Conducting Successful Remote Interviews

Over the last month alone, Creately has been able to hire five new employees, while the entire team has been working from home. While the recruitment process largely remains the same up to shortlisting candidates when carrying it out remotely, we’ve done the steps that come after, in a significantly different way.

Here are some of the best practices and tools that we have used to successfully interview and hire new employees without really meeting them in-person.

Set clear expectations

Set clear expectations for the candidate prior to the interview. This entails clarifying to them when the interview will take place, the communication and other tools that they will be required to use during the interview, the names and titles of the other attendees, as well as the meeting agenda. You can use an email to notify them of these requirements in advance.

Set up your devices

Make sure that your internet connection is working, your devices are properly charged, all needed software is installed and logged in to, at least an hour before the interview starts.

Get rid of distractions

Make sure that you are in a quiet place where no one can disturb you with a proper professional background (i.e. no messy bedrooms, TV screens, etc.). In addition, turn off alerts on your devices, and keep your movements to a minimum to avoid distracting the candidate yourself.

Ready your interview questions

Keep your interview questions ready beforehand. This will prevent you from prolonging the interview by trying to think of questions you should ask. Knowing what you should ask the interviewee will also help you evaluate them properly by having a meaningful conversation.

Dress professionally

Although you are working from home, you are representing your organization and talking to a stranger who you need to make a good first impression on. So dressing the part will work in your favor.

Don’t make it crowded

Limit the number of attendees. Since the interview takes place online, too many people will be a disturbance during the interview. If more than one person has joined the discussion, others should keep their mics muted allowing the one questioning the candidate to do so without causing interruptions.

Behave appropriately

Be mindful of your behavior, facial expressions, and the tone during the interview. Smile and laugh and conduct yourself as you would have if you had done the interview in person. Wait a few seconds at the end of each sentence to make sure that you don’t talk over each other and keep your eyes on the camera or the screen and not at your own reflection.

Have a backup plan

In case of an emergency such as a power failure, have alternate contact details (i.e. phone number) of the candidate close by. This way even if you lose access to the internet connection, you can opt for an audio conversation over the phone.

Tools for remote nterviews

Tools you can use to conduct a remote interview successfully

• Online appointment scheduling software: Calendly, Google Calendar
• Online meeting/ video conference software: Google Meet, Zoom, Slack, Skype
• Behavior and time tracking software for online tests: Timify.me
• Online quiz/ test makers for evaluating candidates’ knowledge: Google Forms
• E-signature services to send, sign, track, and manage signature processes using a browser or mobile device: Adobe Sign