How to conduct a virtual interview

Digital reality

Virtual interviews can be a good option - or a necessity - where a face-to-face meeting is impossible or impractical, e.g. due to the physical locations of the parties.

If you haven’t held online interviews previously, there are several things you should do to prepare. The first step is to pick your online platform, e.g. Zoom, Skype, etc.

Tip. If possible, do a couple of test runs with practice interview candidate(s). Ask them to join a meeting using different electronic devices, e.g. smartphones, iPads or laptops. Often the layout changes from device to device.

Your interview location

Next, select the location you’ll be using to conduct the interview(s). It should be clutter free, appropriate, professional and neutral. Bedrooms and bathrooms should be avoided, as should gardens. Unless you are in a remote area, there will be potential confidentiality issues.

Lights, camera, action!

Also think about your lighting - this should be natural and it can be affected based on the time of day and the weather. Avoid bright lights behind you, e.g. sitting in front of a sunny window, otherwise you’ll appear as a silhouette to your interview candidate.

Test your camera, mic, audio settings and seating position before the interview starts. It’s best to use a device where the camera is fixed in place, e.g. a laptop, rather than a smartphone.

Tip. Give some thought to your interview outfit - there’s no need for formal business attire but you should avoid anything that’s too casual.

Backup plan

Send the interview information well in advance, along with any other details, such as apps or software which might need to be downloaded. This will give the candidate time to prepare.

When you arrange the virtual interview, always have a backup plan, e.g. a phone call. If there are unexpected connection problems, or a device issue, you’ll still be able to proceed.

Tip 1. Arrange to have the candidate contact you at the allotted time. This will give you an indication about their attitude to timekeeping. However, if they fail to attend at all or as expected, don’t assume they aren’t interested as there may be another explanation.

Tip 2. Give candidates an alternative way to contact you should any difficulties arise, e.g. by phone or email.

Tip 3. If you need to interview several candidates on the same day, allow for a longer duration than you ordinarily would and have a break in between them. Avoid back-to-back virtual interviews.

Tip 4. As with face-to-face interviews, you should avoid any discriminatory and inappropriate questions. A candidate can bring a discrimination claim in just the same way. Don’t be tempted to record the interview without the candidate’s knowledge and permission either as this will breach the GDPR .