Video and Phone Interviews Surge

• By: Barbara Miller
• On: 04/01/2020 10:48:44
• In: Human Resources
• Comments: 0

What's the Best Way to Prepare for a Phone (including FaceTime) or Video Interview?

Know Who You're Looking For

To make your telephone or video interviews effective, plan ahead and create an accurate job description. What are the most important factors and functions of the job? Figure out what you need to hear from a candidate for them to advance to the next stage of the process. Making it clear as to who you're looking for will help guide the questions you'll ask during the interview.

Plan Your Questions

Once you know the background, traits, and qualifications of the perfect fit, plan questions to ask but make them conversational. The best phone or video interviews are free-flowing, allowing both the employer and candidate to explore if the job is a good fit. Plus, a good conversation will help to eliminate any lapses in the discussion and awkward silence. Most phone and video interviews last about 30 minutes and you should plan on asking 5 to 10 questions.

Test Your Equipment & Surroundings

The day before the interview, test your video and audio equipment and check the lighting. Are the acoustics in the room acceptable? Is the lighting too light or too dark? Is the type of video technology you're using the best? Next, it's important to conduct a dry run. By being totally prepared, you can avoid possible glitches.

Put Your Candidates at Ease

Let your candidates know upfront that sometimes these types of interviews can feel a bit impersonal and somewhat awkward, and that you'll make every effort to put then at ease.  Not everyone is comfortable in front of a camera. Give the candidate the opportunity to show a little of who they are by starting with some small talk. Ease into the tougher questions during the later stages of the interview. This is a good way to calm the nerves and allow the interview to flow smoothly.

End Interview on a Positive Note

The best way to end an interview is to advise the candidates how and when you're going to be in contact and whether any further steps need to be taken such as scheduling a second interview, completion of forms, behavioral assessments, etc. In addition, thank the candidate for their time. Common courtesy creates a positive impression.

Interviewing and hiring are certainly areas which are feeling the effects of this crisis with all parties involved adjusting to the situation.   We expect an uptick of senior living organizations to change their in-person interviews to video or phone interviews, a necessary step to screen candidates with safety in mind.

ABOUT JULIE RUPENSKI

Julie Rupenski is the Founder, President & CEO of MedBest, opening the doors in 2001. Since then, Julie has gained national recognition for providing top talent solutions exclusively for the Senior Living Industry. Her specialties include filling C-Suite, Vice President, Regional, and Property level positions.

Julie has an in-depth knowledge of the Senior Living Industry.  She previously worked in operations for both Senior Housing and Senior Living prior to founding MedBest. Today, Julie makes it her personal and professional mission to place qualified people in health care positions where they have the greatest impact.

Julie's industry articles and interviews have been published in Provider Magazine, LeadingAge Magazine, Florida Health Care Association Newsletter, PULSE, Florida Assisted Living Association Magazine, ASPIRE, Florida Senior Living Association Newsletter, Pennsylvania Health Care Association Newsletter, Virginia Assisted Living Newsletter and LeadingAge Florida.

Julie earned her degree in Gerontology at the University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida and continues to cultivate her career through senior living conferences, forums, trade shows, and expos.

Contact Julie Rupenski at jrupenski@medbest.com / 727-526-1294.

ABOUT MEDBEST

MedBest is a national Executive Search Firm exclusive to the Senior Living Industry established in 2001.  We recruit and acquire exceptional senior care talent, permanent and interim executives, for all types of Senior Living Organizations and Communities across the US including Assisted Living, Continuing Care Retirement Communities, Independent Living, Memory Care, and Skilled Nursing Facilities.

Ask us about our Interim Talent Solutions including: Interim Executive Director, Interim Nursing Home Administrator, Interim Director of Nursing, and Interim MDS Coordinator.

Connect with MedBest on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter @MedBestJobs.