These past few months have completely changed how we hire, train and work. Companies have had to quickly switch gears and adopt work-from-home policies to ensure the safety and success of their business. Despite economic uncertainties, some organizations and industries are seeing an increase in hiring demands. Because of this, managers and HR recruiters are struggling to implement a hiring strategy that can accommodate the new virtual environment that we are faced with.
While the pandemic continues to evolve and change every day, it is likely that remote practices will continue into the future. According to a recent statistic from Global Workplace Analytics, 25-30 percent of the workforce will work from home multiple days per week by the end of 2021. To prepare for this, companies must be fully equipped to handle this remote shift, and it all starts with virtual hiring practices.
In this blog, we will discuss the importance of virtual hiring and how to make it successful for both your company and the candidates.
1. Maintain Company Standard Throughout the Virtual Hiring Process
Virtual meetings are notorious for having an air of informality. However, it is important to maintain and relay professional expectations throughout the virtual hiring process. Instead of rewriting the book on hiring, remote processes should imitate in-person practices as closely as possible.
It is equally important to provide the same, if not more, courtesy and support for candidates undergoing a virtual hiring process as you would for in-person hires. Share meeting invites at least 48 hours in advance, maintain open communication, provide an agenda or outline for the meeting so candidates know what to expect in a virtual environment, and offer support in the event that candidates encounter technical issues with virtual software or video conferencing platforms.
Candidates who feel supported and prepared will in turn feel more at ease during the process, which gives recruiters and candidates the most beneficial hiring experience. These applicants are looking to their potential employers to guide them through the process and provide a positive hiring journey. They are evaluating you as much as you are evaluating them.
2. Look Ahead
Even with months of practice using virtual communication platforms like Skype and Zoom, technical issues can still occur. Ensuring you have a backup plan in place can help you stay prepared for any circumstance. Exchange phone numbers with the candidate prior to the meeting as an alternate communication method in case of technology failure.
Although system failures are not an ideal situation during the virtual hiring process, it can also present a great opportunity to gauge a candidate’s problem-solving abilities. Does your candidate become anxious or flustered when glitches occur, or do they remain calm? Do they make attempts to solve the problem? Looking at how a candidate handles uncomfortable or unpredictable situations can tell you a lot about how they will likely perform under similar pressures as an employee at your organization.
3. Be Attentive to Details, Both Minor and Major
Be aware of details throughout the hiring process. Preparation is a great indication of a dedicated and professional candidate. Despite interruptions becoming more frequent during this virtual shift, candidates should still default to regular interview best practices. This encompasses everything from ensuring technical issues are solved prior to the meeting and being on time to wearing professional attire and interviewing from a quiet and uninterrupted space.
Interpreting a candidate’s personality can be challenging when communicating through video; however, be aware of mannerisms that may provide insight into the candidate’s thoughts and feelings. Nonverbal communication, such as gestures, body language, facial expressions and eye contact, can assist in evaluating the candidate and whether they’d be a good fit at your company.
While the uncertainty behind the remote work timeline remains unknown, it’s likely remote hiring is here to stay…at least for the foreseeable future. Take advantage of your opportunity to add a new effective virtual hiring process to your company’s skill set and in turn, you can ensure your company can come through this shift with a more versatile and prepared company.
To learn more about the advantages of interviewing candidates virtually, check out our blog on The Benefits of Video Interviewing.
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