The Ultimate Guide to Questions for a Video Interview

Hey there! So you’ve got a video interview to conduct, and you’re feeling a tad anxious? Don’t worry; you're not alone! Video interviews can be a little different than face-to-face ones – I totally get it. They have their own vibe! You might find yourself wondering, “What should I ask the candidate?” You really want to dig in and find out if they’re the right fit. Well, let’s break it down together and chat about some great questions to ask during those online stages.

Getting Started: Set the Tone

First things first, nature and vibe are super important when kicking off a video chat. Open with a smile (seriously, it makes a difference!) and maybe start with an icebreaker question. You could mention something about their CV, ask if they had a good weekend, or even talk about the weather outside (small talk can be warm!). That can put most candidates at ease. And believe me, it allows you to gauge who they truly are.

Before spiraling into specific questions, here are some focal points to keep in mind for your video interview:

• Believe it or not, body language matters! Keep your virtual background tidy and avoid distractions.

• Test your camera and microphone beforehand. Last minute tech failures? Yikes!

• Get your list of questions structured but leave some room for flexibility.

Isn't it nice to squeeze a little personality into early questions? Engaging with candidates makes the interview feel less robotic… well, if robotic could feel at all!

Core Questions to Consider in Video Interviews

Here are some helpful categories for structuring your questions, complete with examples to draw upon (you can mix and match as fits your needs).

1. Background and Experience

A good jumping-off point? Knowing where someone has worked and what their experiences are.

• Can you walk me through your resume highlights?

• What led you to apply for this position? Was it something peculiar?

• Can you share a project or experience that you’re particularly proud of?

Each of these gives you their story, their journey. It's their moment to shine!

2. Skills and Abilities

Now let's peek behind the curtain! Here, you’ll want to find out if the candidate actually has the skills they claim.

• What tools do you use for your work? Are you a spreadsheet superstar or a creative design whiz?

• How do you approach problem-solving? Can you describe a time when your skills saved the day?

• Have you learned any new skills recently? What motivated that desire?

Skills can lead to competence. But how about the person behind those skills? Ah, that’s the real meat and potatoes!

3. Adaptability and Flexibility

We know change is regular and a great teammate can roll with it!

• Describe a time when you had to adapt to significant changes. How do you handle turbulence in your work?

• Have you faced conflicting priorities? What did you do? (Did you juggle them like a pro or are you still learning? No judgement here!)

• What would be your desired environment when it comes to dealing with change? Structure or flexibility?

This can reveal how well a person will mesh with the team's dynamics.

4. Working Style and Preferences

Have you thought about how this person fits in with your team? Let’s dig deeper!

• Do you prefer to work in teams or independently? Why?

• How do you engage with remote coworkers? Plugins or more milk and cookies?

• What shifts your work process into high gear? Does music beckon? Or is it a solid cup of coffee bringing aplomb?

This helps peel back the layers on their personality and whether they truly jive with your company culture!

5. Goals and Aspirations

Every employee has high hopes! Figuring out what drives them can significantly impact overall team dynamics.

• Where do you see yourself in five years? Personal growth or finding happy places?

• What skills do you hope to master this year?

• What inspires you in life, or professionally (brag a bit!)?

With questions like these, you'll paint a better idea of their vibrant self! 

Dos and Don'ts in Video Interviews

Is there anything trickier than navigating those first impression vibes? Totally! Keep these handy nuggets in your back pocket for smoother sailing.

Dos

• Prep Questions Ahead: Plan. Be spontaneous, but proper questions will keep you steady.

• Listen Well: Nothing dampens the magic cocktail like dismissing an answer. Engage direct conversation as it may pick up!

• Put Tech to Test: What's worse than hearing crickets while screen trouble pops off? Investigate tech beforehand.

Don’ts

• Avoid Awkward Silences: Oh man, it’s tempting. Awkward! If you see hesitation, share a clarifying follow-up.

• Don’t Rush: A race against time isn’t prime interview style folks! Take your time.

• Ditch Loaded Questions: Steer clear of tricky questions. The delicate touch pays off way better!

  
  

Wrapping Things Up

As your chat ebbs-and-flows, keep your enthusiasm in check! And… remember the human side of it all.

Let them ask their questions too. Candidates sometimes miss the chance to check out team vibes (?How do I fit?). By inviting dialogue, you gather insights tailored feedback just as they feel sussed out. Hope fosters open communication! 💬