Remote interviews and assessments explained

Assessing and interviewing candidates remotely entails doing so without having to meet them in person.

Remote interviews and assessments are done online through video calls, phone calls, or other online means rather than in person. Because it eliminates geographical barriers, saves time and money for both the interviewee and the interviewer, and expands the pool of candidates, the idea of remote interviews and assessments is advantageous.

Recently, remote interviews and assessments are becoming more common day by day as companies are realizing these benefits. It is also important that companies optimize their platform for this.

Tricks for remote interviews and evaluations

Select appropriate tools.

The first and most important step for a successful remote job interview is selecting the appropriate tools and platforms. There are many different options to choose from, such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, etc., or your company's hiring software. Some factors you should consider when choosing your platform are availability, technology, costs, and geographical location. Familiarize yourself with the technology or platform you should use for your conversation before the meeting. To ensure a smooth remote assessment process, you can check the technical requirements such as voice, camera, background, connectivity, etc., in advance. Prepare your questions in advance. It is important that you, as the interviewer, know the candidate, such as their experience, previous successes, their position in the company, and their skills. Remember that your questions must be specific and relevant and should also give you an impression of the person's skills and knowledge. Try to formulate the questions clearly and simply and not take them out of context.

Create a positive and professional environment

Creating a positive and professional environment fosters trust and communication flow between the interviewer and the candidate. In a positive environment, the applicant feels relaxed and is more reliable. Avoid getting distracted during the interview and choose a well-lit room for the conversation, as this is considered a professional and formal setting. Appropriate formal attire and politeness are also very important. Don't dive straight into the conversation. Do not start the job interview abruptly but get to know the applicant a little first before beginning the actual conversation. You can start with a simple "How are you?" As an interviewer, be polite, courteous, and attentive, and do not pressure the candidate.

Also ask behavioral questions.

It is very important to ask relevant and behavioral questions so that you can get to know the candidate's experiences, assess their skills, and understand how they handle certain situations. You can ask situational questions or inquire whether the candidate has missed a deadline in the past and how they handled that situation.

Give feedback

At the end of the interview and evaluation, you can provide the candidate with constructive feedback, if necessary, for example, you can tell them in which areas they can improve or where their weaknesses lie (if any). You can also inform the applicant about the hiring process in your company and when they can expect a response. You can also forward your feedback to the hiring team responsible for the company's e-recruiting program. If you follow these simple steps, you can ensure a smooth process for remote interviews and evaluations.

How to prepare for interviews and evaluations remotely

Punctuality

Remote interviews and assessments are usually conducted one-on-one. Log in beforehand so that you have time to overcome any last-minute technical hurdles. Punctuality is very important, as the company may have shortlisted more than one candidate. If you arrive late to your job interview, it does not make a good first impression on your potential boss.

Professional environment

Interviews and assessments are the formal hiring procedures of a company. One should maintain the dignity of a hiring process and create a professional environment, for example, through a well-lit area, a neat appearance, and a clean background.

Formal dress code

"Positive body language, posture, and tone of voice are fundamental for virtual interviews," says Indeed. E-recruiting is a formal process, and your clothing and demeanor have a significant impact, as the saying goes: "dress to impress."

Technological check

Perform a tech check before the interview. Make sure your devices such as microphone, speakers, camera, etc., are working perfectly so that you don't waste your interviewer's time.

Preparation in advance

Job interviews are like exams that you need to prepare for in order to succeed. Clear your mind and prepare the necessary materials, such as portfolios, in advance. Don't memorize your answers, as they will then come across as copied and rehearsed. Present yourself confidently and seriously and use tools like screen sharing.

Counter-question

It is always worth clearing up all your doubts. Ask all important questions, such as those about company policy, expectations of you, salary, working from home, etc. Based on your conversation partner's response, you can make an informed decision.