How many times have you been in the middle of a zoom meeting and experienced delays or misunderstandings due to technical issues? These issues also complicate remote interviews. The pandemic and current economic changes have impacted the way we hire employees. No longer do we simply rely on a firm handshake and standout resume. During an interview, thinking outside the box will allow you to see traits in potential employees you may have normally missed. Below are things to consider when performing remote interviews.
Emotional Intelligence
IQ has always been a factor of importance when considering an employee, but emotional intelligence reaches even further than a high IQ. Asking the interviewee questions about how they would run a business, how they handle specific conflicts, and what inspires them gives you a better idea of their emotional intelligence.
Utilize the Phenomenon of Screen Intimacy
This strange phenomenon called screen intimacy is the reaction of people opening up sooner than they normally would in person. The screen gives a sense of security that is not normally experienced face to face. For many people, a separation of a screen helps them to feel more comfortable speaking and interacting. Employers can utilize this to dive deeper when asking interview questions. Using this time to be face to face looking at one another’s pictures helps you to read body language and facial expressions as well.
Break Away From Traditional Interview Questions
Instead of asking what a potential employee’s greatest flaw is, ask about the challenges they’ve faced during the pandemic. This past year has been stressful for us all and asking your potential new hire how they handled these challenges gives you insight into how they resolve conflict and overcome obstacles.
Observe Details
Pay attention to distractions as they occur during the interview. If there is an interruption does the candidate get flustered and have a hard time reconnecting with you? Noticing how your potential employee handles frustration helps you see how they may interact with a frustrating client or co-worker.
Take Breaks Between Interviews
Many employers conduct back-to-back interviews which do not allow you to collect your thoughts in between. Many interviews begin to blur together and it’s difficult to remember certain things that happen in an interview. It is also easier to confuse candidates. Taking a 10-minute break in between interviews helps you greatly during this process.
Promote A Successful Precedence
Setting your candidate up for success by using open communication and an understanding of what to expect from the interview is valuable. Not only does this help the candidate feel better prepared but this streamlines your interview process so every candidate knows what is expected. This speaks greatly about the company and communicates that it values its employees and sets them up for success.
Remote interviewing does not have to be difficult. By exploring the different capabilities remote interviewing gives you access to, you can better understand each candidate to see if they are a right fit. They are also interviewing you to evaluate whether the company is something they want to be a part of and believe in. Using these 6 tools can help improve your interviewing process and help you find the right candidate for the job.