Best Practices for Conducting Remote Job Interviews

Phone or Video, instead of in-person, job interviews, are becoming more commonplace in the placement process. It allows for efficient use of time for both the interviewer and interviewee. In the case of the interviewer, it can be scheduled for convenient times. For the prospective employee, it eliminates the time and cost of travel.

Types of Remote Interviews

The advent of technology makes it possible to use a variety of techniques to conduct job interviews:

1. One-way or on-demand video interviews sometimes referred to as asynchronous interviews, have pre-selected questions. The candidate is required to respond to on-screen prompts and answer a series of pre-recorded questions. Responses are reviewed by recruiters on their own time.
2. Two-way video interviews via Skype, Google Hangouts, and GoToMeeting.
3. Telephone interviews.

Best Practices for conducting remote interviews:

Prepare the candidate

While most candidates know what to expect from on-site interviews, they may not be familiar with remote interviews. Inform them whether it is going to be a telephone or a video interview. If it is going to be a video interview, send them any necessary software with instructions on use.

Inform the candidate on interview start time, the name of the interviewer (including anyone else who will be present), and the general order of events.

Prepare questions

Consistency is key when conducting remote interviews. The recruiter needs to follow the same script for every candidate to eliminate variability for the interview process. The interview needs to follow the same procedure as an in-person one.

Ensure that your hardware and software is in good working order.

Check your environment

Make sure that there is no bright light behind you which will make it difficult for you to be seen on camera. If necessary, declutter. Arrange for an uninterrupted time during the interview.

Interview Process

A proper introduction to yourself and the organization. Conduct the interview. Evaluate the candidate.

Wrap it up

This process will help recruiters eliminate unsuitable candidates and reduce the number of in-person interviews they will need to conduct.