You're facing a remote candidate with technical difficulties. How do you ensure a successful interview?

Preparation is key to providing clear solutions. Guide the candidate through troubleshooting steps. For example, checking their internet connection, using a different device, or restarting the application. Suggest switching to a phone call if the video is not essential. Share your contact number or request theirs.If the video feed is problematic, consider continuing with just audio. Ensure the candidate that this will not affect their evaluation. Propose reconnecting to the meeting. If the issue persists, switch to a more reliable platform or reschedule.

Vor jedem Interview habe ich früher gerne direkt in die Einladung noch ein paar Stichpunkte formuliert: - stelle sicher, dass du eine stabile Internetverbindung hast - nutze gern Kopfhörer - habe nicht zu viele andere Programme & Tabs offen - usw. Das sind zwar absolute Grundlagen, aber es schadet nicht, sie noch mal zu betonen damit es in einem Interview auch technisch gut läuft :)

Before the interview, I make sure to prepare with the candidate I am working with thoroughly to avoid any technical difficulties. I always schedule a brief test call with the candidate a day or two before the actual interview to ensure their equipment works properly. This includes checking their internet connection, microphone, camera, and any necessary software. I also provide clear instructions on how to join the interview, including details about the interview format and provide login information, and any other software that needs to be installed. As a recruiter, my main goal is to create a positive and professional experience for the candidate despite any technical challenges they may face in the interview process with my client.

To ensure a successful interview with a remote candidate facing technical difficulties, troubleshoot promptly with clear instructions for resolving issues. Offer alternative communication methods if necessary. Prioritize a calm and supportive approach to minimize stress and ensure the candidate can present their skills effectively despite the challenges.

Prepare Contingency Plans: Schedule a backup communication method, such as a phone call or an alternative video conferencing platform, in advance. Ensure both you and the candidate are aware of these options to swiftly transition if technical issues arise. Allow Extra Time and Flexibility: Build in extra time for the interview to account for potential delays. Be patient and understanding, allowing the candidate to resolve issues without feeling rushed or stressed. Test Technology Ahead of Time: Encourage the candidate to test their technology before the interview. Provide clear instructions and support for setting up and troubleshooting common issues, and offer a brief pre-interview tech check to identify and resolve problems early.

It's important to be patient. A candidate is always trying to put their best foot forward so technical issues might increase their stress level and it important to put them at ease and share that the technical issues will not have an effect on their outcome of the interview. So in my opinion showing empathy is key.

I think it's important to ensure that you put the candidate as ease and ensure that they know that any technical issues isn't going to be reflect on their application. Also having an alternative form of communication is important if technology fails at the last moment.

Patience is a virtue. For you, this might be your 3rd interview of the day but for them this is a potential huge opportunity for a life changing situation. Treating them with respect and showing empathy is vital. It is a way to show how your company values people from the get-go and make them feel like their time has been respected and appreciated.

When technical difficulties arise, clear and early communication is crucial. Inform candidates upfront about the interface, testing procedures, and setup instructions—especially if it's their first virtual interview. Assure them that glitches aren't personal and provide alternatives like switching platforms or using a phone call. This proactive approach sets candidates up for success and minimizes stress, keeping the focus on their qualifications.

As entrevistas remotas trazem ganho de tempo e economia financeira, principalmente para os candidatos. Por outro lado, temos que ser compreensíveis e entender que em algumas situações a conexão não vai estar a nosso favor. Imprevistos acontecem, com você e com o candidato, seja flexivel e disponível para remarcar a entrevista.

Things happen. Prior to the interview, clear communication with the candidate is key. On the day of the interview, if technical difficulties do happen, remember that it's something that can happen to anyone. Have a backup plan-an alternate way to connect with the candidate just in case.

Earlier on in my career, I was scheduled for a virtual interview and I am grateful I got an understanding interviewer. I was experiencing technical difficulties joining the scheduled zoom call. She walked me through, gave me ample time to solve the issue and we soon resumed the session. This is one of the moments that demonstrates the "human" in human resources and allows recruiters to find good fit and enhances the image of the company.

Working with entry level talent or 1st generation candidates, I am aware that their experience with me might be their first time participating in the corporate interview process. I work to be compassionate and explain the process thoroughly. I offer myself as a resource throughout the application process.

Remaining patient if technical issues arise. Assure the candidate that technical difficulties happen and focus on resolving them promptly. Offering troubleshooting tips if they are experiencing difficulties, such as adjusting settings or reconnecting to the call Offering alternative communication methods if necessary, such as using a phone call for audio if video is not working.

Technology has failed us all on occasion, and nobody wants to be the person who turns up on the Teams call on mute or without their video displayed. An interview is stressful enough without having technology fail, so be understanding and try to help. Give your candidate a call and talk them through the process, suggest troubleshooting, and worst case continue the interview on a phone call. This would be better than missing the opportunity to have a conversation when time is tight and diaries are full for all involved.

The phrase "you're muted" has become much more popular over the last few years. Think of tech troubleshooting as a very similar sort of thing. You've been in the interview space before and likely know the common mistakes. Maybe they have the wrong input for their microphone or have to adjust their camera settings/permissions. And if all else fails, a simple computer restart can sometimes be all the difference.

Having a backup plan is crucial for remote interviews. It minimises stress for everyone and ensures the interview can continue despite technical glitches. Knowing there's a plan B allows you to focus on the candidate's skills, not troubleshooting tech issues. Here's some options for plan B: - Try turning video off on Teams/Zoom etc. - Phone call - WhatsApp - Facetime/Facetime Audio - Simply reschedule

Always have several methods of contact for remote interviews. Be aware that what works in your country may not work in another. Do your homework. Set the best and preferred method, but then have back up options which might include WhatsApp, Teams/Skype, direct phone numbers, etc

When leading a virtual interview, always include your phone number for candidates to call if they run into technical difficulties. If facilitating a virtual interview with a hiring manager, provide clear instructions for the hiring manager to call the candidate if necessary. Clearly stating a backup plan helps avoid panic.

I did not get jobs at the biggest preferred companies as I did not have laptop and phone overheated during virtual interviews and went off. In other interviews I tried again to contact and HR person told me they do not have luxury time. I was unemployed for some time. Plan B is face to face depending if the business allows.

Es ist äußerst hilfreich hier dem Bewerbenden zügig zu signalisieren, dass ein Umstieg auf ein Telefoninterview überhaupt kein Problem ist

Meiner Erfahrung nach (auch wenn dieses eigentlich eine Selbstverständlichkeit sein sollte) wird es von den Bewerbenden als sehr dankbar empfunden, wenn man ihnen noch einmal deutlich signalisiert, dass die technischen Schwierigkeiten keinerlei Einfluss haben auf die Bewertung

Here are some of the tactical things to follow - - Ensure the candidate has the right setup instructions via a separate email/invite text/over the call discussion. - At the time of interview, send an automated reminder with the same instructions 15-minute before. - If troubleshooting doesn't help, have an alternative mechanism ready for interviewers to try out (other video platform, phone call, screen share on video call and phone call for audio, etc.) - Offer a reschedule to ensure the candidate does not feel tensed during the interview.

Bonus Tip: Offer a short "icebreaker" question after resolving the issue to ease tension and refocus the candidate. By following these steps, you can navigate technical hurdles and conduct successful remote interviews that showcase the best of your candidate pool. #remoteinterviewing #recruitingtips #careeradvice #hiring