How to Conduct a Remote Job Interview
Posted October 4th, 2019
Today, an increasing number of companies rely on remote interviews to hire top talent. At times, this is because the position itself is remote, so the selected new hire can be based out of a city far from where the company is located. In other cases, remote interviews allow employers to offer an interview option that is more convenient for job seekers who are employed elsewhere or will be relocating to the company’s city but haven’t made the move just yet.
Knowing how to conduct a remote job interview empowers companies, giving them an edge when the market is tight. If you want to learn more about holding remote interviews, here’s a look at the options and what you need to know.
Real-Time Video and Content-Sharing Options
There are numerous web-based solutions that support video and content sharing, making them great choices for candidate interviews. One of the most popular platforms is Skype, as it supports video, text, screen sharing, and attachments. Zoom is another solid option, as it supports video conferencing and screen sharing as well.
The benefit of video-based remote interviews is that both the hiring manager and candidate can see each other. This can make the experience more meaningful, as everyone can also assess non-verbal cues during the conversation.
Live Document Q&As
If you are open to conducting an interview entirely over text, Google Docs can be a great solution. Multiple participants can alter the same document, allowing the hiring manager to post questions and the candidate to respond. Essentially, this “living document” approach mimics messenger-based interviews. As a bonus, once the interview is over, the company can save the file (and restrict further editing) to preserve the interviewee’s answers, allowing them to be reviewed later if necessary.
The main drawback of this approach is it isn’t the fastest option. Since everyone is typing, it can also feel less personal and doesn’t allow companies to evaluate a candidate’s conversational skills. Plus, if the hiring manager is asking technical knowledge questions, there is no way for them to know if the candidate is searching for answers online before sending their reply.
Phone-Based Interviews
Possibly the most traditional remote job interview option, reaching out to candidates by phone can be a reliable approach. Not only is a phone call usually cost-effective, it’s typically very convenient. Since most job seekers carry a smartphone, they can speak with a hiring manager from practically anywhere. This can make it easy for working candidates to squeeze an interview in without disrupting their day, increasing the odds that they can participate.
When it comes to drawbacks, since everyone involved can’t see each other, there are no non-verbal cues. At times, this can lead to misunderstandings about a person’s tone or attitude, which can be less than ideal.
Ultimately, all three of the approaches above can work for remote job interviews, so consider which option best meets your needs or explore them all to determine which is the right fit. If you are looking for exceptional candidates for your vacant positions, the team at Bayside Solutions can help. Contact us to request an employee today and see how our services can benefit you.
