Effective remote interviewing and assessment strategies

An increasing number of organizations are using virtual and remote interviews in their search for talented employees due to the increasing popularity of remote working throughout various sectors.

Conducted over the internet, these interactions provide greater flexibility and comfort for both the interviewer and the interviewee. Despite this comfort, it can be somewhat challenging for interviewers to accurately assess the candidate's appearance and body language during such interactions, which may hinder productive dialogue and fail to present a complete picture of the individual. Therefore, it is crucial for you, as an interviewer, to understand how to prepare for an online candidate assessment.

To clarify this further, our team of experts at DevelopmentPeople has compiled some tips to help you maximize online interviews. But first, let's define what a remote interview entails.

What is a remote interview?

A remote interview is a meeting held over the internet, usually through an online video chat platform, and can occur at any time and place agreed upon by the interviewer and candidate. Although these interviews happen virtually, they closely resemble in-person interactions, as candidates are asked questions and have a specific time to answer.

As remote work becomes increasingly popular, more companies recognize the benefits of hiring employees virtually. Therefore, it's crucial for recruiters, hiring managers, and executives involved in hiring remote workers to enhance the remote interview process.

Remote interviewing tips and tricks

Although nearly all managers have participated in virtual meetings in some form, not everyone is skilled at conducting remote interviews. Let's explore some tips to enhance online interviewing methods and candidate assessment.

❶ Learn more about remote interviewing rules

Whether the interview is conducted in an office or at home, both the interviewer and the interviewee should present themselves suitably. Ensure there are no noticeable distractions in the background; however, if that's unavoidable, almost any video conferencing app provides the option to create a blank background as an alternative.

Here are some additional tips:

• Mute the sound on your smartphone and computer.

• Choose a place where there is light in front of you, preferably natural light.

• Avoid interrupting your interviewee if possible.

• Carry out a test run to make sure everything is working smoothly (camera, sound, mic). You might want to use noise-canceling headphones.

❷ Select the proper technology for online interviews

Selecting the right platform is essential for seamless online communication without interruptions. Consider using Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or Google Meet, as they all provide valuable features like conversation recording and screen sharing. It's important to inform the interviewee about the available software options so they can install and test the application. Additionally, ensure you have a reliable internet connection and a dependable computer.

❸ Make a detailed agenda for your online interview

Before the interview, it's essential to notify the candidate, perhaps through email, about the interview's date and time, as well as the software that will be utilized.

Additionally, it would be beneficial to provide details about the individual and their role in the company with whom the candidate will be speaking, along with the expected duration of the conversation.

❹ Ensure you have a ‘Plan B’

Despite careful planning, technological issues can still arise occasionally. If something goes wrong during a remote interview, it's essential to have a backup plan. Therefore, having the person's email address and other contact information, such as a phone number, is important so you can reschedule the interview or propose using different software.

The candidate might also face certain problems, like a dead laptop battery. In such cases, you could provide them some time to resolve the issue, either by allowing them to charge the battery or by using another device, such as a tablet, phone, or a different laptop or PC.

If there’s a problem with bandwidth, you could consider switching to an audio call instead.

❺ Create a perfect list of interview questions

To evaluate a person's skills, you should start by crafting your questions carefully. Consider developing inquiries that explore the candidate's previous experiences, assess their problem-solving abilities, and provide insight into their adaptability to remote work settings.

❻ Ensure a comfortable online communication

Initiating a connection begins with a warm greeting and casual conversation to establish a comfortable environment. Demonstrating active listening during the interview by smiling, nodding, and offering affirmations is crucial.

This approach encourages candidates to feel more at ease and willing to share, giving you a clearer understanding of their personalities and potential fit with your team.

❼ Evaluate the candidate’s remote work skills

In the interview, it's crucial to assess the candidate's communication style, proficiency with digital tools, and time management skills. Consider inquiring about their experience with any software your company utilizes.

An individual who shows strong self-motivation, creativity, and technical abilities is likely to perform well in a remote work setting and could become a valuable asset to your team.

❽ Include behavioral questions

Inquiring about these topics will enable you to gain insight into the individual's past experiences and assess their capability to manage challenges in different real-world scenarios. For instance, you might request the candidate to present a case study detailing a time when they did not achieve their goal and how they dealt with the situation.

Other examples of behavioral questions:

• What would you do if your schedule was interrupted?

• Have you ever had to deal with an angry customer? How did you handle this situation?

• Describe an instance when you and your teammates had to reach a compromise. What were the results?

❾ Remember: Every interview is a two-way street

During a remote interview, ensure that you give the candidate a chance to ask questions about your organization and the position they are applying for. Be prepared to provide detailed answers to any questions they might have.

This approach helps the candidate assess if they are a suitable match for your company and gives you insight into their employment values. This information will aid in the evaluation process.

❿ Give feedback

At the end of the interview, inform the candidate about the follow-up steps that they can expect.

If a candidate knows they have been unsuccessful, they can then continue to seek other opportunities. This step will also improve the image of the company and demonstrate your professionalism.

If you’re looking for talented experts, contact DevelopmentPeople. With more than 15 years of experience in recruiting workers in the development and humanitarian sectors, DevelopmentPeople offers a large selection of customized services that can meet any needs or budget. DevelopmentPeople implements strategies for hiring that are tailored to the needs of our customers and take into account their culture, vision, and goals.

Final word

Since remote interviewing doesn't enable a complete assessment of a candidate, it's crucial to take certain steps to better prepare for the interview and gain a deeper understanding of the person on the other side of the screen.

You may face various challenges, primarily related to technology, so it's essential to be ready for any potential issues to ensure a professional conversation. Being thoroughly prepared for an online interview will help you evaluate a candidate more effectively and also create a positive impression of the company overall.