Video Interviewing Best Practices
Technology:
Zoom is readily available to everyone on the Dartmouth College campus. This is the easiest and most convenient technology to use, allowing you to schedule the interview on Outlook calendar and “invite” or “forward” the invitation to the candidate with all Zoom details in the body of the invitation. The candidate will simply click on the Zoom link and be prompted to join the meeting or download the software necessary to connect. For more information regarding Zoom: https://dartmouth.zoom.us/ .
Considerations:
Environment
- Make sure the internet connection is reliable
- Make sure device is fully charged or plugged in
- Check audio settings to ensure that you will hear the candidate and the candidate can hear you clearly
- Test webcam to ensure it’s working correctly
- Minimize background distractions and interruptions
- Close out email, websites, silence cell phone if in the vicinity
- Check the lighting to ensure you are visible and not casting a shadow (light should be in front of you)
- Maintain composure and professionalism throughout
Interview Format
- During the interview, check your eye contact – make sure to keep camera at eye-height
- Talk articulately – making sure everything said is fully comprehensible
- Ask prepared questions and coordinate with others (if multiple interviewers) prior to interview
- Maintain professionalism including appropriate attire
- Use pauses appropriately to make sure the candidate is on the same page/comfortable to ask questions intermittently
- Leave room for discussion and questions in the end
- Provide follow up contact information for any additional questions that may arise at a later stage
Candidate Courtesies
- Make sure the candidate is aware of the interview agenda ahead of time
- Make sure to enter the Zoom meeting a few minutes prior to the start of the interview
- Give instructions for interview in advance, making the interview process as transparent as possible
- Allow extra time for the candidate to connect to the Zoom platform, as this may be new technology to them
- Introduce yourself, along with job title, and describe your role (hiring manager and other interviewers)
- Ask permission of candidate before recording interview. To be fair and consistent to all candidates, you must record all interviews or agree to not record any.
- Use nonverbal communication wherever necessary (for e.g.- nods and smiles) to make the candidate feel at ease
- Respect a candidate’s confidentiality, making sure the candidate is introduced to the panelist and is informed ahead of time as to who his/her interviewers would be
- Mute when not speaking to allow the candidate to address the question asked without background distractions
- Provide information relative to next steps at conclusion of interview
Regardless of the medium of interviewing, it is essential to treat every candidate with respect and professionalism. This ensures we make a positive first impression and provide a great candidate experience.