Conducting Skype interviews – Dos and Don’ts

Many recruiters have moved their recruitment processes online in response to the unpredictable outbreak of Covid-19. Thankfully, recent technological advancements have made this process more flexible and convenient with tools such as Skype.

When conducting a Skype interview, there are several things you will need to consider specifically for this style of interview. As Skype interviews continue to gain popularity, we have put together a list of “Dos and Don’ts” to help you conduct a successful interview:

Do:

• Book a time slot in a room

If you are self-isolating with others, notify those you live with of your meeting and arrange a time in a certain room where they won’t disturb you. The last thing you want is an awkward interruption from a family member when you’re in the middle of conducting an interview.

• Look at the camera, NOT the screen

As tempting as it is to watch yourself during a Skype call, make sure you keep looking directly into the camera to ensure you keep eye contact with the candidate throughout the interview. Sitting in a relaxed, attentive position and making appropriate eye contact will help your interviewee feel more relaxed.

• Match the professional standards expected of candidates

As the interviewer, it is expected that you arrive on time, dress professionally (head to toe, not just from the waist up) and ensure you have familiarised yourself with the candidates CV.

• Be thoroughly prepared for the interviewee’s questions

Usually candidate questions at the end of the interview are predictable, but always be prepared to answer any question the candidate may have. Reminding yourself of the company’s mission statement or environmental policy before the interview will help avoid the awkward situation of not knowing the answer to a question.

• Prepare your computer beforehand

On top of the usual familiarising yourself with candidate CVs and preparing core interview questions, Skype interviews also require you to prepare your computer. Have you checked your audio levels, microphone and internet connection? You want to avoid being cut of or being unable to hear the candidate’s questions.

• Consider your surroundings

This one is crucial – make sure you pick a quiet spot with a neutral backdrop, enough lighting and a good, level camera angle. Even when interviewing from home, you are representing your business so make sure your surroundings reflect this.

Don’t:

• Leave other programmes running in the background

Having other noisy notifications going off throughout your Skype call is both distracting and irritating. Make sure you close all background programmes to avoid any disruptions.

• Make snap judgements based upon your own biases

Remember you are conducting an interview to find the most suitable candidate for the job. A candidate’s accent, social background, appearance and gender have no impact on an individual’s ability to perform a role well, so make sure not to discriminate.

• Vary your core interview Qs candidate to candidate

When conducting interviews for the same role, it is crucial to ensure a level playing field for each interviewee. Keeping the same core questions makes it possible to compare the candidates you have interviewed.

• Forget to inform the candidate what to expect post interview

It is courtesy at the end of an interview to inform each candidate what will happen next. You should be able to tell them how they will be contacted, and by what date they should have received a response. It is also just as important to ensure you carry-out what is promised to the candidate, in the timescale given.