A Guide for HR and Recruitment Staff:
Video interviews have become a cornerstone of the recruitment process, revolutionising the way HR and recruitment staff interact with potential candidates. Whether it’s for screening initial applicants or conducting final-round interviews, video interviews offer unparalleled convenience and efficiency. However, navigating the realm of video interviews requires a strategic approach, starting with asking the right questions.
As HR and recruitment professionals, your role is not only to identify top talent but also to ensure a seamless and fair interview experience. Crafting insightful questions tailored to the specific job role and company culture is crucial for evaluating candidates effectively. So, what questions should you ask in a video interview?
Introductory Questions:
- Start with a warm welcome and brief introduction to set a positive tone.
- Ask candidates to provide a brief overview of their professional background and why they’re interested in the role.
Skills and Experience:
- Dive into the candidate’s expertise by asking about their relevant skills and experiences.
- Inquire about specific projects or achievements that demonstrate their capabilities in the required role.
Behavioural Questions:
- Behavioural questions provide insights into how candidates handle various situations.
- Examples include asking about their problem-solving approach, teamwork skills, or how they manage conflicts in the workplace.
Cultural Fit:
- Assessing cultural fit is crucial for long-term success within the organisation.
- Pose questions that delve into their work style, values, and how they align with the company culture.
Motivation and Career Goals:
- Understand what drives the candidate and their career aspirations.
- Ask about their long-term goals and how they see themselves contributing to the company’s growth.
Adaptability and Resilience:
- In today’s dynamic work environment, adaptability is key.
- Pose hypothetical scenarios to gauge how candidates respond to change and adversity.
Technical Proficiency:
- For technical roles, assess the candidate’s proficiency in relevant tools and technologies.
- Consider incorporating practical exercises or case studies to evaluate their problem-solving abilities.
Communication Skills:
- Effective communication is essential for collaboration and conveying ideas.
- Evaluate their verbal and written communication skills through structured questions and scenarios.
Questions from the Candidate:
- Encourage candidates to ask questions about the role, team dynamics, or company culture.
- Their inquiries can provide valuable insights into their level of interest and engagement.
Closing Questions:
- Wrap up the interview by asking if there’s anything else the candidate would like to add.
- Provide an opportunity for candidates to reiterate their interest in the role.
While these questions serve as a foundation, it’s essential to customise them based on the specific requirements of the role and the company’s culture. Additionally, consider the following tips to enhance the video interview experience:
Test Technology in Advance: Ensure both parties have a stable internet connection and are familiar with the video conferencing platform.
Create a Comfortable Environment: Encourage candidates to find a quiet, well-lit space for the interview to minimise distractions.
Establish Rapport: Building rapport with candidates helps create a conducive environment for open dialogue and honest responses.
Be Mindful of Bias: Stay mindful of unconscious biases and focus on evaluating candidates objectively based on their qualifications and fit for the role.
In conclusion, mastering the art of asking the right questions in video interviews is a cornerstone of effective talent acquisition. By incorporating a mix of skills, behavioural, and culture-fit questions, HR and recruitment staff can identify top talent that not only meets the job requirements but also aligns with the organisation’s values and objectives.
Explore our comprehensive guide for HR and recruitment professionals to uncover key questions, enhance candidate evaluation, and elevate your talent acquisition process! Start optimising your interviews now.