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Things to look out for when doing video interviews
As technology plays an ever increasing role in all our lives, recruitment included it is important to keep up with the developments as they can save you both time and money, especially as part of a search and selection process.
When you’re searching for candidates to fulfil your roles technology can play a vital role. This can be in sifting CVs to find those most relevant but it can also fill part of the interview process. Cutting down your shortlist quite quickly without having to coordinate calendars of numerous people to ensure you can all be in a room at the same time and in the same location.
Video interviewing is becoming more and more popular and for good reason. A recent report suggest that six in ten employers now use Skype, FaceTime or other video conferencing tools to conduct first interviews or follow up interviews once they have already met face to face.
Interviewing via video can save you a lot of time and whittle down your list of potential candidates without having to leave your desk. However, there are a few things to look out for when you’re using technology to interview, some may seem obvious but we have seen many people miss what we believe are key signs.
You want to employ a professional
As with any interview candidates have had time to prepare, they may appear more nervous on video if it’s not a medium they have used before, however, they should still remain professional. At the end of the video interview you should have a good feel for the person, both their personal and professional attributes and where you feel they would fit into your team. If you don’t ‘get that feeling’ then the chances are they are not right for the role and you’d have the same impression if you met them face to face.
Background interruptions
It’s not perhaps obvious why the background of the interview matters, you are of course interviewing to see if the person is a good fit for your business, not whether you like their choice of décor.  Of course you’re not looking to judge their wallpaper but the background to the interview could give you a good insight to how they’d be in the office. If there are children running riot, dogs barking or a cat sat on their lap it doesn’t bode well that they’d take the role too seriously.
You wouldn’t expect someone to turn up for an interview at your office chatting on their mobile or them letting their phone beep with a Facebook or Twitter alerts and the same rules should apply. You’d be amazed how many people have the TV, radio or their phone bleating away in the background on a video interview because they somehow feel it is more casual.
Dress to impress
It’s human nature to notice what someone is wearing as soon as they come for an interview, again this is not to judge their style but to ensure they look professional and are taking the role seriously. This should be no different on video, joggers and a hoodie just don’t quite cut it and will actually distract from any intelligent conversation or points made.
Body language stands out a mile on video as you don’t have the other distractions you might have in an office environment. As with any candidate you expect them to have done their company research well, be engaged, interested and showcase their experience and expertise in a professional manner. Being distracted, twiddling their thumbs, looking round the room or appearing disinterested is never a positive sign. Yet many managers have reported that this is the scene which has greeted them when they have made video contact. Not only does this smack of being unprofessional but also displays a distinct lack of attention to detail and gives the impression that they are taking far too casual approach to this stage of interviewing when it should be treated in the same manner as a formal one would be.