If you’re like many managers, you’ve never conducted a virtual job interview. However, COVID-19 has made this a must for non-essential employers, who are now managing a remote workforce for the foreseeable future.

To put it mildly, hiring is very different right now. In fact, the Department of Homeland Security is even offering flexibility on effective I-9 Compliance. Here’s some advice to help you adjust and lead virtual interviews like a true professional.

3 Tips to Improve Your Virtual Zoom Interview

Practice Beforehand

If you’re not familiar with videoconferencing tools, using them will feel a bit awkward at first. This is why it’s important to practice before your first interview, so you’re able to work out the kinks. Call a family member or friend, so you can get more comfortable with it. Ask them for feedback on how you appear onscreen and your volume level, so you can make any necessary adjustments.

Dress Like a Boss

You’re working from home right now, so that probably means you’re wearing very casual clothing most — or all — the time. Depending on your company, this might even be appropriate for work video chats, but it’s not okay for job interviews. If hired, candidates will be working for you, so you want to earn their respect.

Do this by outfitting yourself in what you would normally wear for an in-person interview. You can change back to your comfortable clothes as soon as the interview is over.

Choose an Appropriate Background

During the interview, you want the candidate to focus on you. However, this might be difficult if the background of your frame is too busy. Anything from the items behind you to family members in the background can be incredibly distracting.

Help the candidate concentrate by conducting the interview in a quiet space, with a minimalistic background — i.e., a plain wall, if possible. Job interviews are nerve-wracking enough, without bringing distractions into the room.

Feeling overwhelmed with all the changes brought on by COVID-19? ECS is here to handle your employer of record services, so you can settle into this — temporary — new normal. Contact us today to discuss a partnership!