The process of virtual hiring has been around for a while now. However, with the pandemic still raging in many parts of the world, more and more businesses are turning to this form of recruiting. In fact, the Society for Human Resource Management predicts that this technology will likely remain even when COVID-19 subsides due to its many benefits.

If you’re thinking of making the switch to virtual hiring, here are five things you didn’t know you needed for virtual hiring!

1. Online Applicant Tracker

The first thing you’d need when hiring, whether traditionally or virtually, is a way to keep track of all your applicants’ information. Nowadays, using an online applicant tracking software makes this process much more streamlined. This software can help businesses record all those who have applied for open positions and their contact information, resume, and cover letter.

This technology is beneficial because it can automate many tedious and time-consuming tasks that often come with hiring, such as sifting through resumes and sending out rejection letters. In addition, a lot of software now comes with features that can help you better assess candidates, such as giving online assessments and tracking interview feedback.

Make sure to choose a suitable platform for your company by researching and reading reviews. The last thing you want is an applicant tracker that’s hard to use or doesn’t fit your specific needs!

2. Reliable Internet Connection

This one seems like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people try to conduct virtual interviews without a reliable internet connection. A bad connection can cause lagging, freezing, and even complete dropped calls. Not only is this frustrating for everyone involved, but it also gives off the impression that your business is unprofessional and disorganized.

Before scheduling virtual interviews, ensure you have a strong and reliable internet connection. For instance, you can do a speed test to see if your current internet connection is up to par. If not, then you might need to invest in a better-quality router or upgrade your internet package.

Remember to choose a plan that can accommodate your bandwidth needs. After all, you don’t want your interviews to keep getting interrupted because your internet connection can’t handle it!

3. Quiet Interviewing Space

Another critical thing to consider is finding a quiet space to conduct your interviews. This is important for two reasons; first, it ensures that your candidate can hear you clearly, and second, it helps create a professional atmosphere.

If possible, try to find an empty room or office where you can close the door and eliminate any background noise. For example, if you’re working from home and have kids, try to schedule your interviews during their nap time or after they’ve gone to bed.

If you can’t find a quiet home space, consider going to the office during scheduled interviews. Or make sure to pick a place where you know you’ll be able to get good reception and won’t be interrupted!

4. Prepared Questions

As with any interview, it’s vital that you come prepared with questions for your candidates. But since virtual interviews are often shorter than in-person ones, it’s even more important to have a list of well-thought-out questions before the interview starts.

This will help ensure that you make the most of your time and get all the information you need from your candidate. You might want to ask about their experience with remote work or what they think are the critical skills for success in your hiring role.

Don’t forget to also leave time at the end of the interview for your candidate to ask their own questions! This is a great way to gauge their level of interest and see if they’re genuinely a good fit for your company.

5. Professional Attire

Even though virtual interviews are conducted over a video call, it’s still important to dress in professional attire. This sends a message to your candidate that this is still a formal interview process even though they’re not meeting you in person. It also shows that you respect their time and that you take the interview seriously.

You might want to wear a collared shirt or blouse with dress pants or a skirt. If you have to take the call from your home office, ensure your background is presentable and free of personal items. You want your candidate to focus on you, not on what’s going on behind you!

Keep a few things in mind if you want your virtual hiring process to go smoothly. From investing in good applicant tracking software to dressing professionally for your interviews, following these tips will help you find the best candidates for your open positions!