Dec 3, 2014 | Blog

Get More from Your Video Interview by Putting Candidates at Ease

Acquire the Right Talent

When a dream job is on the line, it’s natural for candidates to have a few jitters before their job interview, whether it’s virtual or in-person.  After all, the stakes are high, and if your candidate is a video interview newbie, he or she may be a little nervous going into it. Fortunately, video interviewing solutions today are designed to eliminate those sources of anxiety so your candidates can comfortably showcase their talents, and both sides can make a good assessment of fit. Here are five ways you can put candidates at ease with a positive video interview experience:

  1. Start on-demand interviews with a welcome video. If we strive to make a good first impression in-person, why not make that same effort with a virtual interview?  It takes just a few minutes for a hiring manager or potential colleague to record a warm welcome message that candidates can watch before they begin. This positive first contact leaves the candidate at ease and allows them to perform their best during the interview, a win for both your organization and the candidate.
  2. Watch your own body language. One of the advantages of video interviewing is that it brings non-verbal cues into play much earlier in the hiring process. Remember though, body language goes both ways! Your candidate is also looking for your smile, the eye contact you make, and if your posture suggests you are engaged in the dialog. When you’re mindful of your own communication through body language, you’ll foster a better connection with your candidates.
  3. Give as much as you receive. Now more than ever, a job interview is a two-way street.  Candidates, especially those who are not certain they want to change jobs, are using interviews as their own opportunity to assess a potential employer. Keep in mind their goals with the interview, and look for ways to satisfy that need for information. When video interviewing is used to facilitate the two-way conversation, the interview becomes a productive step forward rather than a source of worry.
  4. Take the pressure off with re-record and unlimited time. Some video interviewing solutions feature a re-record option for their on-demand application that enables candidates to record and erase as often as needed until they are comfortable with their answer. Make use of this feature, even if just for the first several questions, to ease candidates into the interview. The same goes with time limits. While you may not want a rambler, it can add more angst if you set a time limit for the response. Consider opening up the time and allow the candidate free reign. Similarly set think times to unlimited giving your candidates as much time to consider their response as needed. Those that return in the timely fashion with succinct clear answers will rise to the top.
  5. Make sure there is friendly, live tech support.  Video interviewing is quickly becoming the way of the world, but not all candidates are equally tech-savvy. Some need help to test their connection and adjust their sound and lighting so they feel ready to make the most of their interview opportunity. A 24x7 live support team that is always on-hand by toll-free phone, chat and email will ensure that candidates get connected and comfortable with the technology. Most candidates won’t need that support, but you want to be ready for the few that do.  

As video interviewing becomes mainstream, candidates are realizing they can market themselves better with this technology. Most welcome the opportunity to present their skills and forge that personal connection with a potential employer as early as possible in the hiring process.