[ad_1]
The Covid-19 pandemic has affected nearly everything been done as a professional, and the interview process is no exception. Many speakers and other business professionals have opted to do virtual events and interview since the shutdown occurred in early 2020. With the stay-at-home order, remote interviewing has become more popular, as it is easy to conduct any sort of interview irrespective of the location or distance.
Platforms for Conducting Remote Interviews
There are various platforms that you can use to conduct remote interviews. It is always advisable to use the familiar and popular ones like Zoom, Skype, Google Duo, Viber, and WhatsApp. This is to ensure that the interviewee would easily have access to link up with the interviewer. Better still, a notification or a message can be sent to the interviewee a few days before the interview date informing him or her of the kind of virtual platform to be used. This ensures the interviewee can get the video app (if he/she doesn’t have it yet) and get him or herself familiar with the user interface.
Criteria For A Quality Remote Interview
The Covid-19 pandemic has forced more people to work and carry out diverse activities from home, including conducting podcast interviews. Professionals who rarely did remote interviews are finding them to be a popular trend. While the interviewers and interviewees may have participated in some online meetings, it isn’t everyone who knows how a virtual interview is conducted. Preparation is required to conduct a quality remote interview. So, as the interviewer, it is essential to set expectations with your guest about the interview details. Let them know who will place the call, what time it should be, the platform you will be using, etc. Making the details of the virtual meeting known to the interviewee will put him/her at ease to be at their best for the interview.
So, below are some of the criteria to ensure a smooth remote interviewing process.
1. Double-Check Your Devices
You must run a quick test on the devices you will be using for the interview, whether it’s your phone, Laptop, or desktop computer. It wouldn’t speak well on your competence if you find your device’s microphone or speaker isn’t working during the interview. Check the camera resolution, and if it is not high enough, use another device that has a better resolution so that those on the other side can see you clearly. You should run this quick system check on your devices before the scheduled time for the interview.
2. Suitable Background
Make sure your background is attractive. Don’t use a rowdy, rough, or unprofessional background showing your kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom. You can use a plain background (some video apps allows you to do this). Make sure your background is void of distractions of other people working or walking around.
Switch off chats and phone alert tones during the interview. You can leave a note on the door signifying you are not available or in an interview. Don’t conduct a remote interview in a high traffic area. Use a quite location, as this will aid in your concentration.
3. Appear Professional
Even though you may be at home, dress as if you are conducting an in person interview. If you are the one being interviewed, don’t just put on any casual outfit, dress to impress those interviewing you. It will leave a positive impression about your attitude and professionalism in the interview.
4. Pay Close Attention To The Tone Of Your Voice And Facial Expressions.
Speak clearly and fluently. Also, make sure your voice is calm. Smile and laugh at the appropriate time, as you would in person. This will show the person on the other side you are engaged in the conversation. When you are speaking, always look at the camera.
5. Have A Strong Close
When the interview ends, you, as the interviewer, should inform your guest about the estimated date your interview will be published. Concerning my podcast, for example, I tend to conduct interviews two weeks or so in advance of the publication date. This allows time for editing and developing social media graphics without undue pressure of a looming deadline. Your guests will appreciate knowing what the estimated dates are for their interview to be shared with the world.
You, as the interviewee, should also ask questions that are on your mind concerning your interview. Be sure to send along any links to your offers, website, etc. that can be inserted into the show notes by the host.
Regardless if you are the one conducting the interview or you are being interviewed, be sure to thank each other for the time spent together.
7. Where to host your interview video or audio files
You can have your interview recorded and have the recorded version placed on popular hosting sites. If the version of the interview you want to post is a video, you can use YouTube or Vimeo. And in case they are audio only formats, you can make use of Apple podcast (iTunes), Sound Cloud, Libsyn, Smart podcast player, Podbean, and many more audio hosting sites that will enable you to be able to reach more audiences.
Conclusion
Interviews are a great way to connect with other influencers, increase your expertise status (by both, conducting interviews and being interviewed) and allows you to continue networking, even during a pandemic.
[ad_2]
Source by Robert Thibodeau
