Interviewing people virtually isn’t rocket science, but there is an art to it. Get it right, and Zoom, Teams and Google Meet can be your best friends. Get it wrong, and you and your interviewee might feel like you’ve just endured the worst virtual date in the world.
Luckily – help is at hand. Here’s our very own interviewing cheat sheet, for your delight and delectation. Have a read, take note, and next time you’re on a virtual interview, you’ll be interviewing like a pro …
They say knowledge is power – but in this case it’s also a basic courtesy. If you’re interviewing someone about their time at a previous company, check their LinkedIn profile first. Make a note of where and when they worked there, the roles they held, and what they’re doing now.
Feel free to send a friendly connection request with a message like “Looking forward to meeting you!” It gives them a heads-up and a chance to check you out too.
Email your interviewee in advance to explain the purpose of the meeting. If you’re inviting them to chat about their time at a former employer, frame it as a friendly reminisce.
Politely ask the best way to find a time to chat. Some people use schedulers like Calendly; bigger wigs might point you to their PA or VA. Suggest times that are good for you too, especially if you are in different time zones.
Be clear about the purpose of the video call. If you are going to post the video, tell them in advance – not everyone enjoys being on camera. If you’re working towards a written piece, reassure them that the video and audio is only for your reference, and there’s no need for them to feel they have to worry about make-up or do their hair. If you feel comfortable, offer to send them the questions in advance.
Have your questions researched, ready and in front of you. Don’t forget to record the Zoom, Teams or Meet to your computer or phone – and be on time. Being prepared and punctual sets the tone for a smooth conversation.
Meeting someone new shouldn’t be daunting. Remember – if you are nervous, or feel at all not at ease, they may well be feeling the same too. Once you’re connected, there’s nothing wrong with recapping what you’re planning to talk about, where it’s going to end up, and roughly how long it will take.
Don’t feel that you have to jump straight into business: a friendly “Hello”, “How’s your day been so far?”, “Oh, I’ve got the same picture hanging up in my kitchen” and “Yes of course I’d like to meet all 17 of your cats” can work wonders with breaking the ice.
Once you’ve met Daisy, Sylvester, Felix, Scratchy, Garfield and co, it’s time to get to work. Ask your questions clearly and politely, and – most important of all – listen to the answers. Don’t start checking your email or clicking around your computer when you are on a video call – it’s obvious. Making notes on a pad of paper make it look like you’re interested.
Keep eye contact – try looking slightly above your camera into the middle distance, as this gives the impression that you’re looking the other person in the eye. Don’t interrupt unless you really have to. If they say something interesting that’s not in your questions, ask about that as well. Your questions should only be a guide – although if you are working to a format (where everybody answers more or less the same questions every time), don’t forget to ask them all.
If someone is waffling, politely tell them that, as time is short, you’ve probably got enough on that topic – “can we move onto the next question please?” If they are being too brief with their answers, try rephrasing the question, or simply ask: “what do you mean by that?”
When the interview comes to natural close, thank them warmly for their time. If you feel comfortable or think it would help, offer to send them your transcript to review. This is especially helpful when they’ve mentioned the names of colleagues or company names that might need double-checking.
And that’s it! Well done, you’re now a professional interviewer. Move over Graham Norton and Jimmy Fallon – turns out it’s not so hard after all, is it?
Rich Pelley is a freelance writer and has been Celebrity Interviewer and columnist at the Guardian and Observer since 2009.
https://www.theguardian.com/profile/rich-pelley