Interviewing in the Age of Covid isn’t much different than it was before. That is, it’s not much different when you’re the interviewee. In those long-ago days, we started with a phone interview. Now, we also end with a phone – Zoom – interview.

Companies who don’t usually have a remote worker contingent, however,  may have found that this new world has turned the interviewing process upside-down. Here are five fast tips for interviewing in the new age.

The keys to great online interviews

First, NO in-person interviews

We won’t debate masks, or numbers, or science. Just do not make people come in for interviews.

Even if you’re personally not on board with how the pandemic is understood and handled, accept that others have deep concerns about exposing themselves to Covid-19. Interviews are stressful enough as it is — let’s not make them potentially life-threatening.

Second, be prepared

Your candidates should show up to their video interview dressed up, alert, and with minimal distractions. And so, interviewers, should you.

(Pajama pants are encouraged for all parties, however.)

Remote interviews can be difficult. Overcome that hurdle by living up to the same expectations you have for your employees and candidates. Prepare for your camera time with a shower and a clean shirt. Take the dirty laundry off the treadmill that’s in camera view. Remember to have a copy of the candidate’s resume ready, and to check that your camera and audio work.

Third, turn on your camera!

This is a Golden Rule situation: video call unto others as you would have them video call unto you.

I’ve had many, many reports from the field of interviews where the candidate is expected to have their video feed on, but the interviewers do not. This, my fellow interviewers, is rude and off-putting. It is the online equivalent of interviewing your candidates through a one-way mirror.

Fourth, set a comfortable tone

We humans find it easier to be personable and relatable when in the same room with other humans. People tend to adopt personas when online, or forget that we’re talking to another person.

Adjust for this. Make sure you purposefully set the tone for the interview by starting with a conversation. The technical interview can still happen, but let’s be humans first.

If, like me, you’re bad at conversations, have a few ideas and questions ready, like asking about their pets.  (If you’re really like me, Google “conversation starters” for ideas before your interview.)

Last, don’t sweat interruptions

Every single person who works remotely must suffer interruptions. Even if you do not have pets, partners, children, or housemates, there’s always internet outages, computer issues, construction equipment firing up outside, and so on.

With any luck, you’ve learned to let these bumps in the road go by, both for you and for your candidates. We used to work in people-sized terrariums called “offices”, which cut down on the outside interruptions. Now, we work out in the wild.

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