Do you use video calls during your recruitment process? Here are some online video interview questions to help you shortlist candidates to decide whom to invite for an in-person interview.

Why conduct an online interview with candidates?

Tech has made it easier for recruiters to interview candidates online by using simple video calling apps. But that alone doesn’t make the interview process efficient.

Online video interviews help recruiters:

• Discuss resume details and know more about candidates.
• Check communication skills, especially for roles where speaking abilities are important.
• Find deal-breakers during initial recruitment stages.
• Provide information about further interview rounds.
• Save time when candidates and interviewers are in different locations.

Online video interview questions to ask candidates

• Why did you choose this field?
• Are you more comfortable working alone or in a team? Why?
• What is your salary expectation?
• When can you join our team?
• How do you think you will be an asset to our company and help our team in achieving its goals?
• Tell me about a challenging work project you completed? What were the hurdles, how did you overcome them?
• Do you have any experience using Y software?

Tips to conduct an effective online video interview

• Follow the same guidelines as an on-site interview for scheduling an online interview. Set a date and time that works for both of you. Share the necessary information with the candidate, like the estimated interview duration and the name of the interviewer.
• If you will be recording the call, inform the candidate about the same. It is best to send an email and get written permission for the recording to avoid legal issues.
• For your online interviews, pick a silent corner of the office or a private cabin where there is no disturbance or distraction. Check the equipment well before starting the interview.
• Try to look into the camera instead of your screen, to establish a proper eye contact with the candidate. This can be challenging, but this creates a great impression.
• Give the candidates proper instructions about the process. Exchange account details if you will be conducting an interview via Skype or email candidates the link to log into the interview. If you and the candidate are in different time zones, mention correct time zone to avoid confusion.
• If you will be showing them a presentation during the interview, practice screen-sharing before the interview. Or, if you will be sending candidates an assignment, keep the required file in an easily accessible folder on your system.

Red Flags

• Hesitation and anxiety: Initially, candidates may look nervous during the online interview, but eventually they should be able to express themselves and speak confidently about their experience and role. Being hesitant and mumbling are red flags.
• Casual look or behavior: Online interviews should be professional. Casual dressing or expressions show that candidates are neither serious about the interview nor about the job.
• Distractions and external noises: Creating a peaceful, disturbance-free environment is important for a successful online interview. People walking around, phones ringing and sounds of murmuring take your attention off the candidate. These things also say a lot about your candidate’s professionalism.
• Absence or unpunctuality: Candidates who are serious about getting a job will reply to your video call on time. If something urgent comes up, they will inform you ASAP and request to reschedule the interview.