Remote Interview Guidance
Due to the revised government guidance around coronavirus and avoiding “non-essential travel and contact with others”, we understand that this can be challenging for those recruiting staff. There are, however, other ways to conduct meaningful interviews with candidates over the phone or skype.
Telephone/skype interviews give you a chance to get to know potential candidates, understand the quality of their communication skills and get an idea if they are right for the role.
Telephone/skype interviews can be a quicker way to interview and screen candidates saving you time and extra resources. It also gives you a chance to talk to them about the role so they understand what would be expected of them if they were successful.
We have attached some example interview questions you can use to help gauge candidate interest and suitability:
While we completely appreciate that this is not ideal, and most people would prefer to conduct Face to Face interviews we must adapt to the current situation and ensure we are protecting ourselves and others.
We know how difficult it can be to find time to interview people, but telephone/ skype interviews are just as important as face to face. If a candidate came to the door you would make time for them, and telephone/skype interviews are no different.
It is important your staff know it is important too, they wouldn’t interrupt you if you have a candidate there so this should be no different.
We completely appreciate this is easier said than done, but if you do not make time for recruitment you will stay short staffed meaning you have to do more, and the cycle will continue.
It may be difficult, but you need to make time for interviews. Without new staff you will continue to pick up additional work and not have time to be a manager. Setting time aside for telephone/skype interviews, ensuring staff are aware you are not to be disturbed and setting 10 minutes aside before the call can all help with this.
LET THEM KNOW!!! This is so important! At this moment all care providers are desperate for staff, and candidates will be talking to/interviewing with other places as well. It is important to sell yourself to candidates, so they choose you. If you cannot make the agreed time for a telephone interview let them know and reschedule. This can make the difference in getting someone to join your team and them going elsewhere as they think you are not invested in them.
It can be difficult to get to know someone just over the phone. Ideally, we do not want to bring people in for face to face unless we are 99% sure we will hire them. If you are undecided, ask if you can do a follow up telephone interview and ask a colleague to do this. Getting a second opinion can be very useful.
We appreciate this is not the ideal scenario for recruiting new staff, but it is important we adapt to the situation and continue getting great people to care for our residents and customers.
Contact us
For further details please email proudtocare@westsussex.gov.uk