Conducting a recorded interview involves careful preparation, mindful execution, and leveraging technology to capture the interaction for later review. It combines standard interviewing practices with specific considerations for the recording format.
Recorded interviews offer advantages like consistent candidate evaluation, the ability to share interviews with hiring teams, and flexibility in scheduling. To conduct them effectively, follow these key practices:
Preparing for the Recorded Interview
Effective preparation is crucial for a smooth and productive recorded interview experience for both the interviewer and the candidate.
- Review Past Interviews and Take Notes: Before conducting a new interview, especially for the same role, take time to review notes and recordings from previous candidates. This helps you refine your approach, identify effective questions, and ensure consistency in evaluation. Analyzing past interactions can highlight what works well and what could be improved.
- Consider Pre-Recorded Interviews: Decide if a live recorded interview or a pre-recorded (asynchronous) format is best for the stage and role. Pre-recorded interviews allow candidates to record responses at their convenience, saving time for initial screening. Live recorded interviews are better for deeper conversations and assessing real-time interaction skills.
- Have a Backup Plan: Technology can be unpredictable. Always have a backup plan in case of technical issues during the recording. This might include having phone numbers ready, knowing how to switch to a different platform quickly, or having a plan to reschedule if necessary. Testing your equipment beforehand is also part of this crucial step.
Conducting the Recorded Interview
During the recording, being professional, consistent, and considerate ensures a positive experience and captures valuable information.
- Ask Consistent Questions: To fairly compare candidates, ask the same core questions to everyone applying for the same role. While follow-up questions will naturally vary based on responses, maintaining a consistent structure allows for more objective evaluation when reviewing recordings.
- Be Conscious of Your Body Language: In a recorded format, your non-verbal cues are captured and can significantly impact the candidate's comfort and the overall impression. Maintain good posture, make eye contact with the camera, nod to show engagement, and use open gestures. Positive body language can help build rapport, even remotely.
- Dress Appropriately: Just as in an in-person interview, dressing professionally is important. It shows respect for the process and the candidate, and contributes to a professional environment, even when recorded from your home office.
- Highlight Your Company Culture: Use the interview as an opportunity to showcase what makes your company unique. Talk about values, team dynamics, and growth opportunities. This not only informs the candidate but also helps them determine if they are a good fit culturally, which is especially important when they can't get an in-person feel for the office environment.
- Be Considerate and Compassionate: Remember that recorded interviews can be stressful for candidates. Be empathetic, patient with technical difficulties, and provide clear instructions. Creating a comfortable atmosphere allows candidates to perform at their best. Active listening is key to showing you are engaged.
Key Considerations for Recorded Interviews
| Aspect | Importance | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Recording Consent | Legality and transparency is vital. | Always inform candidates upfront that the interview will be recorded and obtain their consent. |
| Technical Setup | Ensures a smooth, uninterrupted recording. | Test your internet connection, microphone, and camera before starting. Ensure good lighting and a quiet background. |
| Review Process | Maximizes the benefit of recording. | Establish a clear process for reviewing recordings, taking notes, and sharing relevant parts with the hiring team. |
For additional insights and practices in conducting recorded interviews, explore resources like this example list of tips on video interviewing techniques: More Interview Tips (Note: This is a placeholder link).
Conducting recorded interviews effectively requires preparation, consistency, and a focus on creating a positive candidate experience while capturing the necessary information for hiring decisions.
