If you happen to be on the search for the perfect candidate, you will probably be all too aware of how arduous the remote interview process can be. It might seem as though there are countless potholes waiting to twist your virtual ankle with every step, from poor internet connections to scheduling issues and more or less everything in between.
Take a deep breath and remember that there are measures you can put in place to ensure that your remote interview process goes as smoothly as possible. Here are some tips to help you take back control over the digital world and hopefully secure yourself the ideal candidate before too long.
Utilize Transcription Software
By introducing some reliable and accurate live captioning software services to your toolkit, you can greatly increase functionality and accessibility levels in your remote interviews. Not only does this help you support candidates who have hearing disabilities, but it can benefit anyone who is struggling to benefit from audio.
It works in real-time too, and at an incredibly high accuracy rate, so you do not need to worry as much about any important information being missed throughout the interview.
The best transcription services can also be integrated with many popular communication platforms, including Zoom.
Send Your Candidate the Interview Expectations Beforehand
To make sure your candidate is prepared for the road ahead, it is important to send them the interview criteria before the actual event.
If they still cannot manage to prepare, you know who not to hire. This can enable your interview to negate some of the potential pitfalls that come with the remote format, such as speaking over each other.
It also gives your candidate a fairer shot because dealing with remote technology can already provide an added layer of strife. It is useful to note that digital skills are an extremely important part of the modern candidate’s skillset, so it is worth taking their technological prowess into account.
Pause Before Speaking
Speaking over one another can be infuriating, so be sure to leave a pause after you finish saying what you have to say.
This can avoid any confusion and keep the momentum of the interview flowing. You could always mute yourself as soon as you finish talking, too, as this can negate any background noise that you might be experiencing.
Carry Out a Tech Audit
Before the interview starts, carry out a tech audit to ensure that your setup is actually working. Forgetting to do this may leave you unprepared for the start of the interview, and this is not very fair on the candidate who is likely already feeling nervous.
Get a Good Microphone
Your candidate should, at the very least, be able to hear you clearly in order for the interview to go smoothly. While your built-in laptop mic may suffice for a social call, in a professional setting, it may fall short of the mark.
Good USB mics are fairly inexpensive, and they certainly do the trick. It is worth bearing in mind that practice makes perfect, and the world of remote interviews is no different.