job done.

• Do your research

Take the time to conduct some background research into your candidate prior to the interview. Study his or her resume well. Check his or her social media accounts. A quick search on Google can net you information that won't otherwise appear on his or her application.

• Prepare your questions

Don't try to win the interview. Write down your questions beforehand, so that you don't forget anything. Some of your questions can be fact-based such as when you clarify information on their resume and why they are applying for a job in your company. You should also include some situational or stress questions. For example, you can ask them what they would do in a certain situation or ask them outright why they should be hired.

Pro-tip: Avoid asking questions that involve race, marital status, weight, gender, citizen status, religion, children, and disabilities. They might be viewed as discrimination.

• Create an interview structure

It's easy to lose focus or get side-tracked when you're interviewing someone, even if you have a list of questions on hand. To make sure that everything goes smoothly, it's best to implement a structure to your interview. Generally, an interview is made up of three parts.

The first part is the introduction. This is where you put the candidate at ease with a bit of small talk. Ask about where they live, how's the weather there, etc. You can also use this time to explain about the company and how the interview will flow.

The second part is made up of your main questions. This will be the time where you will be asking more about their skills, experience, and any other criteria that you have listed in your requirements.

The third part is the wrap-up. This is where you provide the candidate the opportunity to ask his/her own questions. This is also where you inform him/her on the next steps such as when you plan to follow-up with them.

Prepare the Environment

• Test your technology

Your interview won't be happening if your technology isn't working properly. This means that you need to make sure that the software you're using to make the video call works. Your video and audio should be crystal clear. Your internet should not be lagging. Make sure to conduct tests prior to your interview.

• Set up the room

Make sure that you're going to be conducting the interview in a quiet place where there will be no interruptions. Remove anything that can distract you throughout the call. Make sure that the lighting is sufficient and doesn't negatively impact your appearance.

Look Professional

As the business owner, you represent the heart and soul of your company. Don't think that just because you're both in the comfort of your own homes that you can be casual about the interview. You may be the one conducting the interview but you need to keep in mind that these people are also “interviewing” you as an employer as well. And you definitely don’t want to look unprofessional.

• Up Top

You're a business owner, so you need to dress like you're a success. This means wearing a type of men's shirt that's either in the business casual style or just plain business. We're talking an Oxford shirt minimum for guys, a nice blouse for girls. If your business leans more toward corporate, then a suit jacket, dress shirt, and tie would be more appropriate. Avoid wearing colors that are too flashy/bright or shirts that have busy patterns. These can be distracting for your interviewee.

• Down Below

As tempting as it might be to forego your pants, it is not an option for a business owner. Especially one that is interviewing a future employee. First impressions last and you don't want him or her to have a visual of what you look in your underpants when you finally meet up in person. So, dress smart. Wear slacks or dress pants. Pair it with one of your favorite men's dress belts. For women, you can opt for pants, a skirt (not too short!), or go with a dress.

• How about shoes?

Yes, please! Dress up just like you would for a day in the office. Choose classic dress shoes that complete your formal look. This helps keep you in the right frame of mind for your interview.

Be Professional but Personable

It's easy to stop being professional because there's less pressure when you're meeting someone online compared to a face-to-face interview. In addition, being locked up at home for months has made us more relaxed than usual. Less polished. But there’s a fine line between being personable and being too casual or chill. Be pleasant, maintain eye contact, and smile. Just keep in mind that you’re the head of the company and you should act like one.

Pay Attention

Just like in a face-to-face interview, it’s important that you take note of facial expressions and tone of voice. How excited are they to be interviewing for a job in your company? Are they engaged in the conversation? Are they asking questions about your business and the role they’ll be playing? Do they look you in the eye (and by this, we mean straight into the camera) while they’re talking or do their eyes tend to travel to whatever’s beyond the view of the camera? Remember, when you interview someone for a job, it’s not just about what they say. It’s how they talk.