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Leading
WORK-INTEGRATED LEARNING
in Canada
Conducting Interviews at a Distance
Conducting interviews by video conference
Choose a quiet, distraction-free space.
Test your microphone, speakers, and video camera before the interview to troubleshoot possible issues in advance.
Make sure you have a strong internet connection.
Be friendly and use non-verbal clues, such as nodding, to show you're listening.
Look at the camera, not at the screen. This is the equivalent of maintaining eye contact.
Be aware of the camera position and check what appears behind you on the screen. Check that the lighting and camera angle are appropriate.
Wear a solid colour if possible.
Ask the interviewee if they can hear clearly, and that they can interject to let you know if they can't.
Be consistent. Ask the same questions as you are asking your in-person applicants, and give the same amount of time to answer.
Keep a notebook available to write down responses or questions.
Be patient. Distance interviews sometimes have glitches. Plan for unforeseen disruptions: let the interviewee know in advance what will happen if the connection drops. For example, you might agree to continue on the telephone or reschedule.
Conducting interviews by phone
Smile - it comes through the line.
If a panel is conducting the interview, introduce yourselves at the beginning of the interview so that the interviewee knows who is on the call.
Ask the interviewee if they can hear clearly, and that they can interject to let you know if they can't.
Be consistent. Ask the same questions as you are asking your in-person applicants, and give the same amount of time to answer.
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