Remember, in order to create a goodness-of-fit between your organization and the new hire, the applicant needs to be confident in the professionalism and stability of your work environment. How you represent your place of work is just as important as how the job candidate represents their workable value. The following suggestions will help you to make the interview process more streamlined and professional.
1.) Email the job applicants before the interview and inform them of the number and names of the interviewers. Applicants can be overwhelmed with large Skype interview panels when they expected one or two interviewers.
2.) During the interview, take short-hand notes and make eye contact with the camera and/or screen as much as possible. The applicant who only sees a screen full of people vigorously writing can become nervous. In addition, staring at the crown of your heads is not as fun as you might think.
3.) Before jumping into the interview questions, begin with introductions and small-talk. This helps create a more comfortable interview environment compatible for effective discussion; needed to make informed decisions about the applicant.
4.) Even though the Skype interview doesn’t have the physical presence of the applicant, treat the situation as if he or she was in the room. This means avoid having smaller conversations while others are talking, write things down so that the applicant cannot see it on their screen (like candidate ranking sheets), and don’t eat or chew gum during the interview. Just because it feels less formal doesn’t mean it is.
5.) Dress professionally and represent your organization in a way that attracts quality candidates. The first impression you make will affect the candidate’s expectation of your organization.
6.) Come prepared to the Skype interview knowing the candidate’s qualifications. Simple internet search engines can also provide ample information that contributes towards knowing the candidates qualifications. Have questions ready to ask the candidate about their qualifications and experience related to the new position.
Although rudimentary, these interview tips are often overlooked, weakening the integrity of interview processes. Technology, such as Skype, requires extra considerations that traditional interview processes don’t need. Digital communication is fast and cost-effective; hence, mastery of internet discussions, such as interviews, is highly recommended for 21st century professionals.
If you have any other tips add them below.
