Remote interviews and hiring remote workers have become the recent trend in business. Most countries still observe the COVID-19 pandemic prevention routine incorporating remote jobs and hiring.
Another reason for drifting into remote hiring is that it's a more effective option as it reduces costs and fees. Hiring managers these days take pride in interviewing for remote jobs.
This article is geared towards defining who a remote worker is, providing remote interview tips and essential tools for conducting a remote interview and describing the importance of Cloudpresenter as a webinar software for remote interviews.
What is a remote interview?
A remote interview is a job interview conducted via video conferencing or telephone, allowing potential hires and employers to interact without being in the same physical location or in-person meeting. Once you have the required devices, software, and internet connection, you can leverage video call technology to improve your hiring process remotely.
In other words, a remote interview is a job recruitment discussion that happens electronically. Some electronic means for conducting a remote interview include webcam, microphones, Cloudpresenter, headphones, zoom, Google Meet, and many other tools essential for holding an interview process.
Tips for conducting remote job interview as the hiring manager
A hiring manager must implement some fundamental principles and interview tips for a remote interview to be highly successful. Some of these principles include:
Preparing for the interview by setting-up devices
It's a lazy man's work to prepare for a meeting on the interview day. Lack of preparation for an interview to start working remotely is one of the mistakes most hiring managers make, and it always comes with its consequences.
If you won't be able to prepare for an already planned job interview as a hiring manager, you can opt to reschedule the interview to avoid making a poor hiring decision.
Focusing on emotional intelligence
One of the tips for conducting a remote interview with a clear job description is to assess the candidate's level of emotional intelligence. Emotional Intelligence, or EQ, is one's capacity for interpersonal relationships with others.
As a hiring manager, you should not only focus on the candidate's technical intelligence quotient. It would be best to look for signs of how a candidate can relate well with their remote team and reconnect with them when there is a conflict.
Don't forget to maintain eye contact when creating rapport and gauging the candidate's suitability for the job.
Conducting an interview based on the proper questions
Another proven method of conducting a remote interview as a hiring manager is always asking the right questions. Refrain from asking irrelevant questions that won't bring out the quality of the candidate in working in the company, even if you're trying to make the conversation interesting.
Part of the interview in a remote setting should include a list of questions related to the business model, operating policy, and industry of the potential employer. Moreover, it is important to allow candidates to ask interesting questions, even if they don't match what you expect to hear.
Talking about the workplace, its policy and staff
Another effective remote interview tip is to inform and explain the company's culture to the candidates. But first, you have to introduce your company properly.
As a hiring manager, you must ensure the interviewees know the company's policies. It would be best to discuss how the remote team collaborates and what the workplace hopes to achieve within a specified period.
Watch out for distractions when hiring remotely
As a hiring manager, to make a successful remote interview, you must show you're engaged in the conversation. Recall that the remote interview process isn't held physically, so you may be distracted when you receive a phone call.
On the other hand, distractions could be a good way of knowing if the candidate is serious about the job interview questions. That means an applicant who doesn't care about remote work would easily get distracted with little matters.
Best tools for conducting interview remotely
Here are some of the vital tools for conducting an interview remotely:
Calendly
Calendly is essential for hosting virtual interviews remotely because of its meeting scheduling features. Once you schedule a meeting for on-site or online job interviews, the applicant knows when to book a session with you. The pro plan is also available to schedule business meetings you can host via phone or video call.
Cloudpresenter
Cloudpresenter is a popular online video platform where interviews can be conducted remotely. You can also use the free version for conventional webinars and conference meetings for fully remote teams. The platform is used when the interviewees are in large numbers. If you are looking for remote interview software to make a good first impression when you're hiring people to work from home, go check Cloudpresenter today.
Skype
Most hiring managers use Skype for calls. It has a free and paid plan. However, Skype can also be used to conduct video interviews for remote work.
Google Hangouts
Google Hangouts is also a vital tool for hosting job interviews. However, the hiring manager and the candidate must have a Google account and a desktop for a better user experience. Besides, checking your internet connection before the meeting time is also important.
Harver
Harver operates as a hiring teacher. It is mostly the best hiring tool for interview managers who are still learning the interviewing process. Whether working from a home office or operating a hybrid model, Harver is worth checking out.
Benefits of using webinar software for online interviews
Accessibility and convenience: Webinar software enables interviews to be conducted remotely, eliminating the need for physical presence. This accessibility benefits candidates in different geographical areas or who have mobility constraints. It also allows interviewers to schedule interviews more flexibly without the need for coordinating physical spaces, saving time and resources for both parties.
Scalability and reach: With webinar software, interviews can simultaneously accommodate a larger pool of candidates. This scalability is especially advantageous for organizations conducting mass recruitment drives or screening processes for multiple positions. Additionally, webinar platforms often offer features such as recording capabilities, enabling interviews to be archived and reviewed later, thus extending the reach and process for remote interviews.
Interactive features: Webinar software typically includes interactive features like live chat, polling, and Q&A sessions. These features enhance interview engagement when you give the candidate an opportunity to make their impression known, respond to prompts, and interact with interviewers in real-time. Interactive elements can help gauge candidates' communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and suitability for the role.
Customization and branding: Many webinar platforms offer customization options, allowing organizations to tailor the interview experience to align with their branding and company culture. Customizable features may include branded registration pages, personalized email invitations, and custom backgrounds or overlays. Organizations can reinforce their identity and leave a positive impression on candidates by maintaining a consistent brand image throughout the interview process.
Analytics and insights: Webinar software often provides analytics and reporting capabilities that offer valuable insights into the interview process. Metrics such as attendance rates, engagement levels, and audience feedback can help recruiters and hiring managers assess their interviewing techniques' effectiveness, identify improvement areas, and make data-driven decisions when selecting candidates. These insights can contribute to a more efficient and informed recruitment process, ultimately leading to better hiring outcomes.
Conclusion
As a hiring manager, you should always be prepared to conduct a job interview for remote hiring. It would help if you used some essential website software, such as Cloudpresenter, to conduct an interview remotely. Also, endeavor to ask the right questions and focus on the EQ and IQ of candidates in the job interview.